New Social Housing Block Nearing Completion in Wickham

BY GIORGIA WILSON

A new social and affordable housing apartment complex is nearing completion in Wickham. 

The "topping out" milestone of the 16-unit complex on Station Street was celebrated on Thursday. 

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward says the milestone brings the completion of the project one step closer.

"The first tenants (are) expected to get the keys to their new homes later this year". 

Compass Housing chief corporate services officer Lyndall Robertshaw said the need for affordable properties for low income earners is greater than ever. 

This building project has been constructed by the New South Wales Government in partnership with Newcastle Council, and Compass Housing.

The State Government's Social and Affordable Housing Fund is on track to deliver almost 500 properties across 19 Hunter and Central Coast sites. 

Police Operation Targeting Patrons and Operators at Hunter Pubs Launches Today

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A month long high visibility police operation ensuring social distancing and Public Health Order compliance at licensed venues across the Hunter is beginning on Monday.

From Monday June 1st, Operation Pariac will see a high police presence across regional areas in Northern, Southern and Western NSW, following the easing of restrictions in licensed premises.

Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said as restrictions continue to ease, venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.

“From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars.

“Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed – particularly across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend."

“Operation Pariac, as part of a Vikings operation, will see officers working closely with industry and business owners to ensure they are able to operate safe environments for their customers, while making the public feel confident about returning to a COVID-safe venue.

“Whether you’re heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west – licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

     Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM 

Social Housing Misses out in Federal Budget: Compass

BY XANTHE GREGORY

A Hunter-based community housing provider, Compass Housing, is disappointed with the lack of shelter expenditure in the Federal budget announced yesterday.

The group believe that not enough housing is being built to suit Australia’s growing demand. It comes after the Everybody’s Home campaign, developed by housing experts and leading academics, published a report exposing a 500,000-building shortage in social and affordable homes.

 Compass Housing’s Professor David Adamson said Australian’s housing needs have been ignored. “Housing is fundamental to the productivity and health of every single Australian,” said Professor Adamson.

“The Treasurer spoke of the importance of investing in infrastructure; [yet] housing is fundamentally important, job-creating infrastructure,” he said.

Compass Housing believe a national housing plan and accompanying Federal Minister will help to fix Australia’s "broken" housing system.