New-look Tandarook House aged care facility officially opened
BY LERISSE SMITH
Exciting new transformative housing projects have emerged in Victoria, with Salvation Army Housing Victoria (SAHV) at the forefront of these innovative ventures.
A former 10-bedroom aged care facility, known as ‘Tandarook House,’ has been transformed into six social housing units in south-western Melbourne. Meanwhile, a youth housing project is underway in the western metro region of the city and is due to open mid-year.
The refurbished aged care units in Cobden, south-west Melbourne, provide safe and secure housing for people over the age of 55. Homes Victoria funded this $1.7 million redevelopment as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build initiative to grow social housing and support local economies.
“Safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most basic human needs,” says Chris Karagiannis, CEO of Salvation Army Housing.
“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 that provides homes for families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, on low incomes, or with specific support needs.
Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett recently officially opened Tandarook House. “We welcome this much-needed project,” Kelvin said.
“And the support of the Victorian Government to help address some of the daily difficulties our regional clients face in securing safe and affordable housing. Housing and support have always been central to The Salvation Army’s fight against hardship and injustice across Australia.”
The SAHV acquired the aged care facility located in the Shire of Corangamite six years ago as part of an agreement with the Shire through a land swap with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to redevelop it for long-term social housing.
The funding for the development was secured in 2022 and completed at the end of December last year. It was tenanted within six weeks.
Victorian Government Shadow Minister Richard Riordan visited the facility, expressing enthusiasm for the much-needed community initiative.
The new facility provides a mix of one- and two-bedroom units and features a 7-star energy rating and a 5-star green rating. It aligns with accessibility standards in Sliver Level Liveable Housing Standards and NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Improved Liveability Standard.
Additionally, the properties situated at the north-east end of the Tandarook Botanic Gardens also feature outdoor courtyards, encouraging tenants to immediately feel part of the heart of the rural township.
Chris said finding affordable rental housing was even more challenging for aged pensioners who were single, with only 0.1 per cent of listings considered affordable, and thanked Colonel Kelvin Merrett and Mission Engagement Officer Mark Kop for their passionate support in making the project a reality and transforming lives.
Furthermore, he thanked Program Delivery Manager Tuyet-Anh Le and Housing Worker Connie Osborne for their dedication to bringing the project to life and Salvation Army Emergency Services for catering at the official launch.
Youth housing project underway
The other exciting new SAHV venture, a two-townhouse youth-specific housing project, is due for completion soon and will provide stable housing for local young people. The properties in Melbourne’s MetroWest will cater for five residents in each home.
A tenancy life program has also been implemented for young people to build extended life skills. The aim is for the young people to be self-sufficient and independent, said Irena Baric, State Manager of Victorian Salvation Army Housing.
She said SAHV always worked closely with The Salvation Army’s social mission stream and was excited the community could benefit from its new housing projects.
“There’s never enough housing,” Irena remarked.
“What Salvation Army housing does is social and affordable housing. It is only 25-30 per cent of someone’s total income that is charged towards rent. All of this highlights the power of community and the power of succeeding in partnership with The Salvation Army’s homelessness service and youth, and through external stakeholders.
“It is only then that we can really bring our mission to life because we focus on social housing and people most in need. It is through the public community we are able to transform lives.”
Walking through the incredible youth space, Chris said the Salvos housing team could already imagine the transformations that would take place, with young people finding stability, support, and a future full of possibilities.
“These homes are more than just bricks and mortar,” he said. “They are a launchpad for brighter futures!”
