$10.44m housing boost for Kimberley and Pilbara employees

By PETER ROWE

The WA Labor Government has announced $10.44 million in grants to six Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions to build, refurbish or purchase homes for use as affordable rentals for their employees.

The ACCO Aboriginal Employee Housing Grants Program will increase housing supply in the regions through a combination of new builds, spot purchase and refurbishment of existing homes.

The grant program is funded as part of the State Government’s $200 million North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and will support eligible ACCOs deliver accommodation assistance for their workforce.

“The Government has delivered $10.44 million in grants to six credible Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations to boost and refurbish housing across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions,” Housing Minister John Carey said.

“This program supports the incredible work of ACCOs across the North West by providing secure and affordable housing for Aboriginal employees and their families.

“Our $200 million 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.”

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said it was fantastic that the funding was available for Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations in the Pilbara.

“This funding will assist both Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation to build, refurbish or purchase new homes as affordable rental homes for their employees to attract and retain these vital staff,” he said.

The Grant Application Period opened on 1 July 2024 and closed on 30 August 2024 with a strong response from across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

There were seven successful submissions from six ACCOs:

• Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley based);
• Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (Pilbara based);
• Wunan Foundation (Kimberley based);
• Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (Kimberley based);
• Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre (Kimberley based); and
• Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation (Pilbara based).