Older residents in Dandenong have greater access to affordable housing thanks to $2.7 million in Victorian Government support for the purchase of 20 affordable housing units at Harmony Village Dandenong.

Member for Dandenong and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, Gabrielle Williams, today met with residents of the units, which help meet the significant demand for social housing rentals in the Dandenong area. The contemporary single-storey units are designed for independent living for people over 55 years, with accessibility features for older and disabled residents.

Ms Williams represented Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley and the Minister for Consumer Affairs Jane Garrett, who earlier this year approved more than $11 million through the Victorian Property Fund for affordable housing projects including this and four others in Coburg, Doncaster, North Bendigo and Newport.

The projects will provide housing for vulnerable and disadvantaged tenants and low-income earners, including families escaping domestic violence, people with disabilities and mental health issues, indigenous Victorians and older renters.

The Victoria Property Fund is administered by Consumer Affairs Victoria, and funds property-related community projects such as affordable housing for disadvantaged Victorians, environmentally sustainable housing, heritage protection, as well as education, training, dispute resolution, law reform and advocacy services for a variety of matters related to real estate, land and housing.

The Victorian Property Fund (VPF) is a trust fund established under the Estate Agents Act 1980. Income for the fund comes from license fees and fines paid by estate agents and conveyancers, interest on trust accounts of licensed estate agents and conveyancers, and investment income. The VPF aims to improve access to quality affordable accommodation for the most vulnerable in our community.

For further information on the Victorian Property Fund, please call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au