Working with one such Aboriginal community—the Mardiwah Loop in Western Australia—provided particularly intense challenges to PB and the ATSIC. Nearly half of Mardiwah Loop’s 140 residents were children who lived in makeshift shacks without schools or health clinics. The community lacked collective power and an independent sewerage system. Low education, high unemployment, remote location and poor conditions of the community compounded these problems.

PB monitored the project in Mardiwah Loop, providing progress reports and procuring monetary support. The community lacked the skills to maintain their new facilities—so PB developed training programs andthat taught construction expertise to the residents. PB also ensured that the community would be built to the unique specifications of the Mardiwah people. “It is essential that we develop an understanding of local culture and history,” explains PB Community Liaison Consultant Alan Beattie.

Nine Aboriginal trainees worked with PB on the construction in the Mardiwah Loop community. A continuation of their involvement will bring about the construction of 12 additional homes and continuing community improvement.