$160.2 million of the Fund has been allocated to deliver nine investments and related initiatives.
Live investments
Expansion of the East Kimberley Transitional Housing Program
Delivered by Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services, this $5.3 million investment provides stable, affordable housing to eligible Aboriginal people, and personalised support services to assist participants through their journey towards home ownership, private rental or other housing options.
The Fund supported the expansion of the existing program with an additional 50 homes (30 in Kununurra, 14 in Halls Creek and 6 in Wyndham) built between 2018 and 2021, bringing the total amount of homes in the program to 105.
As at November 2023, a total of 218 households have been supported in the program since this expansion.
Hedland Aboriginal Home Ownership Program
With an investment of $17.8 million, the Hedland Aboriginal Home Ownership Program aims to offer 40 homes as affordable rental or home ownership opportunities to Aboriginal families in the Pilbara. The investment ensures a holistic approach by providing wrap-around support services for participants to increase their employment, education, financial capacity and wellbeing.
The program is a collaborative initiative by Bloodwood Tree Association and Foundation Housing. All homes are currently occupied by Aboriginal people and families actively working towards enhancing their housing situations and financial capabilities.
Jalbi Jiya (‘Your Home’) Program
Delivered by Nyamba Buru Yawuru (Yawuru), this $9.7 million investment provides affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for Aboriginal people, coupled with Yawuru’s culturally secure support services.
Jalbi Jiya, meaning ‘your home’, is based on the philosophy of Mabu Liyan (wellbeing), where connection to community, culture and country plays a vital role. All homes are now occupied by working Aboriginal families who are committed to improving their Mabu Liyan and financial wellbeing with the support of Yawuru.
Housing Pathways Support Program by Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation
Through a $794,000 grant to Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation, this pilot program is supporting a minimum of 28 Aboriginal families over three years to progress low to moderate income participants towards home ownership, private rental, and other progressive options such as shared-equity home ownership.
This is achieved through tailored and culturally secure support services focusing on money and household management. Support also includes training to increase financial literacy, setting goals and navigating the financing and purchasing process.
The program runs in the Greater Karratha area – Karratha, Roebourne, and Wickham.
Approved investments (under construction)
Ganalili Accommodation and Training Facility
The Ganalili Development has committed $10.5 million to design and construct 10 transitional housing units and accompanying training facilities in Roebourne.
These properties will be allocated to apprentices, low-income tradespeople and individuals leaving the justice system, with the aim of ensuring participants have access to long-term accommodation and a pathway to the private housing market.
A co-design process for delivery of wrap-around services for participants was completed, with the insights of those with lived experience contributing to the final service model. The facility is expected to be complete and ready for occupation in early 2024.
Yura Yungi Employee Accommodation and Career Development Project
Worth $3.1 million, the Yura Yungi Employee Accommodation and Career Development Project will provide affordable housing choices and supported, professional development opportunities for Aboriginal medical staff and trainees in Halls Creek.
The Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation will continue to be supported by the Department of Communities to undertake and deliver the project, which will include construction of five employee homes.
The project aims to help attract, upskill and retain local Aboriginal people including those that may have otherwise left Halls Creek, based on factors such as a high cost of living, limited employment opportunities and challenges of living remotely.
Approved investments (pre-construction)
- An Aboriginal-led housing development in the Kimberley that will provide opportunities for affordable rental and home ownership.
- The Pilbara Aboriginal Home Ownership Program.
- The ACCO Aboriginal Employee Housing Grants Program.
Prior initiatives
The Fund’s 'Call for Ideas'
In 2019, the Fund invited ideas from organisations in the North-West that could deliver outcomes the Fund hoped to achieve. The approach was designed specifically to be accessible to Aboriginal organisations and attracted 51 responses, with 36 of those submitted by Aboriginal organisations or in partnership with Aboriginal organisations.
The Fund partnered with shortlisted organisations, supporting them to develop their idea into an investment-ready business case, working to design and test community-driven solutions.
All of the submissions shortlisted through the call for ideas have now progressed through the Fund’s governance arrangements, with many now either live or under construction.
North-West Urban Builders Panel
The establishment of the Fund provided an opportunity to use the construction of houses in the North-West to create job opportunities and training for local Aboriginal people and businesses.
The North-West Urban Development and Builders Panel (the Panel) was established in 2018 as a central tool to tap into these opportunities. Three Aboriginal-owned businesses were appointed as Panel builders for four years:
- MG Corporation Building and Maintenance
- Kullarri Building
- H&M Tracey Pty Ltd.
During the term of the panel, 31 Aboriginal apprentices commenced and were connected to the construction work either directly through the Panel builders, or through subcontractors.
Panel builders worked on the construction of 50 additional homes for the East Kimberley Transitional Housing Program, with an estimated total 102,476 labour hours, of which 63.1 per cent were through Aboriginal employment rate, well exceeding the Panel’s target employment rate of 45 per cent.
