An innovative approach by the State Government to awarding building construction and maintenance contracts will generate multiple positive outcomes for Aboriginal people living in the State’s north.
The Department of Communities has established a panel of local builders with the capacity to deliver construction and refurbishment works while also meeting Aboriginal training and employment targets.
Boosting employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people is a key component of the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund – a major plank in the State Government’s regional services reform program.
The three successful builders, MGC Building & Maintenance Pty Ltd, Kullarri Building Pty Ltd and H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd have demonstrated experience in supporting the Aboriginal regional workforce.
The builders will deliver housing construction and big refurbishment projects in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Staged over the next four years, these capital works projects are designed to maximise Aboriginal apprenticeship outcomes.
Work on the first project – the construction of 50 transitional houses in the East Kimberley – will start in the next few months. The dwellings are co-designed with Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation, under the North-West Aboriginal Housing Fund.