A major new social housing development in South Grafton is set to provide safe, affordable homes for older women at risk of homelessness while strengthening community connections across the Clarence Valley.
The project, to be built on vacant land owned by Clarence Village Limited in Armidale Street, is expected to become the nation’s largest modular social housing development.
Clarence MP Richie Williamson joined Clarence Village representatives on site to announce a $5 million NSW Government contribution towards the $14.5 million project, which will deliver 32 self-contained one-bedroom homes for older residents.
Williamson said the development would provide practical support for vulnerable people while helping older residents remain part of the local community.
“It will deliver 32 new self-contained one-bedroom social housing units designed specifically for older residents, with vulnerable single older women prioritised for the new homes,” Williamson said.
“There is a growing need for smaller, affordable and low-maintenance housing options in regional communities like ours, and this development is exactly the type of practical investment we need,” he said.
“For more than 50 years, Clarence Village has played a vital role in providing housing and support for seniors across the Clarence Valley and this project continues that outstanding legacy of care, dignity and community service.”
The development is being delivered by Clarence Village Ltd in partnership with Homes NSW and Housing Australia. Construction and installation are expected to be completed before Christmas, with residents anticipated to receive keys by Easter 2027.
Clarence Village chief executive officer Andrew McKimm said the project would make a meaningful difference to older people facing housing insecurity in the region.
“The waiting list for single bedroom social housing in Grafton is over 10 years long. This project is going to have a significant impact on the lives of those who might otherwise end up homeless or in residential aged care due to a lack of suitable housing,” McKimm said.
“By co-locating seniors in this development we can build a community that cares for older people in South Grafton. Being able to keep older people safe and connected to their community as they age is a really important part of a civil society.”
McKimm said Clarence Village had worked towards the project since 2018.
“To make this project happen we’ve become a registered Community Housing Provider and advocated to State and Federal politicians of all parties and persuasions,” he said.
“Having been close to funding many times it feels a little surreal to now be in a position to build the project, but we’re extremely motivated to get the job done.”
He also acknowledged Williamson’s advocacy for the development.
“It would have been easy to throw our hands in the air and say getting funding was all too hard. Richie’s help in getting us access to the NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson to advocate for the project and his encouragement to keep going was critical to getting where we are today,” he said.
“We always say we don’t need special treatment, we just need to have our case heard. Richie helped us get that and the results are about to be seen in built form.”
Clarence Village chairman Mark Dougherty said the project reflected the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting the local community.
“This project is a great example of the work Clarence Village does, providing 32 safe, affordable homes for older women in a terrific community asset,” Dougherty said.
Homes NSW will purchase 16 units off the plan and lease them back to Clarence Village for 25 years. Additional support is being provided through the Housing Australia Future Fund via concessional loans and availability payments.
The modular homes are being constructed by Armidale company Uniplan.
Williamson said the project highlighted what could be achieved through collaboration between government and community organisations.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when community organisations and government work together to deliver real outcomes for people in need,” he said.
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