Four upgraded homes in the remote Barkly homeland of Nguyarramini are now back in use, with residents returning after long-awaited works to improve safety, comfort and day-to-day living.
The upgrades were delivered under the Homelands Housing Infrastructure Program, which is jointly funded by the federal and Northern Territory governments and targets housing improvements in remote First Nations homelands across the Territory.
Located near Tennant Creek, Nguyarramini is among more than 160 homelands to receive repairs and upgrades through the program.
The work on the four homes included brand new kitchens, new gas stoves and ovens, restored decking, and a range of internal and external repairs.
While the announcement has been framed around government investment, local voices suggest the project is most significant for what it means on the ground - better housing for families who have been waiting years for improvements.
Nguyarramini resident Jorna Murphy said the changes had already made a difference.
"It's really good to have four houses fixed up," she said.
"The new kitchen and gas stove are really nice - we have solar power and windbreaks, which make it comfortable to sit outside."
The project was delivered in partnership with residents, local Barkly business Territory Water Solutions, Housing and Homelands staff, and the Central Land Council.
It also created local employment, with Territory Water Solutions helping three residents gain White Cards and employing them for the duration of the works.
Central Land Council chief executive Les Turner said the completed works were an important step forward for residents who had spent years waiting for better housing.
"We are pleased our people are moving back into their upgraded homes," he said.
"Residents in the remote community have been waiting years to improve their living conditions.
"HIPP funding supported this work, it was great local people were employed on the project."
Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory chief executive Leeanne Caton said the investment was important for supporting culture, easing overcrowding and strengthening the long-term future of homelands across the Territory.
"There are around 400 homelands across the Northern Territory (and) homelands are the bedrock for maintaining strong Aboriginal law, languages and culture," she said.
"Homelands are home for up to 10,000 Aboriginal Territorians (and) are an important component of the Northern Territory's housing continuum.
"Sustained investment into homelands is critical to reducing the Territory's high rates of homelessness and overcrowding."
Ms Caton said that along with driving improved health outcomes, homelands "provide significant employment opportunities and are key to unlocking and growing remote economies".
"Aboriginal Housing NT looks forward to working closely with both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to continue to invest in the homelands sector and calls on both governments to commit to long-term funding for homelands to demonstrate genuine commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priorities," she said.
The federal government has committed $220 million over five years through the housing program, while the Northern Territory government contributes $40 million a year towards essential services in Aboriginal homelands, including water, power and sanitation.
