Wickham is a town located approximately 1,500km north of Perth in Western Australia’s Pilbara Region and is home to around 2,600 people. Most homes in the town are company-owned, providing housing for Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO)
In 2021, Sodexo commenced an extensive refurbishment program of Wickham’s housing, some of which are more than 50 years old.
Challenge
The refurbishment program is intended to transform dated properties into modern, open-plan living homes completed to a high standard. It is also intended to increase employee attraction and retention by offering FIFO and resident workers newly refurbished properties.
The program is also addressing much-needed health and safety improvements to enhance the quality of the home environments for residents.
Sodexo Solution
In partnership with its client and GBSC Yurra, a Pilbara-based, Indigenous Yindjibarndi owned, building and construction company, Sodexo is Project Managing the delivery of all works for the Wickham housing refurbishment project.
The initial phase of this project aims to refurbish 60 houses and is due for completion in 2026.
Impact - Achieved Together
To date, 42 houses have been completely refurbished, including reflooring, replacement of ceilings and walls, painting, new cabinetry, ensuites, and plumbing, as well as electrical rewiring and new fittings, fixtures, and furniture throughout each home.
The housing refurbishment is helping to improve employee retention in Wickham and secure the longevity of the client's capital assets.
The GBSC Yurra partnership is also benefiting the local community through its apprenticeship program, which provides local Indigenous people with on-the-job training and real-world construction experience.