Inner-City Grant Sees More Affordable Housing In Redfern

A $3 million grant has been given by the City of Sydney to the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) to build affordable housing for elderly Aboriginal communities aged 55 and over in Redfern.

“We believe the project would provide many benefits. It’s a long-standing dream to provide elders accommodation in Redfern,” said Nathan Moran, CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

A commercial building on George Street will be demolished to make way for new residential development as part of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council’s proposal, with an estimated six to ten units to be built.

The housing plan will prioritise independent living setups for Aboriginal elders and aim to help community members stay connected. The mission responds to the need for Aboriginal-led, culturally appropriate inner-city housing that allows elders to remain with their communities and not be hurt by the rising housing costs or placed in inadequate housing.

“It means we can now stay close to family, country, and community as we grow older,” said Aunty Ann Weldon, Wiradjuri Elder, founding member and CEO of MLALC.

“Affordable and diverse housing” a “key” focus, says Mayor

There will be three stages of the grant, the first part being a development application for the George Street building. Once approved, construction can begin to start providing stability and connection for the elderly Aboriginal community.

“Too often, elders are forced to leave their communities in search of affordable housing. We are proud to back an Aboriginal-led housing solution that will allow Aboriginal people to age with dignity and independence in the heart of Redfern, keeps families and communities together,” said Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO.

“Providing affordable and diverse housing is a key focus for us. It is vital we increase the supply of affordable housing to ensure we continue to have an adaptable, diverse and inclusive city.”

The grant is part of the City of Sydney’s affordable and diverse housing fund, which supports housing projects for individuals who are unable to be catered to by mainstream housing providers.

In the past, HammondCare and Wesley Mission received funding to develop low-cost housing, crisis accommodation, and aged care facilities for people experiencing homelessness. The City of Sydney is also currently supporting a new Aboriginal-led aged-care project in Waterloo, located on Cope Street.

This Redfern housing plan is the City of Sydney’s major task to address the current housing crisis, utilising planning rules, offering grants, collecting developer contributions, and selling land at a loss to help create more affordable homes.