Pilbara Aboriginal housing support program extended

The WA Government has provided $1.1 million to extend Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation’s Housing Pathways Support Program.

The Housing Pathways Support Program was launched in 2022 and supports Aboriginal families in the Pilbara to transition from social housing, employer-provided housing, and unsuitable accommodation into stable, affordable, and sustainable private housing.

The program is funded through the government’s North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.

Key points

• $1.1 million to extend Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation’s Housing Pathways Support Program
• Program has supported Aboriginal people into private housing since 2022
• Supports provided improve financial literacy, household management, school engagement, and stability in employment
• Program one of nine funded by the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund

“Thanks to Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation’s Housing Pathways Support Program, more than 60 Aboriginal people have been supported in their journey towards independent housing,” Housing and Works Minister John Carey said.

“This is a transformational program that offers participants the supports necessary to succeed in that journey, such as managing budgets, employment support and training, and household management.

“It’s part of our $6.3 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures, including investments to support housing for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and Pilbara through the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.”

Almost 40 families are currently being provided with in-situ support on financial literacy, household management, school engagement and stability in employment.

Housing and Works Minister John Carey said more than 60 Aboriginal people have been supported in their journey towards independent housing.

Participants in the program reported an increase in savings and greater confidence in their ability to achieve home ownership.

Thanks to the extension of the program, up to 56 families at any one time will receive support and more Aboriginal people across the Pilbara will be supported in their journey towards quality housing, financial stability, and ultimately home ownership.

This program is one of nine funded by the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund, which was established by the State government with support from the Commonwealth to create pathways towards social and economic independence and wellbeing for Aboriginal people in the Pilbara and Kimberley.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said dozens of families in the Pilbara had already been supported through the initiative.

“Secure housing makes a life-changing difference and this program is one way we’re making sure more people in the Pilbara have a place to call home,” he said.