The first residents have begun moving into 51 new social housing homes in the heart of Warragul, increasing the supply of much-needed social housing in regional Victoria.
Delivered by Housing Choices Australia in partnership with Homes Victoria with funding support under the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build, the development was completed in May, with the first residents moving in during June.
More than half of the homes are already occupied, with further residents expected to move in over the coming weeks.
The homes are being allocated to eligible applicants on the Victorian Housing Register with existing connections to Warragul and surrounding communities, helping people remain close to family, support networks and essential services.
Located close to public transport, shops and essential services, the development comprises modern, energy-efficient homes across two four-storey buildings, including 25 (twenty-five) one-bedroom, 19 (nineteen) two-bedroom and 7 (seven) three-bedroom homes.
Designed by Freadman White Architects with landscaping by Simon Ellis Landscape Architects, the development has been thoughtfully planned to support resident wellbeing, accessibility and community connection. Shared spaces, including an edible garden, provide opportunities for residents to connect with neighbours, alongside an on-site management office, secure bicycle storage and basement parking.
Designed to meet certified 4 Star Green Star rating, 7-Star NatHERS standards, and Livable Housing Australia Silver Level standards, the homes maximise natural light, improve energy efficiency and support year-round comfort.
Housing Choices Australia Chief Executive Officer, Leilani Frew, said it was rewarding to see residents settling into homes that would provide long-term housing security.
“A safe and secure home provides the foundation for people to build stability, strengthen their connections to community and look to the future with confidence. We are delighted to welcome residents to Warragul and look forward to supporting them as they settle into their new homes and become part of the local community,” Ms Frew said.
“Inner Gippsland is one of Victoria’s highest-demand regional areas for social housing, highlighting the significant need for more homes across the region Developments like this make a meaningful difference for the people who move in, but they also reinforce why continued investment is essential to increase the supply of social housing and ensure more people have access to a safe, secure and affordable home.”
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when governments and the community housing sector work together. We thank the Victorian Government for its continued investment in social housing and for partnering with Housing Choices Australia to deliver more homes where they are needed most. Together, we’re creating lasting housing outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”
Learn more about the development here.
For media enquiries contact:
Preeti Daga, Group Communications Manager, Housing Choices Australia
E: [email protected]| M: +61 430 555 241
About Housing Choices Australia
Housing Choices Australia is a national Tier 1 community housing provider managing more than 8,200 homes and supporting close to 14,000 residents across five states. For more than two decades, Housing Choices has worked with Federal, State and local governments, developers and community partners to provide safe, secure and affordable housing for people on low to moderate incomes, older people, families and people living with disability.
