Groote Eylandt is a hive of building activity with localschipping in to build themselves a better future.
The Territory Labor Government has built 22 homes at Angurugu,including three under its flagship $1.1 billion remote housing program.
Upgrade works on 46 homes are now complete. Further, 20homes will be extended and refurbished at Groote Eylandts biggest community aspart of the Room to Breathe program which aims to alleviate overcrowding andimprove living conditions.
Across the island at Umbakumba, 22 homes have been fullyupgraded with another two nearing completion and works on three others tofollow.
Five new builds are complete and planning is underway forRoom to Breathe works on 22 homes.
Most of the housing work has been completed by AminjarrinjaAboriginal Corporation which employs eight Groote Eylandt locals, including twocarpentry apprentices and six trainees.
Quotes attributableto Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, GerryMcCarthy:
Building new homes, extending and upgrading existing homesand creating jobs and training opportunities are at the core of generationalchange and thats whats happening on Groote Eylandt.
Local organisations are building their capacities withlocal workers on board and there are obvious improvements across the housingand social landscapes on the island.
Better homes mean better employment, education, health andlifestyle outcomes and thats why we are investing in housing in remote areas.
As noted by Memberfor Arnhem, Selena Uibo:
As local member, I am proud to bepart of a government that is not only delivering new and upgraded housing forUmbakumba and Angurugu, but also ensuring these communities are taking the leadin the planning, design and building of their own homes.
These projects are providing realjobs and training opportunities for Groote Eylandt locals, as well as puttingin place vital infrastructure that will improve the lives of families living inthese communities.
Quotes attributableto Aminjarrinja Enterprises Aboriginal Corporation Business Manager, RogerHolman:
This work has not only meant better housing here on Groote Eylandtbut the job opportunities have meant that we have been able to employ locals ona full-time basis.
Our workers have developed a range of skills and areenthusiastic about making a contribution to their own community. We areespecially proud to have apprentices on the books because it offers themsustainable career opportunities.
The NT Governments commitment to its Local Decision Makingstrategy means residents are having a say in the development and direction oftheir communities and thats made a big difference to everyone here.
