$10.5m Wunggu Maya housing, training centre opens

The Wunggu Maya Housing and Training Centre has been officially opened in Roebourne WA, after a $10.5 million contribution from the West Australian State Government.

The Government funded Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (Yindjibarndi) to construct the centre, which currently provides 10 transitional homes, an office and a training facility.

The centre offers culturally secure wraparound support services onsite to assist tenants, enhance employment and education, and build financial capability with the aim to progressing towards the private housing market.

Three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom dwellings will provide important housing for Aboriginal apprentices and trainees, including those re-entering the community from the corrections system.

The project was funded through the $200 million North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund (NWAHF).

The fund invests in Aboriginal-led housing programs and is supporting Yindjibarndi in leading the project. This includes the initial concept and design, the current construction process and ultimately, the facility’s operation.

Yindjibarndi successfully secured a Lotterywest grant of $557,875 to support the fit-out of the facility.

The name Wunggu Maya is comprised of Wunggu, meaning ‘to give someone shelter for a while’ and Maya, meaning ‘place’.

“This new centre will be a great addition to Roebourne and the surrounding communities, providing culturally informed training opportunities and working with Aboriginal people to create long-term employment for local people,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.

“The State Government is focused on partnering with Aboriginal people to increase housing options in a way that supports their aspirations, responds to local circumstances and facilitates educational and training outcomes.

“The NWAHF continues to demonstrate how the innovative use of housing in the regions can build capacity, opportunity, prosperity and wellbeing.”