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.  

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…”

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