- Two families first to become home owners through program
- Program funded by the North West Aboriginal Housing Fund
- All 25 houses in program currently occupied
Two Aboriginal families in Broome will become first home owners, in a significant milestone for the Jalbi Jiya housing program.
The families are the first participants to enter home ownership with the Jalbi Jiya program’s assistance, doing so in under a year since it was launched.
The $9.7 million program was established by the State Government last year in partnership with Nyamba Buru Yawaru (NBY) , the operational company of the Yawuru people of Broome.
Jalbi Jiya, meaning ‘your home’ in the Yawuru language, received funding through the North West Aboriginal Housing Fund.
Greater opportunities for Aboriginal families
The program seeks to provide affordable housing opportunities to Broome’s Aboriginal population.
The State Government purchased twenty-five houses from NBY in 2020, for use in the program.
Stephen Dawson, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, said “This program aligns with the McGowan Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap, ensuring Aboriginal people can secure appropriate, affordable housing that is aligned with their priorities and needs.”
Seventeen of the homes provide occupants the opportunity to transition from renting to ownership, while the eight remaining homes are to be kept as long-term rentals.
Occupants on the pathway to ownership are provided support by the program to facilitate the transition, including financial assistance.
“While the program is focussed around housing, it takes a holistic approach by supporting participants in a range of ways that will help them maintain and manage a tenancy or home ownership.”
Divina D’Anna, Kimberley MLA
“Since the introduction of this program by the McGowan Government, numerous Aboriginal families have been supported in the Broome region, including single-parent families,” Ms D’Anna said.
John Carey, Minister for Housing, said all homes are currently occupied and a number of families are on their way to entering home ownership.
“Providing someone with a home can be a transformative, life-changing event. A home is more than just a building – it is a place that provides stability, safety, connection to community and is at the core of improving a person’s overall wellbeing,” he concluded.
