- $10.5 million funding for accommodation and support services for low-income trainees and apprentices in the Pilbara
- Funded through Cook Government's $200 million North West Aboriginal Housing Fund
Construction is progressing on a $10.5 million accommodation and training facility in Roebourne that will house apprentices and low-income trade employees and provide them with wraparound support services.
The Cook Government is funding Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (Yindjibarndi) to construct the Ganalili Accommodation and Training Facility in Roebourne.
Three two-bedroom and six one-bedroom grouped dwellings will provide important housing for Aboriginal apprentices and trainees, including those re-entering the community from the corrections system.
The project is being funded through the Cook Government's $200 million North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.
The Fund invests in Aboriginal led housing programs and is supporting Yindjibarndi in leading the project at all stages. This includes the initial concept and design, the current construction process and ultimately the facility's operation.
Ganalili is Yindjibarndi for "a new dawn" and the site forms part of The Ganalili Centre rejuvenation. It is expected the facility will be fully complete and open in 2024.
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
"This facility will enable Aboriginal apprentices and low-income workers to access suitable stable, affordable, long-term and safe accommodation.
"Importantly, this facility has wraparound services, which are important to ensuring people can sustain and thrive in their tenancies.
"The construction process has supported the work of two Aboriginal apprentices, three Aboriginal trade workers and eight Aboriginal trade assistants, some of whom may be eligible to live in the accommodation.
"Onsite services will focus on assisting residents to develop the necessary skills for eventual entry into the private housing market. These skills include enhancing their employment and education, improving their health and wellbeing, and remaining connected to culture."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund is a great example of how the Cook Government is helping to build opportunity, prosperity and wellbeing for Aboriginal people.
"The State Government is working with Aboriginal people to increase housing options in a way that supports their aspirations, responds to local circumstances, and facilitates educational, training and employment outcomes."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"This is an exciting development for the people of Roebourne and for young people in the Pilbara seeking employment and training.
"The service will also help residents to improve domestic life skills including cooking and cleaning and they will also learn how to build their financial capability."
