Lidcombe Rise project

LIDCOMBE RISE PROJECT COMMENCES DEVELOPMENT

Construction has commenced on the Lidcombe Rise development, which is part of the NSW Government’s Communities Plus program. Evolve Housing is proud to partner with the Billbergia Group and the NSW Land and Housing Corporation on this project, to develop vacant land and create a vibrant neighbourhood of mixed housing.

The development is set to deliver 376 new homes in total and will also help create hundreds of jobs. The project will include 63 social housing properties, which we will manage on behalf of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation on a 20-year lease.

We will also own and manage 93 affordable housing properties in the development. The remaining 220 properties will be private market dwellings, sold on an ‘off the plan’ basis by our development partner Billbergia Group.

Excavation and foundation/basement works are underway on the Lidcombe Rise development, which will consist of four apartment blocks constructed over a one-hectare site. The development will be architecturally designed to complement and energise the local landscape. All four apartment blocks will be constructed to the same high standard, with a consistency of quality across the private market, social housing, and affordable housing dwellings.

The property is located near public transport, schools, the Lidcombe Library, an aquatic centre, and public open spaces for residents to enjoy. Given the current adverse economic and health situation in New South Wales, the timing of this development is well-placed to provide economic stimulus, more local jobs, and muchneeded housing in Sydney.

“There has never been a more important time to develop social housing in Sydney, and this project will deliver new, high-quality homes to fulfil that demand, while also boosting the economy by creating jobs,” Evolve Housing CEO Lyall Gorman said.

“We are pleased to be working with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and the Billbergia Group to create a thriving, accessible new community for the people of Lidcombe.”

ATTAINMENT OF ASES ACCREDITATION

During the year, Evolve Housing attained accreditation in Australian Services Excellence Standards (ASES), which is a national quality improvement program for all homelessness services. We initially applied for this as ASES accreditation was needed for our status as a provider of Specialist Homelessness Youth Services. Achieving accreditation shows our commitment, strong policy and procedures, and high-level client services. The process to achieve accreditation took more than 6 months, and required documentation and proof of practice in relation to the following: • All required policies and procedures in place, accessible and known by clients, staff, management and Board • Implementation of strong financial planning and a good financial position

• All reporting requirements completed to high standards and on time • Clear and well-developed strategic plans for today and into the future • A well trained and experienced team • A wealth of community partnerships, networks and knowledge of the sector

All areas of compliance documentation were assessed and verified by an external auditor, who also spoke with internal and external stakeholders to ensure policies and procedures are being appropriately used. We achieved accreditation earlier than anticipated and received great feedback from our auditor. We are now ASES accredited for three years until 2023.

Accreditation will offer ongoing benefits for Evolve Housing and our clients, including: • Improved opportunities in tenders and funding • Improved positive outcomes for clients • Allowing Evolve Housing to tender outright for

Homelessness Services • Demonstrating we have met state government service standards.

ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVES, ACTIONS, CRITICAL SUCCESS MEASURES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

OBJECTIVE

1.1 Meet housing needs by increasing and diversifying housing supply 1.1.1 Increase the supply of social, affordable and disability housing through development projects, redevelopment or acquisition Increasing new supply to the social housing market (i.e. property has not been previously used as social housing)

1.2 Optimise financial sustainability and performance

ACTION

1.2.1 Grow the portfolio of properties under Evolve Housing ownership and management

1.3. Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement 1.3.1. Engage with and advocate our value proposition across Government, non-government, and commercial sectors Selection as preferred partner by other organisations

1.2.2 Sustainably expand our complementary support service offering and seek to secure new funding for services

SUCCESS MEASURE

Increasing new supply to the affordable housing market (i.e. property has not been previously used as affordable housing)

Increase in Evolve Housing owned properties (social)

Increase in Evolve Housing owned properties (affordable)

Increase in Evolve Housing managed properties (social)

Increase in Evolve Housing managed properties (affordable)

New support services established

Diversification of support services

STATUS

ACHIEVED

ACHIEVED

IN PROGRESS: Need government funding to leverage debt & equity to grow social housing portfolio

ACHIEVED

PARTIALLY ACHIEVED: Together Home program being implemented

ACHIEVED

ACHIEVED

ACHIEVED

ACHIEVED