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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

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First homeowner in Hope Valley Estate

Safety and Wellbeing
Beach shore picture taken from above

It’s every Australian’s dream to own a home. Increasing opportunities for home ownership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important part of Closing the Gap.

It’s every Australian’s dream to own a home. Increasing opportunities for home ownership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important part of Closing the Gap.

Owning a home means that you and your family are comfortable and safe. It can also lead to improved health, job opportunities and safer communities.

In 2007, the Australian Government signed the Hope Vale Agreement to develop a residential area for Indigenous home ownership in the Hope Vale Aboriginal Community, which is situated 46 kilometres north west of Cooktown in Far North Queensland and is home to the Guugu Yimithirr peoples.

The construction of 53 housing lots was completed in 2010 and was named Hope Valley Estate. In 2011, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) approved the Indigenous Home Ownership programme for the community of Hope Vale.

Cheryl Cannon was the first to purchase a block in the Hope Valley Estate after having her home loan approved by IBA in 2012.

“We are at an age and an era that people can take advantage of this initiative,” she said.

“You have got the pride, the responsibility of caring for that home.”

Herbert McLean is very proud to see his eldest daughter Cheryl own a brand new home.

“It’s a breakthrough,” he said.

Find out more

Increasing opportunities for home ownership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important part of Closing the Gap.

Indigenous Business Australia’s Indigenous Home Ownership programme is helping people in communities like Hope Vale buy their own homes.

The Australian Government has also approved funding through the Indigenous Remote Service Delivery Special Account to develop a retail precinct for local business in Hope Vale.