Pompey Raymond is one of Elliott’s favourite characters, so there were plenty of cheers when he moved into a brand new home a couple of weeks ago.

Pompey will be living in North Camp with his daughter Rosemary and grandchildren. Labor candidate for Barkly Lizzie Hogan was in Elliott to congratulate the Raymond family. “That old man was so happy,” she said.

“He loves his new home and has made himself very comfortable. It’s really good to see.”

Eight new homes have been completed in Elliott this month as part of the Territory Labor Government’s remote housing program.

The three and four bedroom homes house more than 30 of the town’s residents. They were allocated to tenants after extensive consultation with the Housing Reference Group, which is made up of locals who represent different interests from the community.

The new homes were delivered in both North Camp and South Camp by LA Build, a Territory company which provided employment and training opportunities to local Territorians, including three Aboriginal apprentices.

Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo said the new homes were amongst 45 new and upgraded homes delivered by the Territory Labor Government.

“We have provided safe and secure housing to the community of Elliott, and right across the Barkly where our housing tally is around 500.

“Our housing program has delivered work and training opportunities, good homes and better education, employment and health outcomes for communities.”

Minister Uibo said under the new $4 billion remote housing around 70 more homes would be built, extended and upgraded in the next two years including in Ampilatwatja, Canteen Creek, and Ali Curung.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 19 July 2024