News and Media

As a for-purpose organisation, we want a future Victoria without homelessness and housing stress. Sharing our knowledge and the voice and experience of our clients is a key part of the work we do.

With offices in Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura and Preston and hubs in Kyabram and Swan Hill, we support thousands of people across Victoria every year.

 

It’s important for us to share our learnings and the human story behind the statistics and help people understand the foundational benefit housing plays in people’s health, wellbeing and community connection.

 

Media contact
For all media commentary or requests for interviews:

Bonnie Szymczak, Head of Impact
Email bonnie.szymczak@hhs.org.au.

 

Tara Miller, Senior Advisor, Marketing and Communications
Email tara.miller@hhs.org.au

 

We encourage journalists reporting on homelessness to please familiarise themselves with the Council to Homeless Persons Media Messaging Guide – Reporting on homelessness. 

 

We can provide spokespeople on behalf of Haven Home Safe for commentary on issues and developments in housing and homelessness in Victoria including government policy, crises, social and affordable housing, SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation), housing development, state/national campaigns and local issues in our areas of operation.

 

We also have thought leaders available to talk at relevant conferences and events.

Haven Home Safe has proudly taken handover of 11 new homes in Mildura, the first stage of a two-part development delivering 22 social housing homes. Built by Mildura Homes, the dwellings feature rooftop solar, rainwater tanks, induction stovetops, and all-electric appliances with a 7-star energy efficiency rating.
Haven Home Safe is building three purpose-built homes in Bendigo for women and children escaping family and domestic violence. In partnership with Annie North, the Centre for Non-Violence, the Australian Government and Burbank Homes, the project will provide safe, sustainable housing, offering families security, dignity, and a fresh start.
As part of Open House Melbourne’s Making Home series, we explored the challenges of regional community housing at ARKit’s factory. CEO Trudi Ray highlighted our Horsham project, where innovative prefab design enabled 25 new homes—showcasing scalable, sustainable housing solutions and the power of partnership in regional Victoria.
This means our staff will continue to support people experiencing homelessness and in housing crisis but with minimal certainly that as the crisis deepens we will be able to help people to access affordable housing to move out of crisis.
IMBY is short for ‘In My Back Yard’ and the ability to build a small second home up to 60 square meters in suitable backyards has been made easier through the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement which in late 2023 eased planning permit requirements for small second homes (commonly known as granny flats). 
The concept and framework of a 20-minute neighbourhood
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