Improved social housing in the Northern Territory makes a difference to the everyday lives of Territorians

The Northern Territory has made significant improvements to the quality of its social housing under the Federal Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan Social Housing Initiative.

Residents of a Somerville Community Services home in Darwin represent one group of Territorians that will benefit from improved facilities and services, following recently completed renovations under the Initiative.

Somerville Community Services has used the property to provide residential support to disabled Territorians and their carers for more than 25 years.

Somerville Community Services CEO, Vicki O'Halloran, said this work, which was completed in late December 2009, has improved the quality of everyday life for residents.

“The upgrades to our accommodation have enhanced the day-to-day lives of people with a disability in residence and the modern accessible finishes have also had a very positive impact upon staff.”

“It is wonderful to see people feeling proud of their home. The positive flow-on effects include a better overall quality of life and feeling of wellbeing,” Ms O'Halloran said.

The $314,850 upgrade included installing new kitchen cabinetry and appliances, full electrical and bathroom upgrades and new painting, and windows and tiles throughout the house. New wardrobes were also installed in bedrooms to maximise living space for residents.

Local contractors were used to deliver the work and support local Indigenous employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Northern Territory company, Quality Plumbing Building Contractors was instrumental in upgrading the oven and cooktop appliances, and donating other kitchen appliances such as rangehood, sandwich press and toaster.

Somerville is a non-profit community welfare organisation that also provides family, youth and counselling services, as well as financial and accommodation support across the Northern Territory.

Similar projects will spring up across the Territory this year, as 200 dwellings for public, affordable and social housing are delivered under the $55 million stage 1 and 2 of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Fund.

One such project is the construction of 20 new two bedroom dwellings at Coconut Grove as part of a project to help low-income earners with accommodation.

St Vincent de Paul Society and local property developer Redco Investments Pty Ltd received $5.8 million of funding for the development.

The accommodation is designed to meet the needs of homeless and disadvantaged people, and provide assistance on a temporary basis for reintegration into society.

This construction began in February 2010 and is expected to be completed by December.

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