Corporate executive members of Department of Communities and Department of Housing and Works were joined this morning by Common Ground tenants, representatives of all levels of government and service providers Mission Australia, Mission Australia Housing, and Noongar Outreach Services, to mark the opening of the landmark project to mark the opening of the landmark project.
Acting Assistant Director General for Strategy and Partnerships Nicole Leggett said she was proud to see such a transformative project come to life and to recognise and celebrate a successful, genuine collaboration.
“East Perth Common Ground will make a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable Western Australians and it is truly an exciting day for everyone involved, particularly our Office of Homelessness team.
“This milestone was made possible through a dedicated team of individuals across all levels of government, working with our community partners, ADCO Constructions and service providers Mission Australia, Mission Australia Housing, and Nyoongar Outreach Services to provide sustainable housing with for people who are sleeping rough or on low incomes,” Nicole Leggett said.
Gayle Mitchell, Executive Director of our Office of Homelessness said our pursuit of the Common Ground model was inspired by its success in other states and overseas. It is recognised as one of the most successful approaches to ending homelessness, first developed in New York more than 20 years ago.
“At the core of the Common Ground is a Housing First approach which provides sustainable housing for people who have experiencing chronic rough sleeping and homelessness, particularly those with complex needs, with wraparound supports.
“We will continue to work closely with service providers and the Department of Housing and Works to ensure East Perth Common Ground meets the needs of the tenants and is a celebrated addition to the East Perth community,” Gayle Mitchell said.
As part of the event proceedings, it was announced that the building has been given the Aboriginal name Kaalak, meaning ‘home’ in the Noongar language.
A Smoking Ceremony – a living cultural tradition that promotes healing, strengthens community connection and honour the enduring relationship between people and Country – was performed by Aboriginal Elders Neville Collard and Farley Garlett of Nyoongar Outreach Services.
Kaalak – East Perth Common Ground provides permanent, supportive housing for adults who are experiencing ongoing homelessness, rough sleeping and/or are earning a low income.
Property and tenancy services are currently operational, and tenants have been moving in through a phased approach since February, supported by a structured selection and unit allocation processes managed by Mission Australia Housing.
Mission Australia is providing individualised on-site support services to help people transition out of long-term homelessness and foster a strong, connected community.
The $70 million build was supported by an $8 million contribution from the Australian Government as part of the Perth City Deal.
To learn more, visit East Perth Common Ground.
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