Pilbara Aboriginal housing support program receives $1.1m State Government funding injection

A Pilbara Aboriginal housing program which has helped more than 60 people transition from social housing into private accommodation has been extended with more than $1 million in funding from the State Government.

The $1.1m funding injection will allow the Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation’s Housing Pathways Support Program to run until 2027 and support up to 56 families along the path to home ownership at any one time.

Launched in 2022, the program is providing nearly 40 families with financial literacy, household management, school engagement and employment stability support, according to the State Government.

Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the program was part of the Government’s $6.3 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures.

“This is a transformational program that offers participants the supports necessary to succeed in that journey (to independent housing), such as managing budgets, employment support and training, and household management,” he said.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel said the program was making a tangible difference to people’s lives in the region.

“Dozens of families in the Pilbara have already been supported through this initiative, and it’s fantastic to see our Government continue to fund this program,” he said.

“Secure housing makes a life-changing difference, and this program is one way we’re making sure more people in the Pilbara have a place to call home.”

The program is one of nine funded through the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund created by the State Government with support from the Commonwealth to help Aboriginal people establish economic independence in the Pilbara and Kimberley.