Elcho Island’s Galiwin’ku community gets keys to seven new homes

Housing restoration for a cyclone-scarred community has left one mum with excitement for the future after a heartbreaking, challenging year.

Galiwin’ku mum Naomi recently received the keys to her new home following a heartbreaking 12 months.

After losing her husband last year, the Elcho Island resident is thrilled to be moving into one of seven new houses on the island.

“I’m excited for the future,” she said.

Overview of the Galiwin'ku community on Elcho Island, Northern Territory. Picture: Sam Mooy

It comes as a $2.1bn Remote Housing Investment Package commits to securing affordable and secure housing options for remote Territorians.

Elcho Island residents have been waiting for upgrades and additional housing after Cyclone Nathan battered the coastal paradise in 2015.

About 70 new homes are currently under construction, and 18 have already been built.

Nine families have seen their homes extended and refurbished under the package.

Arafura MLA Manuel Brown said it was great to see homes being built and expanded on for remote Territorians. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Arafura MLA Manuel Brown said housing was one of the key reasons he put his hand up for a spot in government.

“Improving living conditions and reducing overcrowding in remote communities is a priority I work hard for every day,” he said.

Housing and Homelands Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said it was great to see Galiwin’ku families excited to start the next chapters of their lives.

“We know a secure home leads to better health, education and employment outcomes and a stronger community overall,” she said.

“All Territorians deserve access to safe, secure and affordable housing and we will continue to strengthen and improve our housing stock across the Territory.”