Abstract

The Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (Laynha), based in Yirrkala in the Northern Territory, commissioned this report to capture the state of current housing on the 32 homelands they service and to elucidate future needs. The study was developed in close consultation with the housing subcommittee of the Laynha Board. Key quantitative data was provided by Laynha and detailed case studies were undertaken in five homelands to provide insight into current living conditions, the aspirations of homelands residents and associated housing and infrastructure requirements.

Statistical data presented here shows that the population of homelands in the Laynha region has remained relatively stable over time. The data also reveal the extent to which housing stock and associated infrastructure is ageing. Case studies powerfully illustrate the realities of homeland living. In each of five sites, we provide a short anthropological history, infrastructure summary and some comment on current living conditions. HealthHabitat’s ‘9 Healthy Living Practices’ provide a lens through which to examine the amenity of houses in the case study homelands and to consider the implications for health and wellbeing. In each case study we highlight one development aspiration. These were derived through discussions with community and through an analysis of ‘development priorities’ emerging from ethnographic material. Findings reveal a dynamic and future-focused population, determined to make a contribution to the wider nation state from within their own cultural context and on their own terms.

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