The Albanese and Finocchiaro Governments have delivered upgrades to housing in Nguyarramini, a homeland near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory’s Barkly region.
Residents in Nguyarramini recently moved back into four newly upgraded homes, delivered under the Homelands Housing Infrastructure Program (HHIP), a joint initiative to improve living conditions in remote homelands across the Territory.
Delivered in partnership with residents, local Barkly firm Territory Water Solutions, Housing and Homelands staff, and the Central Land Council, the project reflects local needs and supports long term sustainability.
The upgrades included:
- brand new kitchens
- installation of new gas stoves and ovens
- fully restored decking
- a range of internal and external repairs to improve safety, comfort, and functionality.
More than 160 homelands across the Northern Territory are receiving repairs and upgrades to improve the quality of life for First Nations families and communities.
The Albanese Government is investing $220 million over 5 years from 2022-23 through the HHIP, while the Finocchiaro Government contributes $40 million annually to support essential services in Aboriginal homelands including clean water, reliable power and sanitation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Housing is such an important part of Closing the Gap.
“These upgraded homes in Nguyarramini reflect community priorities and have been delivered in partnership between Federal and Territory governments, the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory.
“Projects like these improves housing for families, creates local employment and strengthen communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour:
“Investing in homelands means remote Aboriginal Territorians can stay on Country and remain connected to culture.
“Our government is proud to invest in communities like Nguyarramini because it delivers local jobs for local people while ensuring residents have housing that is safe and secure.”
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington:
“As part of the Finocchiaro Government’s year of growth, certainty and security, we’re proud to be delivering upgraded homes for residents of Nguyarramini.
“We are delivering certainty and security for the residents of Nguyarramini with upgraded houses helping them to lead better lives, and driving better outcomes in health, education and employment.
“It’s also pleasing to see these upgrade works led to local jobs with Territory Water Solutions supporting three residents to obtain their White Card and employing them for the duration of the project.”
Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory CEO, Leeanne Caton:
“Aboriginal Housing NT welcomes the joint investment from the Australian and Northern Territory Governments into Northern Territory homelands.
“There are around 400 homelands across the Northern Territory. Homelands are the bedrock for maintaining strong Aboriginal law, languages and culture. Homelands are home for up to 10,000 Aboriginal Territorians. Sustained investment into homelands is critical to reducing the Territory’s high rates of homelessness and overcrowding.
“Homelands are an important component of the Northern Territory’s housing continuum. Along with driving improved health outcomes, homelands also provide significant employment opportunities and are key to unlocking and growing remote economies.”
Aboriginal Housing NT looks forward to working closely with both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to continue to invest in the homelands sector and calls on both governments to commit to long-term funding for homelands to demonstrate genuine commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priorities.
Quotes attributable to Central Land Council CEO, Les Turner:
“We are pleased our people are moving back into their upgraded homes
“Residents in the remote community have been waiting years to improve their living conditions. HIPP funding supported this work, it was great local people were employed on the project.”
Quotes attributable to Nguyarramini resident, Jorna Murphy:
“It’s really good to have four houses fixed up. The new kitchen and gas stove are really nice. We have solar power and windbreaks, which make it comfortable to sit outside.”