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MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE GENTLE BUNYIP Monday, 11 Febuaray 2008


The evolution of Melbourne’s landmark Gentle Bunyip site in Clifton Hill has taken another step forward with the opening of another 10 affordable homes for needy Victorians.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne joined new tenants, members of the local community and representatives of Melbourne Affordable Housing (MAH) to officially open the $2.3 million project today.


”I’m delighted to be in Clifton Hill today to announce this important development on the
Gentle Bunyip site,” Mr Wynne said.

“Stage one of the development, consisting of six self-contained units within the original building and five homes at the rear of the property, opened in August 2005.


“With Stage two now open on an associated site, the
Gentle Bunyip is not only providing affordable housing but is living up to its original mission of providing shelter and support to people with mental illness who are in need of affordable housing.”

“This investment is part of the Brumby Government’s $500 million boost to public housing over four years to increase the supply of housing for needy Victorians.”


Stage two consists of six new one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. Total cost of the project was $2.3 million, with the Brumby Government providing $1.7 million and Melbourne Affordable Housing providing the remainder.


The new homes will be owned and managed by Melbourne Affordable Housing, a not-for-profit housing association with a proven track record in managing affordable housing across metropolitan Melbourne.


The original homestead was built in the 1860s and is an example of an early Victorian double-fronted brick villa. The building was owned by the Baptist Union of Victoria from 1965 to 1996 .


It was named the
House of the Gentle Bunyip after an award-winning children’s book.

Scheduled for demolition and redevelopment in 1997, it was saved after a resident campaign that included a 24-hour community picket lasting 465 days.


“This new development will see MAH provide much-needed housing to 14 lower-income single people,” Mr Wynne said.


“I’m also pleased to note MAH carried out extensive community consultation to make sure concerns from local residents about development, heritage value and tenant management were met.


“I’d like to thank everybody involved in this exciting project and to welcome the tenants to their new homes.”




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Last Updated: 11 February 2008
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