The work being done at Purple House goes to the heart of community care and cultural dignity. 

Members of the Airport Development Group (ADG) Indigenous Advisory Committee were privileged to visit Purple House in Alice Springs last week as part of ADG’s commitment to community engagement and support for grassroots initiatives making a real difference across the Northern Territory and beyond.

Purple House, an Aboriginal-owned and operated health service, has been a recipient of ADG’s Community Grants Program. Funding from the program supported the installation of Starlink connectivity to enable the expansion of Purple House’s “Last Look” project—a powerful initiative providing Indigenous palliative care patients with the opportunity to return to their remote community and Country to spend their final days surrounded by family, culture, and kin.

The “Last Look” project is a vital part of culturally appropriate end-of-life care, ensuring that patients are not isolated in urban environments far from home. ADG’s support helped equip Purple House with the essential communications infrastructure to maintain safety and coordination across long-distance travel routes, often through isolated terrain in the NT, SA, and WA.

It reminds us of the importance of being on Country, especially at the end of life. ADG is proud to support initiatives that strengthen cultural connections and improve the quality of life for our remote communities.

Chair of the ADG Indigenous Advisory Committee, Mr. Eddie Fry, described the visit as humbling and inspiring.

“The work being done at Purple House goes to the heart of community care and cultural dignity. To witness the impact of the ‘Last Look’ project made possible through strong community leadership and innovative service delivery was deeply moving. It reminds us of the importance of being on Country, especially at the end of life. ADG is proud to support initiatives that strengthen cultural connections and improve the quality of life for our remote communities.”

ADG’s Indigenous Advisory Committee plays a key role in ensuring that engagement with First Nations people is respectful, meaningful, and grounded in partnership. The visit to Purple House provided members with a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced in remote healthcare and the powerful difference that targeted support can make.

Through projects like “Last Look,” it’s estimated that over 100 people are positively impacted each year, not just patients but also extended family members and entire communities. Each trip enables reconnection, healing, and a culturally safe farewell on Country.

ADG looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Purple House and other community-led organisations across the Northern Territory to promote sustainable, inclusive, and culturally respectful development.