KWAC Staff Housing Options Analysis

Background 

Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation (KWAC) is a long-standing, community-led organisation supporting the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Kununurra and surrounding communities. 

A major barrier to workforce attraction and retention in Kununurra is the lack of affordable and suitable staff housing. This challenge affects not only KWAC but also other local service organisations, schools, and health providers. 

To strengthen our long-term sustainability and local capacity building, KWAC is seeking a volunteer to help us understand our housing position and develop a five-year strategy to address this critical issue. 

Purpose of the Role 

The volunteer will work with KWAC’s management team to: 

• Analyse current housing and land assets owned, leased, or accessible to KWAC. 

• Explore options to acquire, develop, lease, or partner for housing solutions. 

• Assess the regional housing market, future developments, and workforce trends. 

• Provide evidence-based recommendations for a medium-term (five-year) housing strategy aligned with KWAC’s strategic priorities of building a strong, sustainable organisation and growing local capacity and leadership. 

Scope of Work 

Asset Analysis 

• Identify and assess KWAC’s current assets. 

• Explore potential opportunities (e.g., partnerships, shared housing, or build-to-rent models). 

• Consider implications of leasing, selling, or redeveloping existing assets. 

Financial and Investment Options 

• Identify available loan facilities, government grants, housing programs, or philanthropic partnerships suitable for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. 

• Analyse the financial implications of various pathways (own, lease, joint venture, or partnership models). 

Market and Policy Scan 

• Analyse current housing supply, demand, and affordability in Kununurra, including ownership and rental trends. 

• Identify planned developments and regional projects likely to influence demand (e.g., Ord River Irrigation Scheme (ORIA) expansion, Wyndham Port upgrades, Reimagine Kununurra, and other major workforce projects). 

• Assess potential long-term opportunities if housing is left behind after major projects and how do we get in early on this. 

• Map government and private sector initiatives such as the GROW scheme and regional workforce housing pilots. 

Strategic Framework 

• Summarise findings and prepare a brief report or presentation outlining: 

• KWAC’s current position and options. 

• Opportunities for collaboration and investment. 

• Recommended priorities and actions for the next five years. 

Ideal Skills or Background 

• Background in urban/regional planning, economics, property, finance, research or policy. 

• Strong analytical and research skills. 

• Understanding of regional or Aboriginal community contexts (preferred but not required). 

• Ability to work collaboratively with KWAC’s management and community team. 

Commitment and Support 

• Estimated timeframe: 4–6 weeks (flexible hours) but we would take your advice here.  

• Supervision: KWAC CEO.  

• KWAC will provide access to relevant documents, contacts, and local insights. 

Impact 

Your contribution will directly support KWAC’s goal to continue to build a sustainable, culturally strong organisation, ensuring staff and future leaders have access to safe, affordable housing a foundation for long-term community healing and wellbeing, employment, and self-determination.