Canberra's third dedicated housing development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older persons' has kicked off today following a smoking ceremony to cleanse the site.
Named Ningulangu, meaning 'belonging to: home, place', the five two-bedroom, single storey homes will be built to Class C adaptable standards with a minimum 6-star energy efficiency rating.
This is the third Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older persons' housing project to be built, following Gundji Gindilan in Lyons in 2020 and Mura Gunya in Kambah, in 2016, delivering a total of 15 homes across the ACT.
For all three developments, Housing ACT worked closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to identify the site in Dickson to ensure it was suitable for the development of safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing.
Due to be completed by the end of this year, these homes have been designed in consultation with the Elected Body and will provide future tenants with flexibility for a range of changing household needs, including ageing in place.
Located close to shops, public transport and health services and community facilities, residents will be able to maintain an active and independent lifestyle in these homes.
The use of local native plants and the inclusion of a secure and private outdoor area in each dwelling, offers residents a strong connection to the landscape.
I look forward to watching this development come together and for it to be called home.
