General News
17 August, 2025
Give them real access
Services must be handy for vulnerable, says councillor VULNERABLE people placed in Loddon Shire public housing must be given in-town access to needed support services. Inglewood Ward councillor Miki Wilson made the call at the weekend after...
Services must be handy for vulnerable, says councillor
VULNERABLE people placed in Loddon Shire public housing must be given in-town access to needed support services.
Inglewood Ward councillor Miki Wilson made the call at the weekend after a terrifying night for residents in Sullivan Street.
Volunteer firefighters and police were called to a unit after debris was thrown onto the roof and a tin drum set alight.
Neighbours said they were concerned for elderly residents and children living near the units - two managed by Inglewood Lions Club for Loddon Shire and others part of the State Government’s public housing program.
Cr Wilson said: “There are ongoing concerns and it’s upsetting for the community.
“Putting people who need support services in towns where they are not available is unreasonable ... the appropriate support has to be available.”
Cr Wilson said there were people being allocated public housing in country towns but unable to receive help needed without travelling to Bendigo.
“And there’s limited public transport options - one bus a day - for people who have to travel from Inglewood to Bendigo,” she said.
“These people are having their situation exacerbated by where they are living.
“Residents are terrified. It’s become a very difficult situation.
“We need to help people but we need the right services.”
The units on the corner of Sullivan and North Streets were originally built as bedsitters by the Lions club, later transferred to the then-Korong Shire and later to the State Government.
Five bedsits were returned to local ownership and management more than 15 years ago.
Management committee chairman Robert Condliffe said they were converted into twounits for elderly residents and run by a committee of Lions, Inglewood and Districts Health Service, shire and community representatives.
“We run these two units for elderly people, other units are part of the State Government’s public housing program,” he said.
A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokesperson said: “The department is aware of complaints relating to an Inglewood property and is working with the local community to resolve issues.
“We work with applicants on the Victorian Housing Register to find them a suitable home in an area nominated by them.
“When applying for social housing, applicants select their location preferences for where they want to live by choosing up to five waiting list areas.
“Applicants are encouraged to consider all relevant factors, including medical and other support needs they may need to access. Existing renters are also able to apply for a transfer should they find their nominated location unsuitable.”
We encourage those applying for social housing options to consider a full range of options available. This includes expanding the areas they would consider living in, working with dedicated housing support providers and considering programs such as the Private Renters Assistance Program.”