The handover of new homes in Wugularr and Gapuwiyak this week has helped the Christmas spirit in the two Top End communities.
In Wugularr, also known as Beswick, the keys of 11 new homes were handed over to tenants on 21 December 2022.
The homes have been constructed on a recently completed 18 lot subdivision. Built by a Territory contractor, Yingwati, the subdivision represents a $3.2 million investment as part of the Territory Labor Government's $432 million commitment to land servicing.
Wugularr is programmed to receive 23 new homes under the remote housing investment package, Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian governments.
The keys to the 11th home handed over marked the 500th home delivered under Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes since the inception of the program.
Katherine-based business, NJ Homes (NT) Pty Ltd, was awarded a 36 month period contract in June 2022 to build new homes in Wugularr, with the first tranche of works worth $5.2 million. NJ Homes has been achieving 47 per cent Aboriginal employment and has supported two Aboriginal carpentry apprenticeships throughout the construction works.
While in Wugularr, Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo presented NJ Homes' carpentry apprentice Jermaine Assan with his graduation certificate.
Further north in the East Arnhemland community of Gapuwiyak, the keys to six four-bedroom homes were handed over on 19 December 2022. The community is scheduled to receive 28 new homes through an $18.2 million investment in new housing.
Territory business WTD Constructions Pty Ltd was awarded a $5 million housing construction contract in June 2022 and will be building new homes in the community over a 36 month period.
Since commencing work in Gapuwiyak, WTD Constructions have actively sourced locals to work with them constructing homes, and three Aboriginal staff members are now enrolled to commence a Certificate II in Construction Pathways.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo:
"It has been a massive year for housing in remote communities and I'm proud to lead our government's flagship program, which has already achieved so much.
"So many communities are hives of building activity and it's good to see homes rolling out right across the regions - in Wugularr, Gapuwiyak, Bulman, Kintore, Ngukurr and more.
"This not only means that families have the space and safety they need to raise a healthy family but this program is also about jobs, training opportunities for locals and business opportunities for our many Aboriginal Business Enterprises.
"Overall, the Territory Labor Government is not only building better homes, we are supporting communities that will be sustainable into the future."
Northern Territory Government
