A historic Geelong housing estate for older people experiencing homelessness was officially opened on Friday 9 November by the Hon. Christine Couzens MP member for Geelong, together with Wintringham CEO Bryan Lipmann AM and Chair of the Alexander Miller Trust, Gary Martin.
Wintringham Housing is pleased to have once again worked in partnership with the Alexander Miller Estate and the Victorian Government to bring security, opportunity and a new home for 10 residents in Park Street Geelong.
Since 1922 these homes have provided shelter for hundreds of local people over the years, however the units no longer met modern housing standards.
The 10, one-bedroom units have been renovated and restored, and residents now living there are ecstatic with their new home. Each unit is purpose-built and is wheelchair accessible, with solar panels fitted for energy efficiency, and meets Australian Standards for adaptable Housing; they are designed to allow the residents to “age in place”.
Jenny, a resident said: “I have never lived anywhere as good as this.” While PJ said: “I was keen as mustard to move into the new unit with my kelpie.”
Wintringham is Victoria’s only registered housing association that is dedicated to supporting the homeless elderly and has been providing housing, outreach and aged care services for nearly 30 years.
Bryan Lipmann AM Wintringham CEO and Founder said: “Park Street Geelong marks the completion of the 11th Wintringham and Miller Estate renewal project in regional Victoria, which to date has delivered 172 homes, 71 of which are in the Geelong area.”
“It’s very rewarding to see this partnership with the Alexander Miller Estate and Government deliver such tangible and beneficial results for the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. We are proud of not only the result, but the legacy that will endure for many years to come.”
The land belonged to one of Geelong’s most famous philanthropists, Alexander Miller, a successful draper in the 1880s. He established an estate to provide for homeless Victorians, which grew following his death in 1914.
Gary Martin Chair of Trustees, Alexander Miller Estate said: “We are proud to be involved in the finalisation of this project to bring these homes up to contemporary standards, and we know Alexander Miller, who was so well known for his commitment to the Geelong region and supporting charitable causes, would approve.”
Jodi Kennedy General Manager, Charitable Trusts and Philanthropy, Equity Trustees said: “We are honoured to be a trustee of a Trust that supports a program creating a real and demonstrable impact on disadvantage in our local community, and supporting those who need it most. It is a privilege to work with our fellow trustees in partnership with Wintringham to support the causes Alexander Miller cared so much about during his life.”