Contracts awarded for $55m housing program

The Department of Communities has awarded four contracts as part of a new support program for Aboriginal housing and public housing clients.

Totalling $55 million, the contracted companies will help deliver Thrive, a support program that assists those living in public housing to develop life skills and independent household management.

Thrive will replace the existing Support and Tenant Education Program, with its existing contracts set to expire at the end of September.

Four contracts were awarded in total, with Mission Australia awarded a contract worth $8.4 million, Wanslea Family Services receiving $6.8 million, Nirrumbuk Environmental Health and Services $18.3 million, and Outcare $17.6 million.

In a statement, Outcare executive director Lucy Henry said the company was pleased to be awarded the contract, emphasising the importance of Thrive’s person-centred approach.

“The program will have a strong focus on early intervention; supporting people to identify and tackle problems that are important to them,” she said.

“It will also support clients to improve their life skills, increase their ability to manage their household independently, and participate in their community.

“We look forward to building on our more than 50 years’ experience in helping.”