Earlier this month BaptistCare broke ground on their new affordable retirement housing development in Goulburn, a purpose-built project that will significantly expand the social and affordable housing supply for seniors and retirees in Goulburn.
The Hon. Pru Goward MP, Member for Goulburn, Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Social Housing was in attendance, and shared a shovel with BaptistCare CEO Ross Low to turn the first sod of soil.
Once completed the complex will be home to 20 units, and is a part of 3,400 residences being constructed through the NSW Government’s $1.1bn Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF). Residents will receive a service package through the SAHF, which will include access to accommodation, asset and tenancy management services, and links to supports like training, education opportunities and medical services.
Ms Goward said that she is pleased to welcome this infrastructure to Goulburn, which will cater for mature people in need.
“This development will not only be modern and affordable for people who can’t access housing in the private market, best of all, it will be tailored to suit the needs and lifestyle of ageing people.”
Ms Goward said that innovation was the solution for providing affordable housing. With the NSW Government and BaptistCare partnering to deliver this project, plans for the dwellings have resulted in being tailored to each household’s needs.
“Through this collaborative approach, we are helping people to break the cycle of disadvantage and gain greater independence,” Ms Goward said.
Mike Furner, BaptistCare’s Housing & Retirement Living General Manager, said his organisation has been providing housing and wrap-around support services to seniors living in Goulburn for twenty years.
“I can’t think of a better outcome for seniors than knowing you’re part of an established housing community and have the support of an organisation that wants to give you more than just a roof over your head,” Mr Furner said.
“In regional areas such as Goulburn, there are fewer services available to help resolve the issues leading to homelessness and a unique set of vulnerabilities facing older people. BaptistCare is committed to providing a real solution for seniors, where not only their housing but their wellbeing, is enriched.”
