The Western Australian government has announced over AU$8 million in grants to expand housing outcomes for employed Aboriginal families across the state’s North West.
The fresh funding forms the second round of the government’s Aboriginal Employee Housing Grants Program, designed to help local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) build and secure stable accommodation.
By increasing the local housing supply, the initiative aims to assist organisations in attracting and retaining key skilled staff across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.
Four regional ACCOs will share the Round 2 funding allocation to deliver 13 additional homes through new residential builds and targeted spot purchases.
The successful recipients include the Pilbara’s Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, alongside three Kimberley-based providers: Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation, Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation, and Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation.
This latest release follows a AU$10.44 million Round 1 rollout announced in January 2025, which backed six organisations. Construction is already progressing rapidly on those initial projects.
Out of 19 new builds currently underway, 10 have reached the interior fit-out stage, five are fully completed while awaiting power connections, and four modular residences have their bases and framing secured.
Combined, the two grant rounds represent an AU$18.44 million investment by the state government, delivering a total of 39 dedicated homes for Aboriginal employees and their families in regional communities. The initiative sits within the government’s broader AU$10.8 billion housing package roll-out.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said that partnering directly with community-led organisations offers a practical pathway to boost regional service delivery.
“By partnering with Aboriginal organisations to deliver practical housing solutions, we are supporting their workforce to deliver crucial services, strengthening local communities,” Carey said.
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna echoed the sentiment, noting the new residences will empower local organisations to maintain skilled teams while providing essential, culturally appropriate support services.
Meanwhile, Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel welcomed the targeted boost for healthcare workers at Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, reinforcing the state’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional workforce stability.
