The NSW Government continues to find innovative and adaptive ways to address the housing crisis in regional areas, transforming a former commercial warehouse site in the Central West into 14 new social homes.
After sitting vacant for more than two decades, the ageing sheds in the heart of Narromine have been knocked down and given a new purpose in the local community.
The site will now give around 20 residents safe and secure housing, with priority given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Located on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri People, the project was made possible by a $2.9 million dollar grant from the NSW Government and funding from Community Housing Provider, Orana Support Services, which will own and manage the property.
The Minns Labor Government is leading the way with innovative solutions to address the housing crisis, including:
- The nation leading land audit which has identified sites capable of delivering more than 11,000 homes.
- Building 90 homes using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in 2025-26.
- Starting the $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF), which has already seen the creation of an additional 800 new beds in NSW across varying accommodation models.
More than 1350 new homes have already been delivered across regional NSW since April 2023, including nearly 500 in Western New South Wales.
The momentum will continue wvith the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which aims to deliver 8,400 new public housing units, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"We know the need for housing in regional areas like Narromine has never been greater, which is why this is exactly the kind of smart, flexible thinking we need right now.
"Across Western NSW, we're delivering more homes more quickly, and this project is another example of how we're using every tool available to tackle the housing crisis regionally.
"Transforming a long-vacant site into new homes means more people in Narromine can stay connected to their community and build a stable future."
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"Everything is on the table when it comes to solving this housing crisis. If a vacant warehouse can become more than a dozen new homes, then we'll do it.
"We are open to any and all innovative ideas to confront the housing crisis as we build new homes under our record-breaking $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.
"This is a leading example of how we can work innovatively with our sector partners to create much needed housing where people can be part of a strong, supportive community to build their futures."
CEO of Orana Support Service Tina Reynolds said:
"Orana Support Service is proud to play a meaningful role in responding to the housing crisis in our region. We were fortunate to secure a vacant warehouse site and transform it into 14 new homes for those in our community who need safe, stable housing the most.
"Through our partnership with the NSW Government, Orana Support Service has been able to expand our capacity as a Community Housing Provider, delivering not only quality housing but also integrated outreach support through our Specialist Homelessness Service.
"We know the demand for housing in regional communities such as Narromine has never been greater. Projects like this reflect the kind of innovative, flexible thinking that is required right now, creating practical solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and the broader community."
