More homes delivered — opening doors to stability
Since launching in May 2025, the Trust’s Vacancy Program has been positively transforming how we make homes available for tenants.
By streamlining operational processes and targeting key pressure points, the program aims to reduce delays through four projects
— Early Tenant Access, Rapid Vacancies, Panel Builder, and Increasing Capacity of Allocations.
Highlights of our progress:
- Over 500 properties assessed, with 23% of these homes returned within nine working days as Early Tenant Access homes, giving tenants quicker access to housing.
- 266 rapid properties completed, with 85 more on track for handover by 30 September 2025.
- Vacancies are now packaged by region and assigned to a single builder, enabling faster, more efficient turnaround.
- Panel builder engagement has begun, increasing the number of directly contracted trades for major refurbishments and easing pressure on existing contractors.
- These changes are helping unify our internal systems and accelerate access to safe, clean, and functional homes.
Progress update released: Housing Security for Older Women
The Progress Update on Improving Housing Security for Older Women was released in October. The update outlines the coordinated actions we’re taking across government and with sector partners to reduce housing stress and improve security for older South Australian women. The update responds to 40 recommendations made by the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce, with progress across four key areas:
- New Supply Models and Land Use – enabling co-housing, modular builds, and planning reforms
- Private Rental – strengthening tenant protections and supporting longer-term rental options
- Services – improving access to early intervention, financial literacy, and safe community hubs
- Social Housing – investing in new builds, refurbishments, and person-centred housing models
This work reflects our whole-of-government commitment to creating safer, more secure housing options for those most at risk, with many reforms benefiting all South Australians facing housing stress.
Good Neighbour Policy introduced to support safer communities
The SA Housing Trust introduced the Good Neighbour Policy in September 2025, replacing the former Anti-Social Behaviour Policy. The new policy sets clearer expectations for tenants to respect the peace, comfort, and privacy of their neighbours, with antisocial behaviour now defined as intentional or reckless conduct.
Key changes included a clearer definition of serious misconduct, removal of verbal warnings and outdated severity levels, more detailed complaint procedures, greater transparency around investigations, and the introduction of a conciliation conference pathway to support early resolution.
The policy formed part of the Trust’s broader commitment to creating safer, more respectful neighbourhoods. Staff received training to support tenants in understanding their responsibilities, with further information made available through SA Housing Trust offices.
Building new types of public housing flats
We’re proud to deliver a new generation of public housing flats across Adelaide. These two-bedroom homes are thoughtfully designed to be more modern, comfortable, accessible, and energy efficient. Built on smaller blocks of land, they’re also easier to maintain and manage.
So far, three beautiful new sites have been completed and tenanted, with two more nearing completion and a sixth site about to begin construction. Most developments include between 8 and 12 flats, with a total of 74 flats to be delivered.
Each home features air conditioning, individual laundries, and covered parking, ensuring residents enjoy both comfort and convenience.
Walk-up Flats refurbishments: over 200 homes improved
More than 200 walk-up flats have been refurbished, with major upgrades underway at Glengowrie Court (58 units), Drew Court in Oaklands Park (93 units), and Nicolls Court in Findon (73 units). Tenants have welcomed the improvements, which include indoor laundry facilities, new kitchens and bathrooms, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, roof replacements, air conditioning, and refreshed facades.
Demolishing outdated carports and laundries has improved visibility and safety. Enhanced lighting, secure access, and better fencing are boosting security across sites.
At Bentzen Court, external laundries are being removed or secured, with lighting, fencing, and landscaping improvements underway. Elliot Lodge has seen increased security, cleaning, rubbish removal, and repairs to windows and doors.
These upgrades reflect our commitment to providing safe, dignified, and modern housing for our tenants.
Partnering to improve Aboriginal housing outcomes
We’re proud to be working with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) to establish a new Aboriginal Peak Body that will lead efforts to improve housing outcomes for Aboriginal people across South Australia.
The Trust is investing $2.5 million over five years to support the establishment of this peak body, which will focus on developing a community-controlled housing sector that delivers both housing and housing support services.
The new peak body will:
- Consult with communities and Aboriginal housing and homelessness services
- Foster Aboriginal leadership and support Aboriginal-led decision making
- Advocate for Aboriginal housing needs across the state
- Strengthen partnerships between government and Aboriginal communities
- Drive innovation and accountability in housing outcomes
This is a major step forward in our commitment to Closing the Gap and creating more appropriate, affordable, and culturally safe housing for Aboriginal communities.
Homes nearing completion in Mount Gambier
Four brand-new homes in Mt Gambier are nearing completion, marking the final stage of our latest construction round in the region. These homes are part of 22 homes we've built in the area, delivered through our Public Housing Improvement Program.
Across regional South Australia, more than 150 new homes have been built under the program, each designed to provide safe, modern, and low-maintenance living for South Australians in need.
The new two-bedroom homes in Mt Gambier feature varied layouts, tailored to suit different needs, while offering the same high standard of comfort and functionality. Once complete, they’ll provide welcoming spaces for tenants to call home.
Leadership in Focus: Women Unlimited Summit
Julie-Anne Burgess, Chief Executive, SA Housing Trust, recently represented the SA Housing Trust at the prestigious Women Unlimited Leadership Summit, held at Adelaide Oval and hosted by The Hatchery.
Part of a national series spanning six cities over two days, the Summit explored the theme “The Pursuit of Progress”, celebrating and amplifying the voices of women in public sector leadership. Attendees were inspired by keynote addresses from global and national trailblazers, including Hillary Rodham Clinton and The Hon. Julia Gillard AC.
Julie-Anne joined a panel of South Australian executives, sharing her personal leadership journey, pivotal career moments, and her approach to nurturing future leaders. Her insights contributed to a rich dialogue on building inclusive workplaces and driving meaningful change across the sector.
The event offered valuable takeaways for public sector professionals and highlighted the Trust’s commitment to championing leadership, equity, and innovation.
Welcoming Maree Wauchope as Executive Director, Property Services
Maree Wauchope has been appointed as the new Executive Director Property Services for the SA Housing Trust. Maree joins SA Housing Trust from Barunga West Council where she currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to this appointment, Maree held a variety of executive leadership roles across the South Australian Public Sector, including with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the Land Management Corporation (now Renewal SA). Throughout her career, Maree has successfully designed and implemented policies and programs across not only infrastructure, but also social services, utilities and planning. Maree will commence with the Trust in November 2025.
White Ribbon Workplace Reaccreditation
We’re proud to share that SA Housing Trust has achieved White Ribbon Workplace Reaccreditation. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to ending gendered violence and fostering a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion. It reflects the progress we’ve made in creating a safer, more respectful workplace — and our broader role in supporting the community.
