September 2009

Boost for Victorian Aboriginal housing

Indigenous Victorians have even better access to affordable housing thanks to the work of Aboriginal Housing Victoria—the first housing agency of its kind to be registered in Victoria.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne celebrated the registration of Aboriginal Housing Victoria as a housing provider with three Aboriginal elders in their new Noble Park units.

‘There are about 1,380 housing properties in the Office of Housing’s Aboriginal Rental Housing Program.

‘Tenancies and properties are being transferred to Aboriginal Housing Victoria with the aim of improving housing options and the supply of affordable housing for Aboriginal Victorians.’

Mr Wynne said a funding boost of $7.5 million for social housing for Aboriginal Victorians in 2008 helped buy three newly-constructed units on Flowervale Road, Noble Park, which were handed over to Aboriginal Housing Victoria in October, 2008.

Aunty Pat Ockwell, Aunty Fay Carter and Aunty Marlene Penrith are delighted with their new housing—which gives them independence and the opportunity to socialise.

‘The units are free-standing two-bedroom villa units, each with its own street frontage, a courtyard garden and lock-up garage.

‘Aboriginal Housing Victoria is also providing assistance with gardening maintenance and linking the tenants with support services in the area.’

Mr Wynne said Aboriginal Housing Victoria was required to become registered as a Housing Agency under the Housing Act 1983.

‘The organisation was successfully approved for registration as a housing provider in June, 2009—a fantastic achievement for the organisation and its tenants.

‘Aboriginal Housing Victoria is now the largest registered housing provider in Victoria and the third largest registered housing agency.’

The Office of Housing has transferred more than 1,200 tenancies to Aboriginal Housing Victoria to date.

‘Aboriginal Housing Victoria provides tenants with an Aboriginal landlord, which means a more personalised service by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people—with a particular emphasis on meeting individual needs,’ Mr Wynne said.

‘The dual achievements of registration and the attainment of a significant tenancy management portfolio bode well for Aboriginal Housing Victoria’s future as the state’s leading Aboriginal housing agency,’ he said.