LAUNCH OF THE VILLAGE

The Village at Corumbene, stages 2/3, at 16 Lower Road, New Norfolk, was officially launched on Friday 17th December 2021. The event was attended by dignitaries including Jen Butler MP Labor member for Lyons and Peter White, Deputy Secretary Housing, Disability and Community Services, along with the Derwent Valley Council Manager of Communities, Ian Hart. Also in attendance were Alison Standen, Patrick Stanton, Ross Carlyle, Peter Rouleston, Irene Barnes, The Village residents and Corumbene staff.

Corumbene CEO, Alison Standen, said in her opening address, “The Village is now fully tenanted, with the last tenant moving in this weekend, just in time for Christmas. Corumbene wishes all Village residents a joyful Christmas.” President of the Board of Management, Ross Carlyle, said “Corumbene has set a very good standard, building good quality houses. We have had very positive feedback.”

Corumbene engaged Stanton Management Group, DeJong & Sons Construction and PLA architects to bring its vision to life. The Village is a 4,000sqm site comprising 18 x 2-bedroom units. The building contract was signed in September 2020. Building commenced just one month later in October and reached practical completion in August 2021.

The houses have a 6-star energy rating, wheelchair access throughout, high ceilings, large bathroom areas and connecting garage. The Village offers community style living with open green spaces.

Village resident Dianne said, “I love it here. This house supports my needs. I feel safe and secure and it’s nice and quiet. I can move around and do lots of things here. The neighbours are really good too.”

Old friendships are rekindled and new ones formed. Dianne and Riley said that they knew fellow resident Marj a long time ago from the Bush Inn Hotel. Dianne also knew one of the other residents, Marie, as well as Maree. Moving to the Village is like a reunion!

Before Dianne moved to The Village, her cleaner said to her “You need a bigger place. One where the floors aren’t slippery!” A lady from the Salvation Army also noticed that Dianne was in need of a more suitable home. She contacted Housing Tasmania, noting that Dianne did not want to live in the city. The Village at Corumbene became available and Dianne was asked if she would like to have a look. “My brother and his wife came with me and we all said, YES, we love it!” Dianne said that not only is she happy living at The Village; her whole family is very happy for her as well.

This exciting project came about from a partnership with the State Government Regional Supply of Social Housing program. Corumbene had identified the need for independent living in affordable rental homes. The goal is to assist people to stay in their homes longer as they age, so rather than building more residential aged care accommodation, Corumbene decided to focus on building new models of accommodation across the road from the aged care residence.

To be eligible for the affordable rental housing units, applicants must be over 65 years old and be on the ‘Priority 1’ Public Housing waiting list. For enquiries, please contact: Housing Connect 1800 800 588 or Corumbene Care (03) 6261 2744.

Written by Lisa Davis,
Senior Communications Officer