More than a home: Improving outcomes for Victorians through social enterprises

Homes Victoria is partnering with the not-for-profit consortium Building Communities to deliver 434 new homes in Bangs Street, Prahran. 

The homes are due for completion in early 2024, with the finishing touches across the site now underway. 

Building Communities partner Icon Construction is working with two social enterprises to deliver the landscaping and create communal green spaces for residents. 

Yarra View Nursery is a disability enterprise that provides training and long-term stable employment to people with disabilities, helping them gain greater confidence and independence. 

Icon engaged Yarra View Nursery early in the planning process to discuss the planting plan and buy new plants to bring the site to life. 

Scott Buckland, Yarra View Nursery General Manager, said these projects are critical for his team.

“Long-term, large-scale projects such as these provide us with the security and certainty that we need to plan and provide more stability for our workers,” Scott said.

The landscaping is being installed by YMCA ReBuild, a social enterprise that employs young people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. 

They work with offenders while in custody to build their skills and confidence and help them transition into employment on their release. 

The average reoffending rate in Victoria is more than 50 per cent; however that drops to as low as five per cent for young people who go through the YMCA ReBuild’s program.

YMCA ReBuild Manager Damien Carmody said social enterprises can deliver high-quality, competitive work while also having a significant social impact. 

“These projects give us a chance to show builders and potential partners what we are capable of,” Damien said.

Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newport said these partnerships highlight how construction projects can be “so much more than bricks and mortar”.

“We’re proud to be affiliated with these organisations which have a meaningful and positive impact for Victorians,” Mr Newport said.

“These partnerships demonstrate our commitment to building more homes, better homes for all Victorians to thrive.”