Compass Housing’s chief corporate services officer Lyndall Robertshaw is delighted people experiencing hardship in the Newcastle housing sector now have a place to call home.
Her elation follows the completion of a new social and affordable project in Adamstown.
The 50-unit complex will reduce housing stress and connect those in need with all-important services and supports.
The development marks the end of Compass Housing’s program of 493 dwellings, across 19 sites in the Hunter and Central Coast, delivered under the NSW Government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).
While Adamstown boasts 50 apartments, other suburbs to benefit from the initiative include Belmont (21), Cardiff (60), Glendale (12), Mayfield (36), Morisset (26), Teralba (22), Thornton (65), Wickham (10), Wallsend – Fletcher Street (6), Wallsend – Gunambi Street (14), Wallsend – Irrawang Street (8), Wallsend – Stapleton Street (4) and Wallsend – Macquarie Street (2).
“It was great to have NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens in Newcastle [today] to see first-hand one of the 19 housing projects,” Ms Robertshaw said.
“Compass has worked with the government, our partners, local builders and contractors to deliver 493 new homes across the Hunter and Central Coast.
“This is the single largest social and affordable housing project witnessed in the regions.
“And, we’ve delivered it in just over two years, despite the challenges of a COVID-19 pandemic.
“This Adamstown project has 50 units – 13 one-bedroom and 37 two-bedroom.
“Overall, more than 1,000 people now have an affordable roof over their head.”
Ms Robertshaw admitted there were nothing but positives as a result of the collaboration.
“Importantly, the mixture of apartments, townhouses and residences are close to local shops, services and job opportunities,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“Compass will not only manage the tenancies but also provide access to tailored, wrap-around, support services to help ensure people can make the most of their new homes and achieve their goals.
“Projects like this one show what is possible when governments leverage the know-how and capacity of the community housing sector and private sector.
“The SAHF program is a big win for local economies and communities, creating jobs for tradies and other professions, as well.”
Mr Henskens said the Adamstown complex would reduce housing stress for the occupants.
“It not only provides a range of accommodation options for vulnerable people but links them to vital services to improve their health and general wellbeing,” he explained.
“It’s also close to shops and transport.”
Ms Pavey said the SAHF was a key initiative of Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW.
“We’re on track to deliver 3,485 homes across the state,” she stated.
“So, we’re thrilled Compass Housing will assist residents with tailored supports, boosting their social inclusion, economic participation and community cohesion, in the Hunter and Central Coast.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said the SAHF provided an economic boost to the local economy, too.
“The dwellings delivered by Compass through the program have provided a strong pipeline of new homes in the Hunter, creating jobs for local tradies,” he added.
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