Barrel Well: State Government announce $16m grant funding to improve housing in remote Aboriginal Communities

The State Government has awarded six remote Aboriginal organisations with more than $16 million in grant funding to undertake housing and maintenance works, including a site in the Shire of Northampton. In all, $16.7m will be used to undertake essential maintenance and upgrade more than 180 dwellings in a bid to extend the lifespan of properties in remote WA. Barrel Well Aboriginal Community will get $601,833 for maintenance works across 11 of their dwellings located in Ajana, 61km from Kalbarri. The grant funding will cover improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, replacement of cabinetry, pest control, waterproofing, flooring and tiling repairs as well as general plaster and tiling works in the communities. Echo International Aid is the charitable organisation that will receive the funding, utilising Aboriginal Business Enterprises throughout the supply chain, with 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned businesses to be engaged in undertaking the works. Housing Minister John Carey said the State Government was committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people in remote communities. “The Community Housing Grants Program supports organisations that provide social housing in remote areas with maintenance works to improve housing, the lives of community members and to sustain the remote communities in which they live,” he said. “This funding will go towards improving housing conditions for tenants across remote Aboriginal communities and regions.” The Community Housing Grants program is part of the State Government’s $2.6 billion investment in social housing and measures to address homelessness.