Housing Minister John Carey has announced an investment of $794,000 from the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund (NWAHF) to enable Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation (RRKAC) to deliver its culturally secure, in-situ housing support program.
The RRKAC has developed the innovative support service program to support a minimum of 28 families over 3 years in Karratha, Roebourne and Wickham.
The pilot service will build capacity and financial independence through tailored, culturally secure support services focusing on financial and household management.
Support will also include training to increase financial literacy, setting goals and navigating the financing and purchasing process. The aim is to support Aboriginal families to move from social and unsuitable housing into long-term stable and affordable private housing options.
The investment is being provided through the $200 million NWAHF, an initiative of the McGowan Government, supported by the Commonwealth Government.
The NWAHF was established to leverage investment for the innovative use of housing and associated services to build opportunity, prosperity and wellbeing, with a strong focus on education and employment for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and Pilbara.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
“The McGowan Government continues to support Aboriginal people in Karratha, Roebourne and Wickham in transitioning from social housing or employer provided housing to stable and affordable private housing, if they choose.
“We are providing this investment to enable Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation to deliver its culturally secure, in-situ support service that empowers Aboriginal people to achieve independent housing in the private market and boost their strong economic participation.
“Our landmark North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund and this Government’s continued reforms are supporting housing options and funding for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley and the Pilbara.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I’m proud the McGowan Government continues to provide housing support programs for Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara and this initiative will provide vital support to more than 28 families in Karratha, Roebourne and Wickham.
“I commend the Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation who have developed and will deliver this vital support service for people in the Pilbara area.”
As stated by RRKAC Chief Operating Officer Anthony Galante:
“RRKAC is excited to launch the Housing Pathways Support Program (HPSP) in July 2022. The program will focus on working with Aboriginal families in the Pilbara to build their capacity to move into home ownership.
“Securing suitable accommodation for Indigenous communities in the Pilbara is complex – the Housing Pathways Support Program will ensure housing access and deliver lasting outcomes for the families involved.
“RRKAC would like to thank the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund for their contribution to delivering this initiative over the next 3 years.”
