Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (12:19): Providing and supporting access to safe and permanent housing is really essential to dignity, security, connection and the opportunity to thrive. Last week at the 2024 Public Housing Forum and Workforce Awards it was a joy and a privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding dedication, expertise and achievements across our public housing workforce. There were so many amazing stories that came out of the awards, and I congratulate all of the award nominees and those who I was able to speak with and meet on the day.

In the interests of time, here are a few notable stories that I want to bring to the attention of the house. The Goulburn client support and housing team played a really pivotal role in transforming the life of a resident who faced and was living with very complex mental health challenges, cancer and the removal of his children due to unsafe living conditions, and over six years the team worked tirelessly to support him through home clean-up, engagement with mental health services and family reunification. The team encouraged him to start volunteering by maintaining gardens, which grew into his own business, and he is now a registered contractor for the department, assisting other renters and residents with complex needs.

Paul and Rob, the dynamic field services officer duo at Yarra housing, are responsible for maintaining approximately 4700 properties across the Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond estates. Despite the demands, they continuously deliver really exceptional maintenance services, working with housing teams, residents and stakeholders. With Paul’s extensive public housing experience and Rob’s background as a building contractor, they are really effectively addressing maintenance challenges, and their efforts have led to improved maintenance services. Managing the latest and the largest housing portfolio in the northern division, they continue to exceed expectations through their dedication, teamwork and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of residents.

There are so many more amazing stories that I could share, but I congratulate all award nominees and winners. Every single one of you has made a significant and enduring contribution, and I extend my thanks to all of you for your commitment to achieving positive outcomes for residents.