New Homes For Older Women In Heart Of Footscray
More than 60 people are now moving in to safe, modern, and energy-efficient new social homes in the heart of West Footscray thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing today welcomed families to their new homes at Summerhill Village – a purpose-built social housing community for women over 55, supporting older Victorians to live independently and stay connected to their communities.
The Summerhill Village development includes 49 one- and 10 two-bedroom homes, including two fully accessible apartments, built around a central green courtyard.
Women over 55 are one of the fastest growing groups of homeless people in Victoria, with more than 1,000 women moving into social housing last year. The Labor Government is supporting women and single-parent households with homes designed to enable them to age in place and live independently.
Summerhill Village was delivered in partnership with the Lions Club of Footscray and United Housing Co-operative, and nine of the residents who had lived at the former Footscray Lions Elderly Citizens Village site are returning to brand-new homes.
The Labor Government’s landmark $6.3 billion Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund are delivering more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria – with more than 11,100 already complete or underway.
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
“Developments like Summerhill Village are tailored specifically for the growing number of older Victorians, and we know that ageing in place requires accessible and affordable homes that keep residents connected to their communities.”
“This project is a wonderful example of local partnerships providing ongoing benefit to the community – just like our collaboration with United Housing Co-operative, and the Lions Club of Footscray.”
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“It’s wonderful to see local residents returning to Summerhill and settling into a place where they can feel connected, supported and part of community life.”
As stated by CEO of United Housing Co-operative Peter Sibly
“UHC’s co-operative housing model included consultation with renters around design, operations and tenancy mix. UHC’s existing tenant members worked with staff to seek applicants, run Information Sessions and conduct interviews to select applicants interested in communal lifestyle in medium density housing.”
“UHC will have a strong focus on Place Making and building a connected community with a particular focus on tenant voice, food sustainability and community engagement.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/250821-Summerhill-Footscray-Final-.pdf