Putting people at the heart of social housing reform
To support the launch of our 10-year Homes for NSW Strategy, Emmanuel shared his story: “For the first time in my years living in public housing, I actually felt that I was being listened to.”
Emmanuel is a social housing resident of 12 years. For Emmanuel, home is more than a safe, stable place to call home; it’s about memories, history and community.
But living ‘within the system’ has had its challenges.
“Not knowing when your tenancy is up or if your tenancy is going to be renewed – it plays on you,” he says.
“When decisions are made which are out of your hands, it’s not comfortable.”
Like many tenants, Emmanuel has experienced times of stress and anxiety during his tenancy. But with the recent launch of the Homes for NSW Strategy 2025–2035, he’s hopeful about what’s ahead.
The Strategy is a 10-year plan to build a genuinely person-centred social housing and homelessness system.
It marks a shift away from outdated policies that cause stress and insecurity, toward a fairer, more inclusive system that gives people greater control over their home and future.
One key change: abolishing 2, 5, and 10-year fixed-term leases so people can stay in social housing long term and plan for their future.
“If this is what this Strategy is going to do for tenants and tenancy, then I am going to applaud it,” Emmanuel says.
Minister's Message
I really enjoyed reading this issue of Your Home, and I hope you do too. The stories remind me why we created Homes NSW two years ago. From those who, like Emmanuel, shared feedback on our new 10-year Homes for NSW Strategy, to stories of how your lives have improved since our investment in maintenance and new public housing, the purpose of Homes NSW has always been to improve your lives and embed your voice in everything we do.
Public housing is essential public infrastructure we can all be proud of. That’s why we’re building 8,400 new public homes and spending $1 billion on upgrading existing ones. Everyone deserves a home that offers stability, dignity and the chance to plan for the future. More than half of the new homes we’re delivering will support women and children escaping family and domestic violence. This responsibility guides every decision we make.
Last year, we launched the Homes for NSW Strategy – a 10-year plan that puts people first. It’s about fixing the things that cause stress, like long wait times, poor maintenance and uncertainty. It’s about building a fairer system where people can feel secure in their home, and this year we’re focused on delivering that change.
I know there’s still more to do, and that some of you are still facing challenges. Please know that I am listening. Your feedback matters, and it helps us improve the services you rely on. I encourage you to get in touch using the feedback details at the back of this newsletter.
If you need help with maintenance or repairs, you can contact MyHousing Repairs on 1800 422 322 or visit
nsw.gov.au/myhousing.
Take care,
Rose Jackson,
Minister for Housing and
Homelessness
A fresh start for tenants moving into new homes in Waterloo
For Michael, a proud Kamilaroi man, moving into his new apartment in Waterloo has been life changing. After years of living in older homes that no longer met his needs, he’s now looking forward to the future.
“ I’m going to live the rest of my life happy” – Michael, Waterloo social housing tenant.
Michael is one of around 100 tenants relocating from Waterloo South, where our renewal of the area will see 3,000 modern and accessible homes built on Gadigal land, with 50% to be social and affordable homes.
Michael was supported to move into a brand new social housing apartment, located above the new Waterloo metro station.
We know moving can be stressful, so our team has been working closely with each tenant to make sure the move to their new home supports their needs and wellbeing.
This includes helping people stay connected to their community, health services, family and cultural supports.
Jacqui and her son Lamont also recently moved into one of the new apartments and say they
are delighted with their new home.
Another Waterloo tenant who we supported to relocate, Aaron, shared that he finally feels safe and loves the city views from his balcony.
Fresh cuts, fresh future
Sharpening the skills of young people in social housing.
Sometimes one new skill can open the door to something bigger. When we asked local high school students in South West Sydney what they most wanted to learn, barbering came out on top – a skill that blends creativity, confidence and community.
To support this, Homes NSW partnered with Mission Australia’s Reset4Youth team to run a trial barbering program for young people aged 16–24 from social housing communities.
The program helped participants build confidence, communication and practical hands-on skills. It also introduced pathways into work, apprenticeships and even starting a small business.
With support from Macarthur Gateway, two participants received full barbering kits worth $800, while the rest received $100 starter kits to help them continue practicing at home.
We’re proud to deliver programs that give young tenants a real boost – helping them to build skills, express themselves and explore new futures. If you’d like to get involved in an upcoming tenant participation session, contact your local team leader.
Bringing homes back to life
After 13 years of couch surfing, 79-year-old Mahmud finally has a place to call home – a neatly refurbished studio in Cartwright.
The upgrade is part of a wider effort. Homes NSW owns around 156,000 properties across NSW, many of them decades old.
To improve living conditions, the NSW Government has invested $1 billion to repair and restore 30,000 public homes.
Last year we upgraded almost 12,000 homes, with more maintenance work well underway.
Mahmud's home in Cartwright is part of a two-storey block that was completely upgraded. Every unit now has a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring and air conditioning.
Outside, landscaped gardens include seating areas, and new fencing and a laneway were added for greater privacy.
With thanks to Mahmud and his neighbours, who told us they, “can't believe how beautiful it is”.
Building futures in Broken Hill
Supporting education as a pathway to careers in construction.
The Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is celebrating 18 Aboriginal students in Broken Hill who have completed their Certificate I and II in Construction through TAFE NSW – a milestone that has already changed lives.
For Travis, the program has meant a new start. “This has given me purpose and direction – I’m proud of what I’ve achieved,” he said.
The training was delivered as part of the AHO’s Murdi Paaki Region Aboriginal Housing Program, giving participants practical trade skills and opening long-term pathways into work, licensing and small business ownership. Tanya shared how much it meant to her, saying, “This course has opened doors for me and boosted my confidence.”
So far, five graduates have moved into apprenticeships, others are preparing for their Fair Trading contractor licences, and several are working towards launching their own businesses as sole traders.
This program is helping create stronger futures for young people across the Broken Hill community.
NSW Senior’s Festival: live life in colour
The NSW Seniors Festival is back from 2–15 March!
It’s the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and celebrates the contributions of older adults in our communities. The festival offers plenty of ways to connect, learn, and have fun.
Don’t miss the Seniors Festival Expo
Discover everything you need for healthy, active ageing all in one place! Meet local businesses, community groups and government services. The expo is free and you can simply turn up on the day without a booking.
When: Wednesday 11 March (9am–4pm) and Thursday 12 March (9am–3pm)
Where: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC), Hall 3 Community events across NSW
Enjoy events like art workshops, fitness classes, concerts and cultural tours. Many activities are free or discounted. It’s the perfect time to try something new and there’s something for everyone!
Your feedback on our services is incredibly valuable. It helps us to understand what’s working well and where we can make improvements.
If you have any feedback or suggestions, please reach out by:
Phone: 1800 422 322
Email: feedback@homes.nsw.gov.au
Post:
Client Feedback Unit,
Locked Bag 7150,
Liverpool BC 1871
Or, you can submit feedback via the MyHousing App.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service on 13 36 77.