Seven new homes in Hastings will soon provide a vital lifeline for women and children experiencing housing insecurity, offering safe and secure housing when it's needed most.
Delivered by Women's Property Initiatives in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire and funded by Homes Victoria through the Big Housing Build, the $4.5 million development will deliver safe, modern and energy-efficient homes for women on the priority housing list. It will support both individuals and those with children to remain connected to their community, schools and support networks.
The Shire supported the project by providing the land on a long-term peppercorn lease, demonstrating its commitment to working in partnership to increase social and affordable housing across the Peninsula.
While the funding provided by the State Government is a welcome step forward, it also reflects the significant and ongoing demand for housing across the Peninsula.
In 2025, nearly 1,000 people sought assistance for homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula. Women aged 30-39 face the highest rates of family violence, many with children in their care, while women over 50 are the fastest-growing group needing housing support. Demand is rising, with a 33 per cent increase in people seeking crisis assistance in the past year.
In 2026, more than 160 people are sleeping rough on the Peninsula's foreshores - the highest number recorded by any Victorian local government collecting this data, including Melbourne's CBD. The Peninsula also has the highest number of women and people over 55 sleeping in tents and cars anywhere in the state.
Acting Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said the Hastings development is an important step to address this growing challenge.
"These seven homes will make a real difference for women in Hastings, providing safety, stability and a place to call home. But we know there is much more to do," he said.
"We're committed to working with partners to deliver more housing across the Peninsula. We are actively identifying suitable Council-owned land and pursuing opportunities with organisations like Women's Property Initiatives and YWCA to help address the growing housing crisis locally."
The Shire continues to advocate for increased investment and is actively exploring opportunities to partner with community housing providers to deliver more homes for women, children and others who need them most.
