The Northern Territory Government has unveiled more than 40 upgraded homes across six Aboriginal homelands following a $12.4 million investment from the Territory and Australian Governments.
Completed this month, the improvements across six Aboriginal homelands including Arlparra, Atheley, Indaringinya, Inkawenyerre, Inkwelaye and Iylentye include new kitchens, living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington said the upgrades were about building stronger communities and supporting a better future for Aboriginal Territorians.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, delivering upgrades to housing and infrastructure improves daily life, strengthens communities, and secures a sustainable future for Territorian families living on homelands,” he said.
The six Utopia homelands were identified as key priority areas by the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, the peak body for Aboriginal housing in the Territory.
Across the Northern Territory, more than 160 homelands are receiving repairs and upgrades to significantly improve the quality of life for First Nations families and communities.
This investment is part of the Homelands Housing and Infrastructure Program (HHIP), a joint initiative to improve living conditions and reduce the negative impacts of overcrowding in remote homelands.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said that through the HHIP, the Australian Government is delivering targeted improvements to housing and essential infrastructure that support better health and wellbeing.
“The program plays a critical role in enhancing housing across the Northern Territory, working with Land Councils and communities,” said Senator McCarthy.
