Assistant Minister Ged Kearney to launch Community Banks $2 million fund to tackle local homelessness head-on
The Clifton Hill - North Fitzroy Community Bank
Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence and Member for Cooper Ged Kearney will today launch the $2 million Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy Community Bank Housing for the Homeless Fund to support projects across Yarra, Darebin, Merri bek and the City of Melbourne.
The fund will back practical housing solutions, including crisis accommodation for mothers and babies escaping family violence, safe studio units for young people, culturally safe housing led by Aboriginal organisations and upgrades that keep older residents housed in their community.
Assistant Minister Kearney said safe housing is central to the dignity of all Australians and congratulated the Community Bank on its efforts to tackle homelessness at a local level.
“A safe home can profoundly change a life, and I am proud to support these initiatives that will help many within our community.
“No one should have to face homelessness and feel like there are no options or support.
“The Albanese-Labor Government has made record investments in this space including the over $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan which includes several homelessness and social and affordable housing initiatives.
“Projects like these help those at-risk of homelessness secure a pathway to a safer, brighter future, and I am proud to see them launch in our own backyard.”
Chair of the Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy Community Bank, Graeme Russell, said the board was determined to drive real change close to home.
“In Victoria, 54 per cent of women, young people and children seeking homelessness services reported they were also experiencing family violence.
“In 2024, over 11,00 young Victorians, aged 15-24, presented unaccompanied to specialist homelessness services.
“We know there is a problem, and we’re choosing to tackle it head-on.
“These are practical projects that can quickly add or upgrade transitional housing for people at risk of homelessness.”
Mr Russell said community banks are locally owned franchises of Bendigo Bank that return profits to their neighbourhoods while paying fair dividends to shareholders.
“Over two decades, we have invested more than $4 million in local support services, sport, recreation, education, culture and community development.
“This $2 million dollar commitment to homelessness is our most significant investment yet because the need is urgent, and our strong performance and prudent investment decisions mean that we can fund it.
“Nearly the entire fund is already committed. A total of $1.5 million has been allocated to projects that will be delivered through 2026, many within Assistant Minister Kearney’s electorate of Cooper.”
Mr Russell acknowledged Bendigo Bank’s support for the community bank model and its proven social impact.
“We offer competitive Bendigo Bank products, but the difference is what happens to our profits.
“65 per cent goes back into community and social impact investments, and we have also paid fully franked 10 per cent dividends to our shareholders.
“If residents and local businesses share our values of giving back and investing in the projects our community needs the most, we invite them to consider banking with us.”
Projects to be funded
- Brotherhood of St Laurence: refurbishment and upgrades to eight independent living units in Fitzroy for older residents awaiting social housing.
- Aboriginal Housing Victoria: construction of four self-contained studio units for young people transitioning from challenging home situations or the justice system, delivered with culturally safe support.
- Kids Under Cover: construction of five self-contained studio units for young people at risk who need a stable place to stay while they reconnect with study, work and permanent housing.
Contact details:
Office of Assistant Minister Ged Kearney
03 9416 8690
Jason Vellios [email protected]
Adele McBride [email protected] 0433 765 485
Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy Community Bank (Clifroy Ltd.)
Graeme Russell, Chairperson [email protected] 0418 101 174
Darren Rodrigo [email protected] 0414 783 405