Beyond Housing has made major strides in addressing housing insecurity in the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions over the past year, delivering over 70 new homes and supporting nearly 3000 people across these communities.
With demand for affordable housing steadily increasing, the organisation has committed to delivering a further 300 homes by 2026, expanding its impact and reach and reinforcing local partnerships to meet the critical need for secure, affordable housing.
Following the release of its Annual Report today, Chair Ben Ruscoe said it was the Board’s responsibility to ensure Beyond Housing stays agile, responsive, and prepared to address the growing needs of the communities it serves.
“Our approach is about more than just meeting numbers. It’s about setting people up with a genuine foundation for stability,” said Chair Ben Ruscoe.
“Through careful planning and strong partnerships, we’re expanding to deliver housing that fosters resilience and long-term change for our communities. This year, our focus has been on creating sustainable solutions that will keep pace with rising demand for the long term.”
Among the key projects currently underway is the Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer, set to open in early 2025. This $15.8 million project will provide safe housing and comprehensive support for 40 young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of homelessness or exiting out-of-home care. In addition to housing, the Youth Foyer model offers educational and employment support, ensuring that young people can build a stable, independent future.
Beyond Housing will also deliver 15 new homes designed to provide secure, affordable housing for people facing chronic homelessness. Supported by the Victorian Government’s $26 million Regional Supportive Housing Program, this $3.39 million project will feature solar-equipped units to help reduce living costs. Working with partners like the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and VincentCare, Beyond Housing aims to offer residents a foundation for stability and independence, with completion expected by the end of 2024
These projects, along with modular construction set to begin in Glenrowan, reflect Beyond Housing’s commitment to innovative, rapid solutions for increasing housing stock in a timely manner.
CEO Celia Adams said every home Beyond Housing builds was a step towards stability and security for people who need it most.
“The pressure on housing here is real and growing. Our work is about more than housing—it’s about providing a foundation where individuals and families can find safety, rebuild, and reconnect with their community. We’re proud to continue this important work alongside local partners, addressing housing needs and building resilience across the region.”
In 2023-24, Beyond Housing saw a significant increase in new clients, with 1,211 people seeking support for the first time. Programs such as the Private Rental Assistance Program sustained 480 tenancies, preventing many individuals and families from falling into homelessness.
Emergency accommodation services provided more than 1,400 nights of shelter, offering immediate relief to those in crisis. The year also highlighted the growing need for specialised support, with 348 individuals identifying family violence as a primary factor for seeking assistance and one in eight clients aged over 55 facing housing instability.
“Our purpose is clearer than ever—to end homelessness, making it rare, brief, and non-recurring,” Ms Adams said.
“We’re grateful for the support of our partners and the community, and we’re committed to delivering more homes, more support, and more opportunities for people to build secure, stable lives.”
Key stats from Beyond Housing’s 2023-24 Annual Report:
- 3,000 people were supported through Beyond Housing’s Homelessness Services, reflecting high demand across the Goulburn and Ovens Murray regions.
- 70 new homes were delivered in the past year, and Beyond Housing has committed to adding over 300 additional homes by 2026.
- 1,211 individuals accessed Beyond Housing’s services for the first time in 2023-24, marking a significant rise in new clients.
- The Private Rental Assistance Program successfully sustained 480 tenancies, helping individuals and families remain in secure housing.
- 1,409 nights of emergency shelter were provided, offering immediate relief to those in crisis.
- 57% of clients were female.
- 348 individuals identified family violence as a primary reason for seeking assistance, showing the critical intersection of housing support and domestic safety.
- 413 clients were over the age of 55, highlighting the increasing need for affordable, age-appropriate housing for older Australians.
- Beyond Housing supported clients from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds ensuring culturally safe services across its programs.
- 1,239 people reported mental health challenges, reinforcing the importance of integrated housing and mental health support services.
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Sue Masters
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