Beyond Borders launches in Alice Springs

The story of the Purple House and the vital access it provides to health services for remote Aboriginal communities returns to the central desert when Patrick Tjungurrayi: Beyond Borders launches in Alice Springs on Saturday.

Beyond Borders, edited by ANU researcher Dr John Carty, is about the life and art of influential Indigenous artist Patrick Tjungurrayi.

Tjungurrayi was instrumental in setting up the Purple House (officially named the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation), which provides essential dialysis services to remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia.

“This is a pioneering collaboration between business, academia and a health organisation that’s having a tangible impact on central desert communities and on public awareness on this issue,” said Dr Carty.

“Collaborations like this are a good blueprint for how we can address national policy challenges in the future.” 

Since its initial launch in Melbourne in April, the book, which is a is a biography of Tjungurrayi and a survey of his painting career, has already sold more than 500 copies and raised around $40,000 for the Purple.

Beyond Borders is a product of a partnership between the Purple House, the Business Council of Australia and Australian Unity, with the vital contribution of ANU and University of Western Australia Publishing.

“Patrick’s life reveals just how important an organisation the Purple House is,” said Dr Carty.

“After many years of fighting for services, Patrick is now receiving dialysis treatment in his home community of Kiwirrkurra.

“By showcasing his art and history, Beyond Borders tells us what extraordinary wealth we have in desert Australia and how essential it is that we recognise and support those who have fought to stay there.”