Humanihut provides logistical and operational support, enabling Governments to focus on strategic planning and crisis recovery
When disaster strikes, the challenge of rebuilding can overwhelm even the most well-resourced governments. Ensuring safety and stability for displaced families while also starting the complex process of planning for recovery presents both a strategic and operational challenge.
In January 2023 Humanihut was contracted by the Government of Western Australia; Department of Communities, to deploy and establish the Humanihut Field Infrastructure System in the remote Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia, as a short-term accommodation solution to communities devastated by floods. Humanihut deployed 3 Basecamps, Kitchen and Laundry facilities as a strategic rental solution to fulfill the governments operational requirements.
By deploying temporary accommodation solutions On Country, the logistical burden of providing displaced families with safe, comfortable environments in which to regroup was minimised. This allowed the government to focus on recovery strategies and forward planning without having to divert critical resources to manage urgent housing needs.
Humanihut established temporary communities for the residents of Fitzroy Crossing which included climate-controlled accommodation furnished to requirements. The Basecamp configurations all came equipped with independent power, water and wastewater infrastructure which minimised the burden on local utilities and mains damaged during the floods.
Providing on-site kitchens and laundries complete with ovens, cooktops, microwaves, fridges and washing machines, allowed residents to maintain a sense of routine during an otherwise unsettling time. These essential facilities not only helped families take care of daily needs but also offered a space where they could come together as a community, fostering a sense of normalcy and connection in the midst of recovery.
Humanihut provided 24/7 Site Management with a team of experienced technicians on standby to swiftly address and resolve any arising issues. Additionally, our technicians provided daily situation reports to the government, alleviating the burden of remote oversight, especially given the site’s distance of several thousand kilometres from Perth
Bungardi is a small community that sits on the outskirts of Fitzroy Crossing and on the banks of the Fitzroy River affected by the floods. With only one home in the community partially habitable, and with several families taking up residence in this home, members of the Bungardi community, including sisters and Elders Aunty Diane Brooking and Aunty Judith Brooking were facing social dislocation by having to move away to find shelter.
“Many people went to Broome, or to family in Fitzroy Crossing, but we are used to such a quiet way of living, the big town is just not right for us for too long. Town was a bit too noisy and we are used to the peace and quiet out here,” Aunty Diane said.
“As a tight-knit family-based community, we were missing each other and many that needed to move away were missing the people and lifestyle we have here. We know repairing or rebuilding everything will be a slow process, so having somewhere to comfortably house members of our community as they return, or even to visit, is very important,” advocate Colleen Garner said.
“The people from Humanihut came and listened to what the community wanted and needed and then came back to discuss possible solutions and locations. Two of the locations suggested had some issues, but the location we ultimately decided upon was chosen unanimously by the community itself as it was close to the main remaining house in town and was positioned in such a way that made it easy and safe for the community to congregate,” Mrs Garner said.
“The huts are set up to meet family needs – if they have kids, there’s enough beds for all of them. If they are single or a couple, there’s room. The kids will most likely enjoy using the air conditioning during the day, but I think most of us will just have the doors and windows open at night as we’ve not bothered with air conditioning for the last thirty years!” Aunty Judith joked.
“I’m just pleased that families will be able to come back and stay somewhere safely,” she said.
