ABC Interview

July 3, 2016
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The Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) initiated the project with the aim of addressing a number cultural, social and physical needs of the Ngarluma Elders in one housing community.

The site is located in the Pilbara within the Yaburriji Estate and within reasonable proximity of the Roebourne town facilities. The nine units have been designed to accommodate the needs of the Ngarluma Elders while promoting their position in the community as mentors and role models for middle age and young Aboriginal people. This is facilitated through a number of communal spaces around the core of the village. A moonlight theatre and campfire area offer great opportunities for outdoor activities such as movie nights with friends and family, sharing stories and cooking of traditional meals. The strong Ngarluma tradition of making art will be catered for in the Studio and Gazebo space, which also has the flexibility for hosting workshops and meetings. For the landscaping approach, a number of traditional native medicine plants have been incorporated into the design as a means for Elders to continue the passing down of this important knowledge to younger generations.

In addition, the completed project will have a low environmental impact, achieving an 8.4 star energy rating for the design in response to the harsh conditions of Northwest Western Australia. Some of the energy saving initiatives include:

  • Solar Orientation
  • Large overhangs for shading
  • PV Cells
  • High Performance Insulation
  • Low-E Glass
  • Solar Hot water
  • LED LightingGas cooking

As part of our project management role for the client, BAA assisted NAC with obtaining NRAS (National Rental Affordability Scheme) funding approval following the completion of construction. This will result in significant financial incentives provided to NAC over an 8 year period.

Here is an interview with ABC Radio about about the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) project: