Department for Housing and Urban Development commenced on 1 July
The 1 July 2024 marked an important milestone, when the Department for Housing and Urban Development came into operation. The SA Housing Trust is proud to be part of this new portfolio, led by David Reynolds, Chief Executive.
Presiding Member of the SA Housing Trust Board, Mary Patetsos AM, had the opportunity to meet with the respective Department Chief Executives, Chairs and the Minister for Housing and Urban Development on day one to discuss roles and how the Department will address the housing crisis.
Seaton redevelopment taking shape
Initial designs have been released for a new apartment complex, forming a crucial element of the Seaton Renewal Project.
The proposed five-storey development will feature 22, two-bedroom apartments, including two fully accessible apartments to be tenanted for public housing. These will be complemented by 22 car parks, including two accessible car parks, communal spaces, and landscaping.
The apartments are designed to maximise open space living areas, with future tenants to enjoy light, brighter spaces, and views either to the east, towards the Adelaide CBD and hills, or west to the coastline. The proposed apartment complex is located on the corner of 143-145 Frederick Road and 97 Matthews Avenue and is part of Stage One of the Seaton Renewal Project.
The development application has been submitted to the State Commission Assessment Panel for determination. The $12.6 million project is being funded through the Commonwealth Government’s $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.
The future is to build: Doorways2Construction
Building and infrastructure courses are being prioritised through the Housing Roadmap, with more than 30,000 new training places planned over the next five years – an increase of 1,000 extra training places per year compared with current levels.
The Trust’s Doorways2construction program will be rolled out to Mount Gambier as part of the move. The program is just one of the employment pathways making a difference to the sector and is facilitated by the Trust, in collaboration with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Doorways2construction is South Australia’s premier secondary schools’ program for the building and construction industry – hear from students learning the skills to build homes!
This isn't just a house, it's my house
The Public Housing Improvement Program (PHIP) works to renovate 350 homes is making an impact. In this edition of the newsletter, a tenant speaks out about her delight at being allocated one of these properties. With renovations complete in Salisbury Downs, the tenant moved into her new home after two years of couch surfing and temporary accommodation.
She said:
"This isn't just a house, it's my home. After two years of couch surfing and living in my car, I'm so excited to sleep in an actual bed. Not having a place to call home gave me anxiety and depression and I'm so excited to feel like myself again and to get my dog back!"
New homes released at Sunfields in Davoren Park and Smithfield Plains
New homes have been released at Sunfields in Davoren Park and Smithfield Plains. These family homes, with three bedroom, two bathroom fixed prices homes offer the perfect blend of convenience and comfort.
These are just a few of the 1000 affordable homes being delivered by the Trust through the Affordable Housing Initiative. Noting Affordable Housing for purchase is an important way in which we are increasing supply across the State, often supporting families to transition from private rental and opening options for others.
Whyalla office moved to a new location
Our Whyalla office has been relocated to a newly renovated office space from Monday 22 July 2024 onwards.
The new office at 161 Nicolson Avenue is just a short distance from our existing premises. The new office has a larger waiting area with more seating, better access to computer services, and more privacy for customer interactions.
Building Ideas
Check out the Trust’s Executive Director, Property Services, Mark Hayward on Channel 9’s Building Ideas program.
Mark spoke about the public housing landscape in South Australia and our commitment to build more than 400 new public homes through the Public Housing Improvement Program.
The program is the third that the Trust has been involved with and is part of a series that provides the opportunity to reach large audiences.
SA Housing Trust, NAIDOC week staff celebrations
Our staff from across the state celebrated the NAIDOC week by participating in various community events and organising team activities. It was a busy week for our staff across regions:
- some of them participating in the NAIDOC week march in Adelaide
- we had our staff set-up a SA Housing Trust stall at the Family Festival event at the Adelaide Festival Plaza
- Morning tea was organised across many offices to reflect inward and celebrate the week
- candle making art workshop was organised to reflect the theme of the week
- some of our staff wore the NAIDOC week t-shirts designed to raise awareness
- NAIDOC week branded merchandises were distributed
- sausage sizzle was organised
These were a few of the events organised during the NAIDOC week by our staff.
