The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more First Nations young people needing a roof over their head have access to safe and secure housing.
The partnership between the Labor Government, Aboriginal Housing Victoria and Kids Under Cover has helped families and carers to maintain strong, stable relationships with their kids and those in their care.
Minister for Housing Colin Brooks visited a family at their home in Boronia, where a moveable housing unit was newly installed. The unit provides a stable space to grow and study while keeping kids connected to their families, reducing the risk of them being forced to leave home prematurely.
The one-or two-bedroom studios assist carers in need of more room to accommodate young people in their care. As the studio is moveable, once it is no longer required, it is relocated to accommodate another young person who needs it.
This unit in Boronia is one of 28 that are now complete and rented in Mildura, Shepparton, Noble Park, Corio, Broadmeadows, Epping, Doveton, Belmont, Hampton Park, Pascoe Vale, Mooroopna, and Eastwood.
The units are being funded as part of an allocation for housing repairs, refurbishments and new builds for Aboriginal communities included in the Government's $528 million Building Works Stimulus program.
This program is part of developing a culturally safe and self-determined Aboriginal housing and homelessness sector, and a shift towards collective and individual ownership of land and housing.
Last year the Government invested $150 million to build new homes, in addition to $35 million to upgrade existing housing, through grants to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal housing providers. It is expected that this funding will provide 400 new homes.
In 2020, the Government and the Victorian Aboriginal community launched Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort: Every Aboriginal Person Has a Home- the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework. This included a $5.3 million investment to kick-start initiatives, including an Aboriginal-specific Private Rental Assistance Program.
As stated by Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
"Movable units such as these, go a long way to ensuring families can stay connected. Through programs like this, we're supporting families and their kids to thrive."
"Sam and her daughter are just one family who have benefited from this program. Kids Undercover do an incredible job of supporting families, providing the much-needed stability of housing."
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Nations Gabrielle Williams
"Having a home means security, stability and staying safe - and we are delivering more culturally safe housing options for First Nations young people across the state."
