Date: 2007-05-01
→ Increased funding for housing announced in the State and Federal budgets will create further opportunities for Community Housing Limited to serve indigenous communities
→ Community Housing Limited will continue its focus of partnership development for housing growth within Aboriginal communities.
The $300 million recently announced in the 2007-08 State Budget for Victoria’s Housing Associations provides Community Housing Limited (CHL) further opportunity to develop affordable community housing projects targeting the needs of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.
“Every aboriginal organisation we have met with states that the lack of appropriate and affordable housing is one of the main issues for their community,” says Maree Davidson, Manager of the CHL National Aboriginal Housing Program. “CHL will continue to target affordable housing projects in aboriginal communities where there is a willingness to partner in expertise, funding and community resources.”
In addition, Community Housing Limited also intends to work with a growing number of aboriginal cooperatives and trusts to take full advantage of the recently announced Federal Government commitment of $294 million over four years to construct new indigenous houses, and to fund an expanded program of repairs and maintenance of existing housing in remote areas.
With in-house design, construction and maintenance services, CHL has already constructed and maintains many homes in aboriginal communities. Designs are developed with input from community members to ensure housing meets the needs of the resident community.
“CHL has learned a lot about designing culturally appropriate homes by inviting community participation in all projects. Input is sought at each stage: from design through construction and onto tenancy sign up and management,” says Ms. Davidson. “Sharing ideas, resources, and knowledge to get the best housing outcomes possible is what CHL’s successful partnerships are built on.”
CHL will also continue to develop employment opportunities for aboriginal people via its construction and property administration services. Additional funding to the Koori Business Network ($1.8 million over two years) has resulted in immediate discussion around economic development in aboriginal communities.>
For example, CHL is interested in working with local individuals and groups to develop furniture making and home maintenance services. The output of these businesses can supply furnishings and property services to houses managed by CHL. Having more than 1000 properties under management across the state offers CHL a unique opportunity to develop employment pathways for aboriginal people, and is an exciting aspect of CHL’s project development within aboriginal communities.