Following an expression of interest process, keys to two brand new homes in the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree have been handed over to Stockaders CERC.
“We didn’t waste time when we heard about the properties, we were ready to go!” said Stockaders Secretary, Michelle Sommers.
The homes were delivered with funding assistance from Homes Victoria through the Big Housing Build Social Housing Growth Fund.
Once a single-home dwelling, the site was redeveloped to create two new two-bedroom units with a 7-star NatHERS energy rating. Designed to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, the homes will provide greater comfort for members while also reducing energy bills.
Michelle said the new homes marked the start of something new for the co-op.
“We’ve been running on 19 properties for the past 5 years, so we felt we were ready to take on more. We were sitting quite stable financially, with maintenance costings accounted for too,” Michelle said.
Long serving co-op member, Simone Kyatt – Stockader’s Maintenance Director – said the board had worked very hard for the CERC.
“Tenant selection has worked particularly well, there were a few things to consider, such as the fact that both homes are close together. We wanted to make sure both members would be compatible, and balanced this with our CERC membership,” she said.
Both co-op members have now moved in, beginning their journey as part of Stockaders CERC. CEHL warmly welcomes them!
Other developments in the pipeline:
“Homes Victoria’s Social Housing Growth Fund has identified specific funding for regional developments, and there are a number of exciting developments happening in Ballarat” said Michael Mikulic, CEHL’s Senior Development Manager.
CEHL is committed to growing regional co-op housing and has successfully secured funding for new builds in the Ballarat area, expected to be delivered in 2026.
