A new 14-unit home for Tasmanians with disabilities will be built through a special partnership between Homes Tasmania and the Fairbrother Foundation.
The collaboration will leverage philanthropic private sector investment to deliver a supported housing model to meet a critical community need.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to increasing the supply of long-term accommodation options and improving the well-being of Tasmanians living with a disability.
An existing communal residence in Hobart’s northern suburbs is being upgraded to provide a safe and modern group home facility.
Tasmanian firm Fairbrother Pty Ltd and its philanthropic arm the Fairbrother Foundation have a strong track record in Tasmania through building and construction, facilities management and philanthropic support for local community needs.
The Fairbrother Foundation is contributing up to one-third of the total construction value as well as providing funding for the ongoing maintenance of the property.
The new supported independent living facility will provide long-term accommodation for people living with severe and persistent mental illness who are able to live well in the community with support and care.
This $10.2 million project will provide 14 individual units for NDIS participants, staff areas and communal living spaces to promote a sense of community and comfort.
The facility will be managed and staffed by Richmond Futures 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Richmond Futures is a recognised support provider and has been successfully providing independent living and other community mental health services in Tasmania for 37 years with its parent organisation, Richmond Fellowship Tasmania.
Richmond Futures works with people with NDIS plans to maintain their well-being, achieve personal goals, and build their capacity and independence.
The site for the facility is ideal because it is close to retail, transport and recreational space and because available land will allow for the construction of a home-like environment for residents.
This project showcases the innovation and collaboration that can be delivered with private sector investment to deliver a niche supported housing facility which has been designed and developed with input from people with lived experience to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Construction is expected to be completed in January 2024.
The Tasmanian Government recognises the housing challenges facing Tasmanians and is responding with a historic 10-year, $1.5 billion housing package – the largest housing investment in the State’s history.
We committed to building 1,500 social and affordable homes and units by June 2023, and we are well on track with 735 completed as at December 31, 2022.
This is an unprecedented level of funding which will deliver 10,000 new affordable homes and over the next decade to meet the diverse housing needs of Tasmanians, including youth, the elderly, those living with a disability, men, women and families.
