Alec and Bessie Baker – Back on Country
Return to Country program through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP)
Alec and Angkuna (Bessie) Baker, respected Elders and artists from the APY Lands, are now living closer to family and Country thanks to support from Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP).
Alec and Bessie have spent their lives in Indulkana on the APY Lands, raising their family and contributing to their community. Both are artists at the Iwantja Art Centre and hold deep cultural and spiritual responsibilities. Alec, now 93, is a highly respected Elder and spiritual leader. In 2024, Bessie’s health declined, and she was placed in the Old Timers Aged Care Home in Alice Springs—far from her home and community.
Being away from Country was difficult for Bessie and her family. Alec travelled to Alice Springs whenever he could, often staying in respite care to be near his wife. These visits were emotionally and physically demanding and difficult to get organised. After discussions with Alec and his family, ARRCS’ Return to Country team supported Bessie to move permanently to the Pukatja Aged Care Home on the APY Lands, where she could live close to family and community. Alec can now visit and stay in the Pukatja Aged care anytime he wants and their family can visit Bessie much easier.
“Coming back to Pukatja for my wife means I feel happy as I do not have to worry about my wife and she gets looked after well by the Kungkas here.” — Alec
“I feel so good to have Church Service every Sunday when in Pukatja Aged Care and we get to sing and dance our traditional songs” — Alec
“I’m very happy here in Pukatja as I get my favourite food everyday and I get to talk with all the other friends and family. We laugh everyday and talk about our Watis and family. Also talk about riding the donkeys when we were younger and swimming in the water tanks and creeks.” — Bessie
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) funds service providers to deliver flexible, culturally safe aged care to older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people close to their family, Country, island home and community. This block-funded model allows providers to adapt services to meet individual and community needs, supporting Elders to remain connected to home and culture.
Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS) is a longstanding NATSIFACP provider delivering culturally safe aged care services across the Northern Territory and recently assumed responsibility for aged care on the APY Lands. The ARRCS Return to Country team works closely with families to ensure Elders can return home safely and with dignity.
“Return to Country is about understanding the deep connection to Country our Elders hold, and the incredibly positive impact on their health and spirituality when they return. It’s about making it possible for them to be home” ARRCS CEO
“Our flexible model means we can respond to community needs and honour cultural choices.” — ARRCS Return to Country Coordinator
Since returning home, Bessie has thrived. Alec visits regularly and has recently joined her in respite care at Pukatja. Together, they spend time painting in the Activities Centre, attending Sunday Services, going on bus trips, and performing traditional Inma songs. Alec continues to support his community in Indulkana while staying close to his wife.
For Alec and Bessie, being back on Country means dignity, cultural connection and togetherness.
“This is my ngura and I am happy to be here to see my family and friends.” — Alec
Find out more at National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Photo: Alec and Bessie at Pukatja Aged Care Home.