Canberra's latest affordable housing development is progressing in Curtin, comprising 83 affordable rental units and 15 supported housing apartments for people with enduring mental illness.
The ACT Government is supporting this project through its Affordable Housing Project Fund and a construction grant. It is also being supported by the Federal Government and recently reached contract close for funding as part of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF).
Minister for Homes, Homelessness and New Suburbs, Yvette Berry, said all Canberrans should have a safe and secure home.
"These new affordable apartments will provide modern homes close to employment, education and public transport," Minister Berry said.
"The homes for people with enduring mental illnesses is an important addition to the range of supported housing in the ACT, which is a priority for this Government."
"The project is part of the ACT Government's commitment to enable 30,000 more homes, including delivering 5,000 additional public, community and affordable rental dwellings in Canberra by the end of 2030."
The project will be delivered by community housing provider, Wesley Mission. The Uniting Church Property Trust (ACT) is the owner of the leasehold.
Construction is due to commence in early 2026 and be completed in early 2028.
The affordable housing component includes 83 rental units with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. These units will be leased to tenants at less than 75 per cent of market rate.
The 15 supported housing units will be managed by MyHome in Canberra, a not-for-profit association which aims to provide people who have enduring mental illnesses with affordable homes that are safe and supportive.
The MyHome building will have 24/7 support from staff and include an additional caregiver apartment and office, as well as indoor and outdoor communal spaces.
A development application was lodged by AMC Architecture on 23 April 2025 and is now under assessment.
ACT Government funding for the project includes a waiver on the lease variation charge, as well as ongoing support to cover the gap between the market rate and discounted rate of the affordable rental properties.
The Affordable Housing Project Fund was expanded to $100 million through the 2025-26 ACT Budget as part of an additional $145m investment in housing.
This Curtin development is one of seven Canberra projects to receive HAFFF Round 1 funding.
A second round of HAFFF funding for an additional 85 social homes was announced last week.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Tyndale, Chief Investment & Assets Officer at Wesley Mission:
"Wesley Curtin is a great example of what can be achieved when government and community come together.
"This development will deliver almost 100 safe, secure and affordable homes for people who need them most. Projects like this build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods and it is a privilege for Wesley Mission to be part of such a forward-thinking and collaborative effort.
"We are especially grateful to our partners, including Woden Valley Uniting Church, the MyHome committee and the ACT Government for helping bring this vision to life."
Quotes attributable to John Eyers and Evan Mann, MyHome in Canberra committee members:
"This is a happy moment for hundreds of Canberrans who have donated to MyHome in Canberra over ten years, showing their support for people with enduring mental illnesses.
"The success of this approach for both residents and the surrounding communities has been proven in HOME in Queanbeyan, Haven homes in Victoria, Clear Breeze Apartments in Brisbane, and elsewhere.
"This finance from governments is vital but leaves a substantial need still for philanthropic and community contributions, which we will continue to help organise."
