Western Sydney essential workers have a new place to call home this Christmas, with Anglicare Sydney today opening a building of 20 affordable apartments in Kingswood, reserved to house those who serve communities every day.
Anglicare purchased the former National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) complex to ensure it was not lost to the private market. Instead, the entire property will be retained as affordable housing, and held for essential workers in need.
Lisa, a retail worker who was facing homelessness, will be the first new resident of the complex. She said this new home is the lifeline she - and her future neighbours - needed.
"I'm so grateful to Anglicare for helping me find a home. To know I'll have a roof over my head on Christmas morning is better than any present I could have imagined," she said.
Recent research from Anglicare showed that around just 1% of properties across Greater Sydney were deemed affordable for essential workers.
Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the reality of the housing affordability crisis is dire, with essential workers hit particularly hard.
"Essential workers play a vital role in our communities, yet many struggle to find secure and affordable homes. Anglicare is committed to practical solutions that preserve affordability and provide security for those who keep our city running," said Mr Miller.
Former NSW Planning Minister and now Group Executive of Housing at Anglicare, Rob Stokes, said a reliable pipeline of well‑located affordable homes is needed across Sydney.
"Safe, secure and affordable housing is essential for a healthy community. When people can't access it, services are disrupted, workforce shortages grow and community wellbeing suffers.
"Anglicare Sydney is committed to working with government, councils and other partners on practical, scalable solutions that make a real difference for those who contribute so much to our society," said Mr Stokes.
Lisa added that she hopes others facing similar challenges to her are able to find help as well.
"I feel incredibly lucky to have this home and I just hope more people get the same chance. There are so many essential workers doing everything for the community who deserve safe, affordable housing too," said Lisa.
Anglicare Sydney is calling for practical changes to support essential workers to access affordable housing, including:
- Enable churches and communities to utilise land: amend planning rules so SP2‑zoned land owned by religious groups and charities can be used for affordable essential‑worker housing in NSW.
- 10% of new builds for essential‑worker housing.
- Introduce mandatory inclusionary zoning for major developments across NSW, informed by local needs.
- Fast‑track approvals for projects that include essential‑worker housing and introduce targeted tax/scale concessions to encourage delivery above the minimum.
- Meanwhile use: allow vacant or underused buildings awaiting development approvals to be used for short‑term essential‑worker housing.
- Strengthen renter protections and expand social housing to meet growing need.
