Evelyn Cottage opens door to Aboriginal apprentices

• $500,000 refurbishment on heritage-listed Pinjarra cottage

• Will provide accommodation for Aboriginal apprentices

• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

A newly renovated cottage in Pinjarra will provide eight Aboriginal apprentices with supported accommodation as they move towards independent living.

The upgrade was made possible by a $500,000 investment from the Affordable Housing for Key Workers Program, through the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program.

Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said the heritage-listed Evelyn Cottage had been given a new lease on life thanks to close co-operation between the Housing Authority and Fairbridge Village.

"The original features were retained including timber weatherboard walls, brick chimneys, timber casement windows and interior fittings," Mr Grylls said.

"The renovation of Evelyn Cottage forms part of the State Government's Affordable Housing Strategy 2010-2020, which is increasing the supply of affordable housing for people on low-to-moderate incomes."

Evelyn Cottage joins Saumarez Cottage, opened by the State Government in August 2014, to provide a combined 16 supported accommodation units, which allow for the provision of services such as cooking and budgeting workshops for young people in housing stress.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said providing affordable housing options such as Evelyn Cottage enabled apprentices living in the regions to stay in their home community.

"Providing supported accommodation like this will help ensure members of the community remain in Pinjarra to live, train and work," Mr Redman said.

"This Royalties for Regions investment will help retain skilled people within the community and build the capacity of Pinjarra, creating long-term economic benefits for the Peel region."

Fact File

• The opportunity to undertake construction on the building assisted three apprentices to complete their studies as part of the Aboriginal Construction Training Initiative

• Evelyn Cottage will complement existing supported accommodation for participants in Fairbridge's training programs, including the award-winning Binjareb Aboriginal employment scheme

• The cottages are classified by the National Trust and are listed on the Register of the National Estate and the WA Heritage Council's Register of Heritage Places

• There are big things happening in regional WA.  Find out how Royalties for Regions is transforming your regional community at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au 

Housing Minister's office - 6552 6100

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700