The COVID pandemic didn’t stop Heathcote’s newest residents moving into four purpose built one bedroom social housing units in November 2020. And today, one year later we celebrate this milestone with the official opening of the units.
Thanks to a local partnership with the Lions Club of Heathcote, Heathcote Health, City of Greater Bendigo, Heathcote & District Community Bank, the Victorian Property Fund and Wintringham Housing, these seven-star energy rated homes have been built with the needs of elderly people in mind.
“We’re so pleased that these new homes are making life comfortable for the new tenants, with wheelchair access, bedrooms designed to support periods of illness, external charge points and storage for scooters, special equipment for frail residents, along with other standard safety measures including fire sprinklers,” said Frank Dailey Heathcote Lions Club President.
Wintringham Housing in partnership with the Lions Club, already has a local presence with 17 units adjacent to this new site. “Being in Heathcote already means we can extend our current housing support services to these additional four people. This model ensures that tenants can access the support they need to maintain successful tenancies, and the services they need - this can often make all the difference to helping people feel settled and happy in their new home,” said Michael Deschepper Deputy CEO Wintringham.
Dan Douglass Chief Executive Officer of Heathcote Health said: “As a major provider of health, hospital and aged care services to the local community, this project is a sound investment in our community’s future, and as a result we have provided the land for the new buildings at no cost. With an increased ageing population in our area, and many from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, affordable housing is often the key to good health.”
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said by mirroring the Victorian Government’s social housing policy, the rents on the new properties will remain affordable.
“The City is proud to be a partner in this important project. An adequate supply of affordable housing is essential to improving the liveability of Greater Bendigo. When people have access to safe and affordable housing it helps them to enjoy a better standard of living and contribute to their community,” Cr Metcalf said.
Stephen Trompp Chair of the Heathcote and Nagambie Community Bank said: “We’re excited to be able to contribute to this project that really is centred on positive community outcomes, for people who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to live in a home of their own. For many it may even be the first time that they will have the support to maintain their tenancy.”
Thank you to our partners and the local Heathcote community for supporting our work and our clients.
