Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation Senior Housing Manager Wade Natty and NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Senior Client Relationship Manager Mary Duke inspect one of the new properties in Moree.
Tuesday, 13 October 2020
ABORIGINAL seniors and families in Moree now have greater access to housing, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week handing over the keys to one of six newly constructed properties to its new tenants.
The developments, which total $2,171,262, are the result of a partnership between the State Government and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO).
Mr Marshall said the new homes were constructed with a focus on improving the lives of Aboriginal people through eco-efficient design.
“This is a huge boost to Aboriginal housing in Moree, ensuring local elders and families have a safe and sustainable roof over their heads,” Mr Marshall said.
“Two, two-bedroom villas to service elders have been built on Anne Street and Alawa Street, while two, three-bedroom homes for families now stand on Jacaranda Drive.
“The buildings have been equipped with solar panels which will help reduce energy costs for residents.
“Due to these builds, 34 additional employment opportunities have been generated in Moree since March, including eight positions for Aboriginal trainees.
“The AHO, partnering with Train 365 and Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, has provided the trainees with construction training and certification, aligned to a Certificate II in Construction.
“With so many construction projects soon to be underway in Moree, the industry is going to play a huge role in helping the local economy recover from drought and COVID-19.
“I’m pleased through this housing initiative skills training has been provided to local Aboringal people, giving them the ability to pursue a careers where there has been a skills shortage for appropriately qualified Aboriginal trades.”
Following the successful completion of the training and the White Card induction (Work Health & Safety training) course, trainees will be offered employment on future AHO projects.
Experienced local Aboriginal housing provider, Gunida Gunyah will manage four of the properties in South Moree.