The Andrews Labor Government is investing $49.2 million to build 162 new supported independent living homes, ensuring Victorians living with mental illness have the security and stability of a home.

This includes a project in Ballarat West, delivering 16 new supported independent living homes in Redan for people living with mental illness, as part of the nation-leading Big Housing Build.

The Ballarat West project will start by December and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Projects are also being delivered in Pakenham, Mooroopna, Epping, Laverton, Seymour, Drouin and North Bendigo – with 16 homes already completed at Highton.

In total, the investment in independent living homes will create around 450 jobs during construction, including almost 100 direct jobs.

The homes will provide safe, stable accommodation for people who require support to live independently. Each home will include self-contained kitchens, bathroom and laundry facilities along with a private courtyard or balcony.

By delivering tailored care, closer to home, the Andrews Labor Government is strengthening its commitment to rebuild our mental health system from the ground up.  Ensuring Victorians living with a mental illness get the right support, when they need it.

The homes are being delivered in partnership with the Haven Foundation. Mind Australia will provide supported independent living services, to help residents live as independently as possible, while building their skills.

The Labor Government’s historic Big Housing Build is delivering more than 12,000 new homes across Victoria, while creating an average of 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.

The Big Housing Build is investing $1.25 billion in regional areas – ensuring the economic and social benefits of the program are felt in communities across the state.

The Big Housing Build will deliver 2,000 homes for Victorians living with mental illness, ensuring provision of adequate housing – one of the recommendations in the final report of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The Labor Government will implement all recommendations of the Royal Commission and has invested a record $3.8 billion in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to begin implementation.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“All of us know someone who has struggled with mental illness – we’re delivering the projects that will help these Victorians live a life they value, knowing they have a safe and secure place to call home.”

“Our Big Housing Build is the single largest investment in social housing in our state’s history and includes a minimum of $80 million in the Ballarat area to ensure vulnerable locals can get the housing they need.”