A VincentCare Community Housing project promising to deliver 83 new social and affordable homes in Melbourne’s west has celebrated a major milestone, reaching the highest structural point in the build.
The Assistant Treasurer and Member for Fraser, Hon Dr Daniel Mulino MP, and Federal Member for Macnamara and Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness, Josh Burns MP, today attended the topping out ceremony for the Maribyrnong development to celebrate the significant progress made on the build.
The rapid progress reflects a joint commitment from VincentCare Community Housing (VCCH), a subsidiary of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) towards high-quality housing and service support for Victorian communities.
It comes at a critical time as the state’s housing crisis continues to put pressure on communities, increasing housing insecurity and demand for homelessness support services.
The new homes will provide tenants with more than just a roof over their heads, creating a community supported by access to vital services and connection to employment opportunities.
This project is part of 279 successful projects funded by Housing Australia’s through Rounds 1 and 2 of the HAFF, supporting the delivery of 18,650 social and affordable homes built across Australia, including funding to support 9,284 social and 9,366 affordable homes.
The Australian Government-funded project complements three major community housing developments delivered by VCCH in partnership with Homes Victoria, which will provide a total of 185 new residences across Bendigo, Footscray and Wollert by late 2027.
Attention will now turn to the facade and internal fit-out ahead of the Maribyrnong development's anticipated completion in early 2027.
Quotes attributable to Charlie Spendlove, Group CEO St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria
“These apartments represent a significant investment in the security of Victorians, providing a safe place to call home, build a community and approach their future with dignity.
“More Victorians are experiencing homelessness than ever before, and the solution isn’t simple. This project demonstrates what's possible when the federal government, the community housing sector and the Catholic Development Fund come together to find a solution to a growing issue.”
Quotes attributable to Josh Burns MP, Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness
“We’re working with incredible community housing providers like VincentCare to deliver the biggest investment in social and affordable housing in over a decade.”
“This project, and hundreds like it, will change the lives of thousands of vulnerable Australians for the better.”
Quotes attributable to Scott Langford, CEO of Housing Australia
"The progress being made at Maribyrnong reflects the strength of partnership between Housing Australia, VincentCare Community Housing and the Australian Government.
"Together, we're supporting the delivery of high-quality homes that will provide greater housing security and opportunity for Victorians.
"This milestone is an important step towards providing safe, secure housing for Victorians, and demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the community housing sector work together towards a shared goal."