## A New Lease on Life for a Disused Hostel
In Western Australia's East Kimberley, a formerly neglected Commonwealth-run hostel is experiencing a revival. This 42-bed facility, originally built in 2010 to house Indigenous children attending secondary school in Kununurra, has been transformed into a hub for empowering the local Indigenous community.
After years of dwindling enrollment, the hostel reached a low point in 2020, housing only one student despite employing six full-time staff at a cost of $1 million annually. This "white elephant" stood empty, frustrating residents who saw it as wasted infrastructure amidst a housing shortage.
However, after two years of negotiations, a new chapter has begun. Aboriginal Hostels Limited, a Commonwealth entity, has leased the facility to Wunan Foundation, a local Indigenous empowerment organization, and MG Corporation, the town's main traditional owner group.
The hostel will address the widespread issue of housing overcrowding, a significant barrier to youth employment and a contributor to long-term welfare dependency. Wunan Foundation CEO Prue Jenkins envisions the hostel housing young Indigenous people pursuing education, training, or work, while also supporting social programs.
"It's got a magnificent commercial kitchen, a whole bank of computers, and recreation facilities," Ms. Jenkins said, highlighting the hostel's potential.
With the median unit rental price in Kununurra doubling since 2021, MG Corporation executive chair Lawford Benning emphasizes the hostel's critical role in alleviating the housing shortage. "This initiative will provide much-needed support to young people struggling to find affordable accommodation," he said.
The hostel has already hosted students from the remote community of Kalumburu, providing them with culinary training as part of efforts to equip young Indigenous people for careers in hospitality and tourism.
The government is contributing up to $1 million annually to support MG and Wunan with the hostel's operational costs. Additionally, the facility is being considered as a safe haven for children from troubled households who currently sleep on the streets.
The collaboration between MG and Wunan on the hostel marks a turning point in their relationship. "It signals that we're not competing," Ms. Jenkins said. "It is all about enhancing the lives of Aboriginal people."
This revitalized hostel offers a beacon of hope for the Indigenous community in Kununurra, providing opportunities for education, employment, and a brighter future.