NT residents delighted to be back on Country
The Federal and NT Governments have delivered upgrades to housing in Nguyarramini, a homeland near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory’s Barkly region.
Residents in Nguyarramini recently moved back into four newly upgraded homes, delivered under the Homelands Housing Infrastructure Program (HHIP), a joint initiative to improve living conditions in remote homelands across the Territory.
“It’s really good to have four houses fixed up,” Nguyarramini resident, Jorna Murphy said.
Long term sustainability
The new kitchen and gas stove are really nice. We have solar power and windbreaks, which make it comfortable to sit outside.”
Delivered in partnership with residents, local Barkly firm Territory Water Solutions, Housing and Homelands staff, and the Central Land Council, the project reflects local needs and supports long term sustainability.
The upgrades included:
- brand new kitchens
- installation of new gas stoves and ovens
- fully restored decking
- a range of internal and external repairs to improve safety, comfort, and functionality.
More than 160 homelands across the Northern Territory are receiving repairs and upgrades to improve the quality of life for First Nations families and communities.
The Albanese Government is investing $220 million over 5 years from 2022-23 through the HHIP, while the Finocchiaro Government contributes $40 million annually to support essential services in Aboriginal homelands including clean water, reliable power and sanitation.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy housing was such an important part of Closing the Gap.
“These upgraded homes in Nguyarramini reflect community priorities and have been delivered in partnership between Federal and Territory governments, the Central Land Council and Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory,” she said.
Connected to culture
“Projects like these improves housing for families, creates local employment and strengthen communities.”
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour said investing in homelands meant remote Aboriginal Territorians could stay on Country and remain connected to culture.
“Our government is proud to invest in communities like Nguyarramini because it delivers local jobs for local people while ensuring residents have housing that is safe and secure,” she said.
Northern Territory Minister for Housing, Steve Edgington added that the NT Government was proud to be delivering upgraded homes for residents of Nguyarramini.
Geoffery Murphy welcomed back to his upgraded home in Nguyarranmini by Ben Moore, Territory Water Solutions and Liam Flanagan, HHIP.
“We are delivering certainty and security for the residents of Nguyarramini with upgraded houses helping them to lead better lives, and driving better outcomes in health, education and employment,” he said.
“It’s also pleasing to see these upgrade works led to local jobs with Territory Water Solutions supporting three residents to obtain their White Card and employing them for the duration of the project.”
Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory CEO, Leeanne Caton welcomed the joint investment.
“There are around 400 homelands across the Northern Territory. Homelands are the bedrock for maintaining strong Aboriginal law, languages and culture. Homelands are home for up to 10,000 Aboriginal Territorians,” she said.
“Sustained investment into homelands is critical to reducing the Territory’s high rates of homelessness and overcrowding.
Investment in homelands
“Homelands are an important component of the Northern Territory’s housing continuum. Along with driving improved health outcomes, homelands also provide significant employment opportunities and are key to unlocking and growing remote economies.
“Aboriginal Housing NT looks forward to working closely with both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to continue to invest in the homelands sector and calls on both governments to commit to long-term funding for homelands to demonstrate genuine commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priorities.”
And Central Land Council CEO, Les Turner was pleased to see people moving back into their upgraded homes.
“Residents in the remote community have been waiting years to improve their living conditions. HIPP funding supported this work, it was great local people were employed on the project,” he said.
Main photo: Sharon Murphy gets keys to her upgraded home in Nguyarranmini from Ben Moore, Territory Water Solutions (left) and Liam Flanagan, HHIP.
