NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird, has officially opened the refurbished Dunbar Way housing estate in North Gosford to mark the 30th anniversary of local community housing provider, Pacific Link Housing.
Attending a function on the site, Mr Baird congratulated Pacific Link on the refurbishment of the estate first built in the 1960s. “The improvements included in the project will ensure that the 100 homes here at Dunbar Way remain in use for many years to come,” Mr Baird said. The premier also congratulated Pacific Link Housing staff on their work with tenants. “This is a group of people that says ‘we’re by your side’.
“’We’re here to give you the opportunities that others haven’t given you’ and I want to thank all the staff who do that on a daily basis,” he said. The Gosford-based not-for-profit, which began work as a community housing provider with one staff member in 1985, now manages more than 1,000 properties across the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
“Most people who find themselves in need of social housing are in need through no fault of their own,” said Pacific Link chairman, Mr David Bacon. “It’s our role to provide the housing and wrap-around support services these families need to overcome disadvantage and regain their independence.
“At Dunbar Way, the government agreed to transfer management of homes on the site to Pacific Link, and in return Pacific Link agreed to fund and manage the refurbishment project at a cost of around $500,000. “The result is a great project that secures the future of the site and provides a range of enhanced facilities that benefit residents,” Mr Bacon said.
“Management by experienced local community housing providers will ensure assisted tenants receive the help and support they need,” said Pacific Link CEO, Mr Keith Gavin. “Affordable rental dwellings can also be used to transition tenants from the social housing system, through schemes supported by the community and social housing sector.”
Media release,
Dec 2, 2015
Keith Gavin, Pacific Link
Housing