THE Victorian government has completed and rented 28 one and two-bedroom studios for First Nations young people in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The partnership between the government, Aboriginal Housing Victoria and Kids Under Cover has delivered studios Boronia, Mildura, Shepparton, Noble Park, Corio, Broadmeadows, Epping, Doveton, Belmont, Hampton Park, Pascoe Vale, Mooroopna, and Eastwood.
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks visited a family at their home in Boronia, where a moveable housing unit was newly installed.
“The unit provides a stable space to grow and study while keeping kids connected to their families, reducing the risk of them being forced to leave home prematurely,” the government said.
As the studio is moveable, once it is no longer required, it is relocated to accommodate another young person who needs it.
The units are being funded as part of an allocation for housing repairs, refurbishments and new builds for Aboriginal communities included in the government’s $528 million Building Works Stimulus program.
Last year the Government invested $150 million to build new homes, in addition to $35 million to upgrade existing housing, through grants to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal housing providers. It is expected that this funding will provide 400 new homes.
In 2020, the Government and the Victorian Aboriginal community launched Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: Every Aboriginal Person Has a Home- the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework. This included a $5.3 million investment to kick-start initiatives, including an Aboriginal-specific Private Rental Assistance Program.
“Having a home means security, stability and staying safe – and we are delivering more culturally safe housing options for First Nations young people across the state,” said Minister for Treaty and First Nations Gabrielle Williams.
