ANMF (Vic Branch) has provided $2m to Wintringham housing organisation over two years to build 28-30 new independent living units for elderly homeless people in Shepparton, with priority given to those who have experienced family violence and nurses, midwives and carers.
The Andrews Government will fund $5.5 million and a philanthropic trust will contribute $2.5 million for the project. The ANMF’s contribution is part of a $7 million grant over two financial years to Launch Housing.
The housing site in Wyndham Street, Shepparton, is adjacent to Wintringham’s current accommodation and support services in Maude Street, meaning residents of the new facility will be able to easily access housing support and related services.
Construction is expected to start in 2020 with the first residents being housed in late 2021.
Bryan Lipmann AM, Wintringham CEO and founder said: ‘This is a powerful example of how government and community funds can be used in partnership to deliver much needed services.’
ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said recent University of Melbourne research had revealed that 45 per cent of Australian female health professionals had experienced family violence. It was known to be a key factor in homelessness for women and their children.
‘We have made a grant of $7 million over two years to Launch Housing and Wintringham for housing projects in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. This is practical support that will provide homes to older women and families who have experienced family violence, prioritising nurses, midwives and carers.’
Ms Fitzpatrick announced the grant at the 2018 Delegates Conference. Launch Housing Acting CEO Heather Holst told delegates that half of the grant would contribute to Launch Housing’s Family Supportive Housing Project in Dandenong, where 60 units will be built to house families.
