Traditional owner John Daly-Water says there’s happiness in his community, thanks to the work happening under the Room to Breathe program.
“I’ve seen a smile from every people that their house has been refurbished, a big, big smile and they’re happy about it,” he said.
His home is one of 11 already completed through the $1.1 billion remote housing investment package, Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes.
For Weemol and other communities, Technical Officer Derek Richard Quong is one of the department staff heavily involved in the Room to Breathe program.
“We travel to the communities, speaking with the locals as far as the amount of people living in the houses and their needs and requirements,” Derek said.
For John, his housing requirements needed to meet his disability needs.
“I was in a car accident. I don’t know how ago but I suppose as you get older, it gets to you,” John said.
“We’re putting a concrete pathway as you walk in around the house. Building another extra room in there and a disability bath.
Make it easy access for me,” he said.
As a result, John was pleased with how the program took place in his community.
“One thing that they (residents) said to me was…the communication was really good,” John said.
John also made note of the local employment opportunities within the program.
“I got a son-in-law and he said wherever Room to Breathe goes, he wants to follow them. To get more training in that area,” John said.
The remaining Room to Breathe works are currently underway for three more homes in the Weemol community and are expected to be finished in the coming month.
Find out more about Our Community. Our Future. Our Homes.
Weemol screenshot from the video.