- Four additional houses being refurbished for the successful Hedland Aboriginal Home Ownership Program (HAHOP)
- Builder and electrical services contractor GBSC Yurra awarded works contract
- Refurbishments to be completed by the end of 2023
The Cook Government is expanding the capacity of the successful Hedland Aboriginal Home Ownership Program (HAHOP) with the refurbishment of a further four houses in South Hedland.
The HAHOP provides working families with affordable rental properties and access to a range of services that focus on employment, education, financial independence, household management and wellbeing.
The additional properties will bring the number of homes within the HAHOP to 36.
Fifty-two adults and 42 children have been supported through HAHOP since the program started in February 2021.
Karratha based Aboriginal builder GBSC Yurra were awarded a contract to refurbish the homes, two of which are now complete, with the remaining two due for completion by the end of this year. GSBC Yurra employed a local Aboriginal apprentice carpenter and two Aboriginal labourers to do the works.
The extensive refurbishments include renovated kitchen and bathroom areas, new light fixtures and window treatments, updated floor finishings, repainting of walls and repairs to external areas if necessary.
The refurbished homes are also fitted with water wise upgrades as a part of an initiative between the Water Corporation and the Department of Communities.
Bloodwood Tree Association provides wraparound support services to assist participants in the HAHOP to build their financial and employment capability and enhance their wellbeing, while Foundation Housing provides property and tenancy management services.
The HAHOP was made possible through an investment of $18.3 million from the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.
Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:
“The Hedland Aboriginal Home Ownership Program is a highly successful initiative launched by the State Government to help people achieve their goals and build skills that will enable them to move into a private rental or their own home.
“Participants are provided with an affordable rental and given access to a range of services that focus on employment, education, financial independence, household management and wellbeing.
“The program has involved a staged release of homes for refurbishment and it’s fantastic another four homes have entered the program for refurbishment and occupancy.
“It’s a brilliant outcome that 90 per cent of the adults are now in employment or training, and 24 per cent have increased their savings.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“Our landmark North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and this Government’s continued reforms are supporting housing options and funding for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and the Pilbara.
“The Fund clearly shows how the innovative use of housing can build opportunity, prosperity and wellbeing.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“The HAHOP is an exciting program for Aboriginal people in Hedland who aspire to own their own home and has provided great employment opportunities for locals.
“It’s fantastic to see the Cook Government supporting more housing options for people in the Pilbara.”
