Six new affordable homes are now available to women and children seeking safe housing in Sydney’s east, with a newly acquired unit block delivering much-needed support for victim-survivors of domestic violence in Maroubra.
The Minns Labor Government partnered with Women’s Housing Company, Woollahra Council, and Waverley council to purchase and upgrade the 1970s apartment building in Maroubra.
Refurbishment works included full kitchen upgrades, new windows and general fire safety improvements, with new residents expected to move in shortly.
As affordable housing, rents will be capped at 30 per cent of income, helping women on low to moderate incomes remain in the communities where they work and live.
By purchasing and upgrading existing properties, the Minns Labor Government and its partners can bring affordable housing online sooner and provide immediate support to women in crisis, while continuing to invest in new housing supply across the state.
This project demonstrates how the NSW Government, local councils, and community housing providers can work together to deliver more affordable homes for people who need them.
Councils participating in an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme can allocate funds to deliver affordable rental housing projects either within their own Local Government Area (LGA) or within an adjoining LGA, as in this case.
These homes add to work already underway by the Minns Labor Government to deliver 8,400 new public homes and thousands of new affordable homes, with half dedicated to women and children fleeing domestic violence.
More than 5,175 new homes have already completed and it’s all possible due to a $6.6 billion investment in housing and homelessness, the largest in the state’s history.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:
“This is about getting more safe homes to women in crisis sooner rather than later. It’s a fast and practical way that we can increase affordable housing supply, without waiting years for new builds.
“We are using every tool available to boost housing supply, whether that’s building new homes, renewing older properties or bringing existing homes online faster.
“These homes will provide safety, stability and a pathway forward for women who have experienced trauma, close to the communities, services and support networks they rely on.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Jodie Harrison:
“Safe and affordable housing can be life-changing for women escaping domestic and family violence.
“These homes will provide security, stability and a foundation for a fresh start, close to the services and support networks people rely on.”
“This is part of the broader work we are continuing to do to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence access safe homes so they can recover and rebuild their lives.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Maroubra Michael Daley:
“Safe housing can mean the difference between someone leaving an unsafe situation and them staying. Every affordable home we bring online makes a real difference and I’m thrilled to see these new homes in Maroubra.
“These homes mean women can stay connected to our local community, schools, jobs and support networks while they rebuild their lives.”
Quotes attributable to Women’s Housing Company CEO, Nada Nasser:
“We are grateful for the funding contributions from Homes NSW, Woollahra Council and Waverly Council.
“For women rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence, having a safe, affordable home can make an enormous difference.
“Safe housing means more choice, and more opportunity for women and children to build a secure future. This is a welcome addition to Sydney’s affordable housing.”
Quotes attributable toMayor of Woollahra, Councillor Sarah Dixson:
“Today’s announcement reflects our shared commitment to helping women in crisis rebuild their lives. Woollahra Council is proud to have provided $1.974 million towards this project.
“For seven years, Woollahra Council has partnered with the Women’s Housing Company to help women and children escaping domestic and family violence access safe and affordable housing, reducing their risk of homelessness.
“The program provides 12 local homes and has supported 53 women and children remain connected to their community.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Steven Lewis:
“Affordable housing is a significant challenge in the Eastern Suburbs, where the cost of living and property prices can make it incredibly difficult for people on limited incomes to find a secure place to live.
“For women facing housing insecurity, having an affordable home can be life-changing, providing stability and independence.
“Addressing the housing crisis requires action at every level. Initiatives like this are an important step towards ensuring our community remains a place where people can live with dignity, feel supported and maintain their connection to the area they call home.”
