Carpentaria houses recently received an upgrade under the Northern Territory Government $69 million stimulus package for the construction industry.
As part of this funding, $2 million was allocated to public housing dwellings under the Industry Housing Assistance Scheme (IHAS), which is currently managed by non-government organisations. Each of the 14 Supported Independent Living houses managed by Carpentaria have received upgrades and improvements.
All houses were painted and had doors repaired or replaced. Other improvements, where required, included replacement of bathroom cabinets, electrical switches, locks, kitchen cupboards, fans and air conditioning units. Repairs were also made to fences, clotheslines and flyscreens.
Carpentaria participants and staff are grateful for the upgrades and improvements to these houses and acknowledge the assistance from Department of Housing and Community Development staff in providing additional support for participants who needed to be relocated during the repairs.
Joanne, a Carpentaria participant, was pleased with the painting completed inside and outside of her house. “It is really good. I like it,” she said.
Justin Heath, Carpentaria Chief Operations Officer highlighted the difference these improvements have made. “These upgrades have had a significant impact on the look and feel of the houses and we acknowledge the generous support from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Participants are really pleased and happy to have returned to their newly improved homes,” he said.