New Beginnings Take Shape at Warruya
With older women among the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness in Australia, Housing Trust’s Warruya development shows what can be achieved when the community comes together to support a shared goal.
Housing Trust recently marked the official opening of Warruya in central Wollongong, celebrating the delivery of 27 new social and affordable homes for people facing housing insecurity. Homes for Homes funding made an important contribution to the project, helping bring much-needed safe and secure homes to the Wollongong community.
The one, two and three-bedroom apartments will provide stable housing for female-led households and local frontline workers, connecting residents to employment, services, schools and their community. For the people who move in, Warruya will offer much more than a roof over their heads. It will provide the security and stability from which they can begin building their future.
Warruya is the Dharawal word for ‘aunty’. The name honours the important role of female elders and aunties in caring for Country, sharing knowledge and supporting their communities. It also reflects the women and essential workers at the heart of the development, including those working at the nearby hospital.
Across Wollongong and the wider Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Southern NSW region, rising housing costs, limited supply and long waits for social housing are pushing more people towards homelessness. Behind the growing demand are women, families and workers trying to hold onto jobs, care for children and remain connected to their communities while facing the very real possibility of having nowhere secure to live.
The development received support from all levels of government but, like many social and affordable housing projects, still faced a critical funding gap. In 2022, Housing Trust received $40,000 through Homes for Homes’ fifth grant round. This funding came on board during the early-stage planning phase of the project, helping build the momentum and support the work required to progress Warruya from concept into delivery.
“We are incredibly proud to see these homes complete and ready for people to move in. Bringing Warruya from early planning through to delivery has taken the care, commitment and contribution of many people. Reaching this milestone reflects that shared effort.
“Housing Trust is grateful to our funding partners across all three levels of government, as well as Homes for Homes and our consultants, contractors and trades, who worked with us to make this possible. Importantly, our tenants also played a role, with their feedback helping shape key elements of the design.
“Warruya shows what can be achieved when we work together with purpose. Through strong partnerships and shared investment, we have delivered well-designed homes in a location that connects people to services, opportunity and community.”
Housing Trust CEO Amanda Winks
Pictured (L-R): Amanda Winks, Chief Executive Officer, Housing Trust, The Hon. Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Tracy Longo, Chief Operating Officer, Homes for Homes, Mike Allen OAM, Housing Advisory Group Chair, Homes for Homes.