6th Jul 2021

Building Homes For People Living With Mental Illness

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $49.2 million to build 162 new supported independent living homes, ensuring Victorians living with mental illness have the security and stability of a home.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today announced $21.1 million to build 62 supported independent living homes across regional Victoria, as part of the nation-leading Big Housing Build.

The 62 new homes are being built in four priority regional areas – Seymour, Ballarat West, Drouin and North Bendigo.

It adds to the 100 supported independent living homes already announced, with 84 under construction in Pakenham, Mooroopna, Epping and Laverton – including 16 homes that have been completed in Highton.

In total, the investment in independent living homes will create around 450 jobs during construction, including almost 100 direct jobs.

The homes will provide safe, stable accommodation for people who require support to live independently. Each home will include self-contained kitchens, bathroom and laundry facilities along with a private courtyard or balcony.

By delivering tailored care, closer to home, the Labor Government is strengthening its commitment to rebuild our mental health system from the ground up.  Ensuring Victorians living with a mental illness get the right support, when they need it.

The homes are being delivered in partnership with the Haven Foundation, which is contributing almost $1.2 million towards the new homes. Mind Australia will provide supported independent living services, to help residents live as independently as possible, while building their skills.

The Labor Government’s historic Big Housing Build is delivering more than 12,000 new homes across Victoria, while creating an average of 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.

The Big Housing Build will deliver 2,000 homes for Victorians living with mental illness, ensuring provision of adequate housing – one of the recommendations in the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The Labor Government will implement all recommendations of the Royal Commission and has invested a record $3.8 billion in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to begin implementation.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re committed to building a mental health system that is tailored to the needs of Victorians. That means delivering more services and care that supports Victorians at every stage of living with an illness.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne  

“Victorians with a mental illness are more likely to experience homelessness and our unprecedented investment in social and affordable housing will change lives.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“Our investments in Geelong are ensuring our most vulnerable community members have they support they need.”

Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman

“Our Big Housing Build is investing $1.25 billion in regional Victoria – including a minimum of $180 million in the greater Geelong area.”