• Cobden housing redevelopment
Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) will redevelop a vacant site in Cobden, in Victoria’s rural south-west, for long-term social housing.
The site, better known as Tandarook House, is a former 10-bed aged care facility that has sat vacant for a number of years. SAHV acquired the house four years ago and will now transform the space by constructing six one and two-bedroom units.
SAHV recently received a $1.7 million grant from the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build initiative to help develop the site.
Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett welcomed the “much-needed” project.
“Housing and support have always been central to The Salvation Army’s fight against hardship and injustice across Australia,” he said.
“In Victoria, now more than ever, our work with Salvation Army Housing Victoria and the Victorian Government is critical to addressing homelessness in Victoria and all the challenges homelessness brings.
“We welcome the support of the Victorian Government to help address some of the daily difficulties our regional clients face in securing safe and affordable housing.”
The project, expected to create 21 jobs in the local area, will be based around the current infrastructure within the same building envelope.
Salvation Army Housing Chief Executive Officer Chris Karagiannis said: “We are grateful and excited to be partnering with the Victorian Government and Homes Victoria on this much-needed housing project in Cobden.
“Safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most basic needs, yet we see too many Victorians facing daily challenges accessing long-term housing in regional areas.
“We believe this project will help support vulnerable people in the region and provide them the opportunity to transform their lives and give them a place to call home.”
The Salvation Army is the largest provider of homelessness services in Australia.
SAHV is a community housing organisation providing homes for families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, are on low incomes, and have specific support needs.
SAHV acquired Tandarook House as part of an agreement with the Corangamite Shire through a land swap with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to redevelop the space for long-term social housing.
The project will begin within the next few weeks as planning and other approvals are obtained.
Some information courtesy of Cobden Timboon Coast Times
