Local Decision Making at the heart of new homes in the bush

Families across the Northern Territory have moved into brand new homes since November 2021 including:

• four new homes in Maningrida
• five new homes in Willowra
• four new homes in Docker River.

When Aiden, his partner Zelanda and son Jayden recently moved into their new two-bedroom home in Maningrida, Aiden was especially proud.

Aiden, who works for Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, was part of the team that built it and will be working on homes for other families in his community.

As part of the Northern Territory and Australian Governments’ investment in the bush, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation is engaged to deliver 22 new homes and Room To Breathe works on 47 existing homes in Maningrida on the Central Arnhem Coast.

Key priorities of the investment are Local Decision Making and putting people first, not assets, to ensure communities determine what housing is needed and who in the community will receive it.

Consultation in Maningrida resulted in features such as wide verandas and evaporative air conditioning systems being included in the new homes.

Work to reduce overcrowding is especially important in Maningrida, where the rate of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is high. RHD is a preventable disease that is common where overcrowding makes it difficult to maintain a healthy home.

The homes in Willowra incorporated specific features based on extensive community consultation including modular style homes instead of conventional block homes, colour types and elevated verandas.

While in Docker River, the community requested specific features for the new house, including, universal bath and toilets, which make them accessible to everyone. The hallways and doors were also widened to accommodate a wheelchair, and a concrete path has been laid to provide ease of access to the clothesline.

The critical work across the Northern Territory is continuing this year, with plenty more new homes and improvements to existing homes on the way.