Aboriginal people in Broome will be in a better position to become homeowners thanks to a new $9.7 million State Government housing program to be launched with Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY).
NBY is the operational company of the Yawuru people, who are the traditional owners of Broome.
The State Government will purchase 25 properties from NBY for local Aboriginal people and their families.
Seventeen of the properties will provide home ownership opportunities, while the remaining eight will be used as long-term rental properties which will ensure secure, stable and affordable housing is available to local Aboriginal families.
The Jalbi Jiya housing program has been co-designed by NBY and the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund (NWAHF).
Jalbi Jiya means ‘your home’ in the Yawuru language and is based on the Yawuru philosophy of wellbeing.
The Government’s purchase of the properties has been enabled by NWAHF investment and will allow aspiring homeowners to take advantage of mortgage lender Keystart’s Aboriginal shared equity home loans that would not otherwise be available to them.
Participation in the Jalbi Jiya program will require at least one member of the household to be in paid employment and households to aspire to home ownership and other goals for employment, education and wellbeing.
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
“I believe the Jalbi Jiya program will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Kimberley region by supporting home ownership opportunities.
“While participants will be able to access any mortgage lender of their choice, access to Keystart’s shared equity products is likely to be a lifeline for people aspiring to home ownership who would otherwise be locked out of the market.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
“This agreement creates a significant opportunity for the State Government and NBY to demonstrate the benefit of Aboriginal designed and led solutions and services.
“The State Government is proud to be able to support and contribute to increased Aboriginal home ownership opportunities in the North-West.”
Housing Minister’s office – 6552 5300
