A housing project is well underway in Gapuwiyak in East Arnhem Land, which has boosted local employment in the region and changed the lives of those community members involved in the projects.
Gapuwiyak is programmed to receive a total of 38 new homes, with 18 already completed.
Construction works are being delivered alongside the $8 million contract awarded in May 2023 for a 27-lot residential subdivision in Gapuwiyak.
The community has also received extension and refurbishment works to five homes under the Room to Breathe program.
The housing construction works are being delivered by WTD Constructions, a Territory company that is currently achieving 43 per cent Aboriginal employment.
WTD Constructions has recently celebrated the achievement of their third year Carpentry Apprentice, Kiana Villaflor.
At the Master Builders NT Excellence in Building and Construction Awards, held on 26 August 2023, Kiana took home the General Building and Construction Apprentice of the Year Award.
WTD Constructions praised Kiana as a great role model to women who would like to work in the remote construction industry.
Gapuwiyak’s vibrant colours, house designs and orientations are all part of local decision making with the community.
The houses and upgrades are delivered under the $2.1 billion Remote Housing Investment Package, ‘Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes.’ jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian governments.
Attributable to Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney:
“The Australian and Northern Territory governments are proud to deliver dozens of new and refurbished homes for families in Gapuwiyak. Delivering 38 new homes, as well as upgrades to five existing properties, will ease Gapuwiyak’s chronic overcrowding problems.
“It will also provide the community local employment opportunities as construction continues. The young and talented apprentice, Kiana, is a role model for other young Indigenous women who may be considering a career in the construction industry.”
Attributable to Acting Minister for Housing and Homelands, Ngaree Ah Kit:
“I congratulate Kiana on her recent award and all her colleagues for doing such a great job in Gapuwiyak.
“We know the story around overcrowding in Aboriginal communities and that’s why our Government remains committed to building more houses. It’s so great to see new families moving into their homes plus Territory businesses and locals benefiting from these projects.”
Attributable to Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
"It is heart-warming to see the vibrant community of Gapuwiyak getting new and upgraded homes. It means a massive amount for those 38 families because as we all know housing impacts on health, education and all the factors that are so important to family success.
“I congratulate Kiana on her award. Secure employment for Aboriginal women is just one of the outcomes we’re aiming for in our Aboriginal procurement policy.”
Attributable to WTD General Manager, Brett Chapman:
“Every project we undertake gives us the opportunity to engage residents in ongoing employment and training, which is really rewarding.”
“Kiana is a great role model to young Indigenous women who would like to work in the remote construction industry. We are proud to have Kiana as part of the team and are over the moon that her hard work and dedication has been recognised.”