By Aaron Cordy
THE demand for safe and secure housing in Greater Shepparton has never been more critical. In a 2025 government analysis of Shepparton and the Greater Goulburn Valley area, it was estimated that over 4,000 social housing was needed. Of them, 2,719 were considered priority access.
In a much-needed relief to people living rough, CatholicCare Victoria Housing broke ground on 41 new homes for vulnerable people and families at Hoskin Shepparton on Tuesday, October 6.
“Here in Shepparton, the demand for safe, secure, and social housing across Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley region is very significant. These new one and two-bedroom homes will provide much-needed housing for people who face some of the greatest barriers to find a suitable home,” said CatholicCare Victoria CEO Agnes Sheehan.
The development, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, will provide homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women who are sole parents and children impacted by domestic and family violence, older women at risk of homelessness, veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and families with children reliant on JobSeeker.
Senator Jana Stewart was on site for the sod-turning.
“Our government is invested in building social and affordable homes right across the country. And as somebody who grew up in regional Victoria, it’s great to see investment come to regional centres and towns,” said Ms Stewart.
“I’m somebody who grew up in social housing. I know the difference that these homes can make to families doing it tough. It gives kids the very best chance to succeed in life when you’ve got a safe and secure roof over your head, and that makes all the difference for a kid.”
CatholicCare Victoria Housing’s Shepparton site is part of a larger project that includes Tatura, which is already under construction. Over the past five years, they have built more than 400 homes across regional Victoria. 152 homes are already occupied, including 20 new homes welcoming residents last week.
