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Build to Rent to Buy and the Strathnairn Women’s Housing Initiative

Community Housing provider CHC Australia, with support from the ACT Government, today launched an innovative new housing project aimed at providing single women on moderate incomes with a clear pathway to homeownership.

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55 new social and affordable homes a step closer as CPCYC project tops out

7 May 2026 The redevelopment of the former Canberra Police Community Youth Club (Canberra PCYC) site in Turner has reached a major milestone, with the topping out of the 55-unit social and affordable housing project marked by the attendance of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia and PCYC Patron. The development, being undertaken by partners including community housing provider CHC Australia and Canberra PCYC, supported by the Snow Foundation, will deliver long-term rental homes for essential workers and at-risk young people, adding much-needed supply at a time of sustained pressure in the affordable rental market. The construction milestone was recognised at a topping out event today, bringing together official guests alongside senior representatives of the project partners and builder Core Building Group. Young people supported by Canberra PCYC, including those involved in the project, were also present and met the Governor General. Located on the site of the former Canberra PCYC headquarters, the project is supported by funding from the ACT Government through its Affordable Housing Project Fund, and the Federal Government through the Housing Australia Future Fund. The new project will deliver 45 affordable rental units for key workers, 10 one-bedroom social housing units for at-risk young people aged 16 to 24 years, and a social enterprise café staffed by Canberra PCYC participants, with opportunities for other Canberra PCYC-supported young people to gain hands-on construction experience during the build.  Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027. The well-known derelict building on site – the long-term home of CPCYC until storm damage rendered it unusable – was demolished last year with a photographic record of the building’s distinctive graffiti preserved and aspects to be incorporated into the new development. Governor General of Australia and CPCYC Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC said: "This is a community build – it's centred on care and kindness and respect. It’s been a long time in the making. I want to thank everybody for turning this site – Turner One – into a place that’s going to reflect everything that has always been hoped for in this part of Canberra. It’s a generational investment into the people of Canberra and a fulfillment of the goals of PCYC.” Canberra PCYC CEO Cheryl O'Donnell said: “For Canberra PCYC, this project is about more than buildings — it’s about creating both a home and real opportunities for young people, alongside delivering much-needed housing for essential workers. As these homes near completion, we are seeing a vision come to life that will provide safe, stable accommodation for young people, supported by pathways into education, employment and community connection. We also thank our partners — from consultants and businesses to government — for their generosity and expertise in helping create a new beginning for this site and the people it will serve.” CHC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “The topping out of the Turner project is a significant milestone in turning long-held plans for this site into homes that will be ready for residents from the first quarter of next year. It’s a practical example of what effective private and public partnerships can achieve to deliver additional affordable, high-quality housing to those most in need.” Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron said: “What a moment to celebrate. This redevelopment reflects years of shared commitment and collaboration, and we’re thrilled to continue to play our part and see the Turner site finally taking shape and starting to feel real. Together with Canberra PCYC, CHC Australia and the ACT and Federal Governments, it is becoming a place of stability and opportunity for young people, alongside affordable homes for essential workers and a social enterprise café at the heart of the community.” Further information on the project can be found at PCYC - Turner One - CHC

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Affordable retirement living in Downer: final two units now open for applications

24 March 2026 Two long-established Canberra not-for-profits, community housing provider CHC Australia and seniors living provider Goodwin Aged Care Services are progressing their partnership delivering new affordable rental retirement units in Downer – and are inviting further applications with just two units still available – as older lower-income Canberrans face a scarce supply of affordable retirement options.   CHC Australia will manage seven two-bedroom independent living units – which will operate as affordable rental retirement properties – within the 129-unit newly-built Goodwin Village Downer.    CHC Australia will hold a minimum 10-year lease over the seven units, providing longer-term certainty for residents in the precinct.   The CHC Australia-managed units are available for older singles or couples aged over 60 years, retired or semi-retired, on fixed incomes and without assets, and capable of living independently — a cohort often overlooked in retirement living models, despite being among the most exposed to rental stress and risks of homelessness.   [caption id="attachment_5407" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Goodwin Aged Care Services CEO, Stephen Holmes, said: “Goodwin’s purpose is to provide older Canberrans with a secure home connected to the community, not just a roof..."[/caption] CHC Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said many older Australians are ageing without the savings or the housing security assumed by traditional retirement living.  “Too many older Australians are discovering there are very few affordable retirement options if you don’t own your own home or are living on a fixed income. These seven homes at Goodwin Village Downer are designed for older Canberrans who have worked, raised families and contributed to the community — but don’t have assets to fall back on,” Mr. Dal Bon said.   “This initiative strengthens a model that can prevent homelessness by offering stability, dignity and a genuine sense of belonging,” he said.   The new retirement units align with CHC Australia’s commitment to deliver affordable retirement living at Downer.   Goodwin Aged Care Services CEO Stephen Holmes, said: “Goodwin’s purpose is to provide older Canberrans with a secure home connected to the community, not just a roof. As the shortage of affordable retirement living becomes more evident, partnerships like this matter. CHC Australia brings deep experience in housing management and affordability settings, and we’re proud to be building on a long relationship that keeps our village accessible to older community members who would otherwise have limited options.”   Construction on the four-building Goodwin Village Downer, comprising 109 independent living units and 20 serviced apartments, is now complete and residents have started to move in.   The final two CHC Australia-managed units within the Goodwin Village in Downer are open to Canberrans aged 60 and over who can live independently and meet CHC's affordable housing criteria. Suitable applicants can apply now at chcaustralia.com.au/downer-goodwin 

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ACT lease variation charge cuts and priority approvals will help deliver more social and affordable homes

5 February 2026 CHC Australia welcomes the ACT Government’s announcement today to reduce lease variation charges (LVC) for developments that deliver social and affordable housing, describing the change as a transformative initiative that will accelerate the delivery of new homes for Canberrans under rental pressure.  Under the new settings, projects of at least 10 homes and where 15 per cent or more of these include social or affordable rentals will be eligible.  For Community Housing Provider (CHP)-owned and managed homes, the Government will reduce LVC charges by up to $250,000 per dwelling, or up to $100,000 per eligible dwelling for projects not owned by a registered CHP.  CHC Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “We welcome the ACT Government’s LVC reforms and the legislation that underpins them. This initiative will substantially improve the feasibility of new housing projects and strengthen our ability to deliver more long-term social and affordable rental homes for Canberrans who need them.”  Today’s changes follow legislation passed last year that removes third-party appeals to the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal for public and community housing proposals, with CHP’s benefitting from the same appeal exemptions as public housing. The ACT Planning (Territory Priority Project) Amendments Bill 2025 applies to registered CHP projects generally capped at 100 dwellings with at least 15 per cent community housing.  “The Priority Project changes have already improved certainty for registered community housing providers.  Coupled with today’s LVC reforms, the ACT is using two levers — greater planning certainty and enhanced project feasibility — to help get more homes built and give tenants faster access to stable, affordable housing,” Mr. Dal Bon said.  CHC Australia said the reforms supported the ACT Government’s broader housing goal of 30,000 new homes by 2030, including 5,000 public, community and affordable homes. 

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New housing pathway gives priority to Canberra veterans in rental stress

19 December 2025 This month, the first veteran moved into a CHC Australia home, marking a significant milestone in a new partnership between the Returned & Services League ACT (RSL ACT) and CHC to provide long-term housing in the Canberra region for those who have served.  Community housing provider CHC Australia and RSL ACT have established a priority program for service men and women in rental stress, giving veterans and their families access to homes in CHC Australia’s existing portfolio, with the first tenant moving into Harrison in Canberra’s north-east. The model will also be integrated into new developments, representing up to 5 per cent of CHC’s upcoming projects.   Under the model, veterans can rent a CHC home for less than 75 per cent of market rates. In addition, some income-based properties will be offered at even lower rates – typically between 25 and 30 per cent of household income – to support long-term affordability and housing stability.  While the program will be open to a range of service personnel and their families, early tenants are expected to be primarily single parents.  CHC Australia recognises the distinct and often complex challenges veterans face in the housing system. The organisation has partnered with RSL ACT to help design and implement a dedicated Veteran Housing Priority Access Model, backed by CHC’s team and Board, which include individuals with personal and professional connections to Australia’s Defense community.   CHC Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “Veterans face some of the highest barriers in the housing system.  Together with RSL ACT, we are creating a pathway that doesn’t leave them behind. We are proud to be working with RSL ACT and are committed to building this pilot into a scalable, long-term response to veterans’ housing needs. This partnership strengthens both organisations and delivers what matters most: an affordable home for someone who has served, and a foundation for many more to follow.”  RSL ACT President Peter Baldwin said: "The RSL exists to support veterans and their families, and access to safe and affordable housing is one of the most fundamental needs we hear about every day. We welcome this partnership with CHC Australia, which will deliver practical support to those who have served. Initiatives like this strengthen the wellbeing of veterans and their families and demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together with purpose."  More than 22,000 veterans live in the ACT, with more than 15,000 no longer serving in the forces*. Despite their service, veterans continue to face acute housing challenges with homelessness rates nearly three times higher than those of civilians, but remain significantly underrepresented in formal housing support services.  The model aligns with priorities set by the ACT Government, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, as well as national funding programs such as the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.  To support access to the program, veterans will be guided through the application process including information sessions and one-on-one assistance.  For more information or to discuss your options, please contact the CHC Australia team on 02 6248 7716 or via chc@chcaustralia.com.au; or contact the The Returned and Services League Australian Capital Territory (RSL ACT) office on (02) 9161 7690 or admin@actrsl.org.au  Sources ACT Office for Veterans - ACT Government Veteran Homelessness Support — RSL Australia — RSL Australia

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Support services open this Christmas to support Canberrans

Should you or your family need any assistance over the 2025 Christmas period, we have summarised a list of supports available in the ACT. FOOD + GIFT ASSISTANCE 🎁Communities at Work Christmas Appeal - Food hampers, toys, and gift cards for families in need. 🎁Canberra Basket Brigade - Delivers baskets of food and gifts anonymously to families doing it tough. Email: canberrabasketbrigade@magicmoments.org.au 🎁HandUp Food – Canberra City Care (Charnwood) - Distributes Christmas hampers and offers low-cost groceries. 🎁The Salvation Army (Canberra City Corps) (Braddon) - Food hampers, toy vouchers, and Christmas meals. 🎁Vinnies Night Patrol Vans - Operating Christmas Day: food, clothing, and hygiene items at Dickson Library and Veterans’ Park. FREE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY MEALS 🍴St John’s Care Community Lunch - Christmas Day, 12-1:30 pm, St John’s Anglican Church, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid. Open to everyone; no bookings required. Guests can sit inside or outside under the trees. 🍴Canberra City Salvos Christmas Dinner - Christmas Day, 4:30 pm, 2 Fawkner Street, Braddon. For people in need or experiencing isolation. 🍴UnitingCare Kippax - Christmas Day, 12-1:30pm, Kippax Uniting Community Centre, cr. Luke St. & Harding Cres., Holt. Christmas Lunch for those in need 🍴Vinnies Night Patrol Vans - Christmas Day evening, Dickson Library (7 pm) & Veterans’ Park, City (8 pm). Distributes sandwiches, tea, coffee, clothing, blankets, and hygiene items. EMERGENCY RELIEF 🥫St John’s Care Emergency Relief Centre - 45 Constitution Ave, Reid ACT. Food, clothing, bedding, prescriptions, bus tickets, and Christmas hampers. 🥫Canberra Food Relief Network - multiple food pantries across ACT; info via VolunteeringACT. MENTAL HEALTH + FAMILY SUPPORT 🫶Medicare Mental Health Centres (City and Tuggeranong) - Free walk-in mental health support or call 1800 595 212. 🫶Lifeline Canberra - 24/7 crisis support, call 13 11 14. 🫶Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT, 24/7 support for family violence: Call 6280 0900. 🫶Beyond Blue - On their forums, tips for coping with family stress and conflict during the festive season.

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ACT’s first Build to Rent to Buy program to help working women break into the housing market

3 December 2025 Community Housing provider CHC Australia, with support from the ACT Government, today launched an innovative new housing project aimed at providing single women on moderate incomes with a clear pathway to homeownership. The Strathnairn Women’s Housing Initiative will deliver the ACT’s first Build to Rent to Buy project, offering secure, affordable rental housing with a structured transition to ownership within 10 years for single women — including those with children — who are struggling to buy in Canberra’s increasingly unaffordable market. CHC Australia CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “With cost-of-living pressures, many Canberrans —particularly financially vulnerable women — are struggling with day-to-day expenses, let alone building a deposit to break into the housing market. This pilot initiative seeks to disrupt that cycle supporting participants to steadily build savings through reduced rent, while also giving them the opportunity to share in the property’s capital growth.” The project, backed by a $4.5 million ACT Government seed grant, will deliver 22 one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses in Strathnairn, part of the exciting new Ginninderry development. Under the concept, eligible participants pay an affordable rent set at just below 75 per cent of market value, creating the financial room to save a deposit. The programme offers up to 10 years of tenancy stability, with a flexible window to purchase the home between years six and ten. When ready, tenants can use their accumulated savings as the deposit and, where needed, CHC can also apply a share of the property’s capital growth to help the tenant access financing to purchase the home. The process is fair, transparent, and supportive, giving working women a genuine, structured pathway to home ownership without overextending financially. The program welcomes women aged 25 to 45 years and typically on low to moderate incomes such as those in the ACT’s essential workforce including emergency service workers, nurses, educators, early childhood, aged and disability care workers. Participants can access early financial health checks and receive practical advice on saving and loan readiness from their own bank or with support from program partners NAB and ServiceOne. Income limits are set based on home size to help keep the program accessible and the mortgage manageable. Financial readiness is a cornerstone of the pilot, with prospective tenants encouraged to seek financial advice to understand loan requirements. The early financial health checks are designed to set tenants up for success. “Our intent is simple and ambitious, to reduce housing stress for women and their children and create a clear, supported pathway to build assets and intergenerational wealth,” Mr Dal Bon said. “If the pilot is successful, we intend to replicate the model through future rounds of Build to Rent to Buy housing.” CHC has opened the Expression of Interest process for the Strathnairn pilot. Prospective tenants can complete a self-qualification form via CHC’s website, confirming eligibility for citizenship, income, tenancy suitability, and intent to save. The new homes are under construction with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026. Images, floorplans, and program information are available online. The homes are being built by independent local contractor, Renaissance Homes. For more information and to complete an Expression of Interest, visit chcaustralia.com.au/strathnairn

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CHC 2024–25 Impact Statement and Annual Report is now available

The CHC 2024–25 Impact Statement and Annual Report is now available — and it shows the scale of what a small, committed team can deliver. Across a combined portfolio of around 800 homes, CHC and HomeGround supported 2,100 people across 857 tenancies last year. We invested over $1.3 million into maintaining and improving more than 530 homes, and 99.7% of our properties now meet or exceed ACT energy efficiency standards, lowering costs for the households who rely on us. But here’s what the report can’t show. It can’t capture the late nights, the urgent call-outs, the difficult conversations, or the persistence it takes to keep people safely housed. It can’t reflect the consideration, compassion and problem-solving that sit behind every tenancy, every repair, and every household we support. The real impact sits in the work our incredible staff and contractors do quietly, relentlessly, and with enormous care. That’s the part that never makes it into charts or tables but it’s exactly why these numbers matter. The full Annual Report is now available for partners, stakeholders and community members to read in full here: CHC 2024–25 Impact Statement and Annual Report

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