Housing Minister Richard Wynne has hailed the successful launch of Urban Communities as a registered not-for-profit Housing Provider under Victoria’s Housing Act.
Mr Wynne today visited the Kensington Community Hub to celebrate the work of Urban Communities, the not-for-profit site manager of the Kensington housing estate.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing our most vulnerable Victorians with the same opportunities as the wider community and that includes living in vibrant locations, with access to public transport, employment and social services,” Mr Wynne said.
“I am pleased to be in Kensington today where this Government’s vision is truly becoming a reality. Here, residents in both the private and public housing are supported by programs, events and services delivered by Urban Communities.”
The Victorian Government in 2002 announced the redevelopment of the Kensington public housing estate, including the construction of more than 600 new public and private homes.
“So far, our project partner Becton has constructed more than 176 public and 417 private dwellings and work is moving ahead quickly,” Mr Wynne said.
“I’m here today to acknowledge the pioneering work of Urban Communities, which is currently managing 383 public and more than 300 private homes across the entire estate – a great achievement in anybody’s language.”
Mr Wynne was joined by the chair of Urban Communities, Michael Duffy, and CEO George Housakos, in celebrating Urban Communities’ successful registration under Victoria’s Housing Provider Framework.
“In 2008 the Office of Housing signed a 10-year agreement with Urban Communities to provide tenancy management services at the Kensington estate – an agreement that will see Urban Communities form an important part of the fabric of this neighbourhood for years to come,” Mr Wynne said.
“I look forward to seeing Urban Communities continue to work with the Office of Housing and local residents to provide tenancy and property management at the Kensington estate, as well as its community building activities.”
