It’s a productive time for St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria as its housing arm, VincentCare Community Housing, is delivering three much-needed projects under the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build, alongside construction partners for each site.

Located in Wollert, Footscray and Bendigo, these projects are not just about building homes; they’re about building communities and offering hope to people in need. The new homes provide individuals and families with stability, the foundation they need to live with autonomy, and a place not just to survive, but to thrive.

Families Move into Wollert

VincentCare Community Housing completed its first Big Housing Build project in Wollert, 26 km north of Melbourne’s CBD, earlier this year. Nine families are now living happily in their brand-new forever homes.

Many of them are single parent families with young children who were waiting on the priority list for social housing. Some have escaped family violence and have faced a very turbulent time through no fault of their own. They now have stability and the security of knowing they have a safe place to call home.

Part of the larger 89-townhouse ‘Habitas Aurora’ master planned community, the nine high-quality townhouses have secure garages, spacious living areas, backyards and all the modern conveniences. Sustainability measures include skylights, double glazing and increased insulation to keep power bills lower. The homes are near community facilities and next to a conservation reserve that provides habitat for birds, lizards, frogs and possums.

Footscray Nears Completion

In the heart of urban Footscray, a $53.3 million development is nearing completion that will deliver 92 brand-new apartments. Expected to welcome residents in the next month or two, the 18-storey building includes one, two and three-bedroom homes alongside a ground-floor office and resident support space.

Residents will include singles and couples who receive the Aged, Disability or Jobseeker payments, singles with between one and three children who receive Parenting payments, and couples with one or two children who receive Jobseeker payments. A minimum of 10% of the new housing will be allocated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians.

The building has stunning views over Footscray and Flemington Racecourse and is just minutes away from the local market, a playground, train stations and shops.

Big Build in Bendigo

In Kennington, Bendigo, 30 ageing units are being replaced with 84 new units and townhouses designed specifically for Victorians over the age of 55, both individuals and couples. There will be 64 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments, and 10 two-bedroom Townhouses.

The development is staged so that current residents can move into their new homes once stage 1 is complete in June 2026. The existing housing will then be demolished, and stage 2 will begin in July 2026, with the project due for completion by November 2027.

Residents will also enjoy a communal hub with conference room, office spaces and kitchen facilities as well as green spaces, outdoor areas and car and bicycle storage. 

To find out more, visit vinnies.org.au/vic/services/housing-build