Since October 2024, several local agencies have collaborated to improve living conditions in Main St Mornington public housing. A working group was formed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire to address the health and wellbeing of tenants and issues relating to long-standing maintenance.
Together, the group worked through significant challenges including maintenance, systems, tenancy placement, and ongoing improvements for the area. Several units previously damaged by fire were renovated and re-tenanted by local people on the Housing Register.
Funding and support for the joint project was provided by the Mornington Peninsula Shire (landscaping, tree and shrub planting and rubbish removal), the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (maintenance repairs) and the Community Support Centres (tenants support through emergency relief and casework).
The Working Group comprises representatives from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Mornington Community Support Centre, Western Port Community Support, Southern Peninsula Community Support, Bolton Clarke, Peninsula Health, Mornington Victoria Police, and the Department of Fairness, Family and Housing (DFFH).
Further improvements are planned for the coming year.
Quote attributable to Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh
"This is a great example of a multi-agency partnership approach. Collectively we have worked through some challenging issues to deliver an outcome that supports the wellbeing of tenants."
Quotes attributable to Ben Smith, CEO Mornington Community Support Centre
"Residents are often blamed for issues outside of their control, or indeed for things they didn't do, and it's great to see some action after all these years of advocacy. Our community has rallied and provided a sense of relief and support, delivering immediate positive impacts for everyone involved."
Quotes attributable to Kathleen Alonso, Deputy Secretary - Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
"We're committed to improving outcomes for public housing renters, and the Main Street Working Group is a strong example of what can be achieved through community collaboration. Together, we're making progress on maintenance, tenancy support, and the overall wellbeing of renters."
