VICTORIA LEADS AS HOUSING CONCIERGE SERVICE EXPANDS
Housing Minister and State Member for Richmond Richard Wynne today launched a concierge-style community support service at the Richmond public housing estate.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable Victorians and the expansion of the Community Contact Service to the Richmond estate will provide multiple community benefits,” Mr Wynne said.
“The contact service is unique to Victoria and employs public housing tenants at high rise estates to provide information, manage community facilities, co-ordinate recycling programs between tenants, promote social activities and enhance security.
“I am pleased to announce today that we are expanding this service to Richmond after seven successful years at Collingwood and Fitzroy.
“This is a great initiative that gives public housing residents a sense of pride, ownership and connection with their local community, while also providing training and career development.”
The program, which is managed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, will now employ 22 people across the three estates, including eight tenants who have started working as Community Contact Service Officers at Richmond.
“We are standing up for some of our most vulnerable residents and giving them opportunities so that we can create stronger communities,” Mr Wynne said.
“These positions will provide the workers with fantastic experience which will be a catalyst for future job opportunities.”
The program has employed more than 50 public housing tenants, which has led to other jobs for 30 officers in fields such as hospitality, community services, security and small business. All officers are also assisted to gain a Certificate III in Community Services Work.
Mr Wynne said past participants have also helped organise and promote community art exhibitions, festivals and discussion groups.
Three of the past participants have become trainers in the Contact Service program.
“This program is unique to Victoria and is testament to the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to our public and social housing residents,” Mr Wynne said.
“I would like to commend everyone involved and I am delighted the program is now drawing interest from other states, with NSW exploring a similar model.”