- State Government acquires and completes refurbishments to 16 one-bedroom units in Kununurra to be re-purposed into Aboriginal Elders Residential Complex.
- The complex will be managed in partnership with regional Aboriginal stakeholders through a co-design model.
The Cook Government has completed refurbishments on a social housing complex of 16 one-bedroom units that will shortly be home to Aboriginal seniors in Kununurra.
The dedicated complex will encourage cultural connection, reduce isolation, and develop culturally appropriate housing for First Nations peoples in the East Kimberley region.
The complex was acquired under the State Government’s Spot Purchase Program to house Aboriginal seniors from the public housing waitlist.
Kimberley based Aboriginal building group MGC Building and Maintenance Pty Ltd undertook the more than $850,000 refurbishment works. The complex will include an indoor community room as well as an outdoor community meeting space.
The Cook Government has worked with a reference group to co-design and implement protocols for tenanting, servicing and management of the complex.
The complex is a unique opportunity to co-design and implement, with Aboriginal stakeholders, an integrated approach to tenancy and property management, and to keep residents connected to services and their community.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“Our Government is committed to investing in culturally safe and appropriate housing and the Aboriginal Elders Residential Complex is a much-needed housing expansion in Kununurra.
“Co-design and genuine partnership are essential to ensuring that this new housing development is a successful and vibrant place for community members.
“Locally-based Kimberley businesses and corporations were engaged to undertake the refurbishment works.
“The Aboriginal Elders Residential Complex will not only benefit residents but the entire community.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“This is such an exciting and unique specialist housing project on so many different social levels.
“Firstly, the layout and design will play such an important role in bringing people together to share experiences and will change their lives for the better.
“Secondly, the design and location of the new accommodation will help build a bridge with young people who frequent the area. There is an invitation for young people to contribute to the amenity and artwork at the complex.
“This significant project reinforces the Cook Government’s commitment to our WA Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and our Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“This is a great outcome for the Kununurra community and now completed, these homes will provide new, culturally appropriate accommodation for our Aboriginal elders.
“The refurbished facility works were undertaken by locally-based Aboriginal contractors and will be a much-welcomed housing expansion in Kununurra.
“This project has also brought together key stakeholders in the community to address health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people over 50 years old in Kununurra by providing a safe place to live, reducing the negative impacts of overcrowding.”
