Western Australian Housing Minister John Carey has announced that Ngaanyatjarra Council Aboriginal Corporation (NCAC) will receive $3,171,153 funding for essential improvements and repairs on 32 properties in the remote community of Irrunytju.
Funding is being provided through the Remote Aboriginal Communities Maintenance Grant Program under the State Government’s Social Housing Economic Recovery Package (SHERP) Grants Program.
Irrunytju Community in Wingellina Hills is approximately 270 kilometres east of Warburton, along the border of South Australia and the Northern Territory, and had a population of 155 at the time of the last census.
Maintenance will address improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, including replacement of cabinetry, cleaning, security upgrades for windows and doors, and general repairs to walls and floors to extend the quality and lifespan of the homes.
NCAC will contract an Aboriginal-owned company to undertake the works, supporting the advancement of sustainable Aboriginal business outcomes and improving living conditions in Irrunytju.
A total of $13.3 million has been allocated to the Remote Aboriginal Communities Maintenance Grant Program, which is designed to support organisations that provide social housing in remote areas and to improve the liveability and lifespan of existing housing assets.
A total of three grants have now been awarded through the program, which will support improvements and maintenance on more than 90 homes across four remote communities.
The SHERP Grants Program is part of the McGowan Government’s $2.4 billion investment in social housing and homelessness over the coming four years.
The Government has also established a new $350 million fund which will be focused on improving housing, water and power in remote Aboriginal communities.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“Our Government is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people living in remote communities and this grant will help to improve housing for people in Irrunytju Community.
“This is the third grant we have now awarded through the program, which will support critical improvements and maintenance on more than 90 homes across four remote communities.
“Our Government’s commitment to remote communities was highlighted in the recent State Budget when we announced a new $350 million Remote Communities Fund, which will be used to improve housing, power and water infrastructure.
“These significant investments will not only improve living standards, they will also increase Indigenous employment and training opportunities, as highlighted by this grant, which will be used to employ a fully Indigenous-owned company to carry out the works.”
