Women’s Housing Initiative in Strathnairn

A new housing project aimed at giving working women a pathway to home ownership is set to open in Strathnairn early next year. Led by community housing provider CHC Australia, the Strathnairn Women’s Housing Initiative will deliver 22 new affordable houses under the ACT’s first Build to Rent to Buy model.

The program is designed for single women aged 25 to 45, including those with children, who have stable employment but are unable to save a deposit or meet lending requirements in Canberra’s increasingly unaffordable housing market. Participants will rent their home at just under 75 per cent of the market rate, allowing them to save while enjoying long-term security for up to 10 years. Between Years 6 and 10, they will have the first opportunity to purchase their home, supported by clear savings pathways and lender engagement to ensure affordability.

Backed by a $4.5 million ACT Government grant, the project aims to break the cycle of housing stress and help women build long-term financial stability. CHC Australia has highlighted the model’s potential to reduce barriers for financially vulnerable women and to enable them to share in capital growth, where needed, to help bridge lending gaps.

Expressions of interest are now open. For eligibility details and application information, visit the CHC Australia website. You can also find the brochure here.

Woden Community Service is proudly partnering with CHC Australia through the Snow Foundation’s Community Service Alliance to strengthen housing opportunities for women in Canberra.

Community Services Unite to Strengthen Support for Canberrans

Woden Community Service and Northside Community Service are uniting to provide stronger, more sustainable support for Canberrans, delivering trusted children’s services, aged care, and community programs deeply rooted in local knowledge and relationships.

“By working together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient organisation that will continue to deliver the services people rely on, while safeguarding what matters most – community-driven services, delivered by Canberrans,” CEO of Woden and Northside Community Service, Dan English said.

From 27 November 2025, the organisations will operate under a shared governance and leadership model, combining expertise to ensure services remain high-quality, responsive, and sustainable, while supporting staff and preserving long-standing local connections.

Together, the two organisations bring over 100 years of combined experience supporting the Canberra community – Woden Community Service was established in 1969 and Northside Community Service in 1976.

At this stage, both organisations will continue to operate under their trusted names, ensuring long-standing local connections remain.

By uniting their strengths, they will create a stronger platform to support communities, foster innovation, and make a lasting difference for Canberrans across the ACT.