HOUSING UPGRADES FOR WINGELLINA

Irrunytju (Wingellina) Community. Google Earth.

In the Nanyatjarra lands, the WA Government is spending more than $3million on essential imrovements and repairs on 32 properties in the remote community of Irrunytju.

Wingellina chairperson Daisy O’Byrne said she was disappointed as people scoping out the work had told her there would be no fences built around their houses or any painting on the outside.

“Please give us our fencing,” she said. “Our children need to be able to play on fences and run away from dogs for a change, safe on the other side and it will be fun for them to climb fences. They probably never climbed fences before.”

WA Housing minister John Carey said Maintenance will address improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, including replacement of

cabinetry, cleaning, security upgrades for windows and doors, and general repairs to walls and floors to extend the quality and lifespan of the homes.

He said Nganyatjara Council would contract an Aboriginal-owned company to undertake the works.