Mayor of Leichhardt, Rochelle Porteous, said a partnership between the Council and Housing New South Wales, will focus on making social housing residents feel at home in the area.
It also connects old and new residents to all the services available to them.
“Council and Housing NSW will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to formalize a relationship aimed at a coordinated approach to working with social housing residents,” she said.
“This will help us to work with residents to develop the right projects to allow them to become a fully active part of the Leichhardt community.”
When developing the Community and Cultural plan, Leichhardt Council found there were some gaps in services provided for socially isolated residents.
“Leichhardt may have a reputation as an increasingly affluent suburb, but 4.4 per cent of our residents live in social housing,” said Cr Porteous.
The MOU will help Council and Housing NSW to address issues by outlining a framework for talking directly with affected residents and developing targeted programs, area director, Inner West and Northern Suburbs, Housing NSW, Brett Louat said.
“These programs will be specifically aimed at increasing awareness of and access to the services that are available for residents within the LGA,” he said.
“Leichhardt residents living in social housing will be involved in the design and implementation of these programs through tenant engagement programs.”
The first step in the partnership has already been taken, through the Connected Communities forum in May.
With stalls and displays from nine local service and council based services, more than 40 people attended from all over the LGA and their response was overwhelmingly positive.
“This was a great start to the MOU, and has led to the formation of a tenants group that will provide a point of contact for local providers to identify and initiate projects that address the needs and aspirations of residents,” said Mr Louat.
The MoU will ensure a coordinated approach to; meaningful engagement with social housing tenants; communication between Council, Housing NSW, the NGO sector, tenants2 and the wider community.
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