Every child has the opportunity to thrive Learning and development are now a whole lot more fun for five-year-old Moustafa thanks to a $4,000 Variety grant sourced by AnglicareSA’s Autism Services.
Construction to begin on affordable housing Believe Housing Australia has marked the start of a $13.3 million development project to deliver 29 new homes for older women in South Australia. Supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), Believe Housing Australia, as trustee of the Laura and Alfred West Cottage Homes (LAWCH) portfolio, is progressing redevelopment projects at three sites in Kilburn and Mitchell Park. Women aged over 55 are recognised as one of the fastest growing cohorts at risk of homelessness and this new project replaces ageing housing stock. Believe Housing Australia Executive General Manager, Housing Services, Stacey Northover, said this project showed what was possible when all levels of government worked together with community housing providers. “Through HAFF support, we are accelerating the delivery of high quality, affordable homes that respond directly to community need,” Ms Northover said. “Women aged over 55 are one of the fastest growing groups facing housing insecurity, and providing 29 safe, modern homes is about far more than bricks and mortar – it is about dignity, stability, and ensuring older women feel secure and supported in their communities.” The redevelopment project will deliver 17 two-bedroom homes across two sites in Kilburn, with a further 12 homes to be built in Mitchell Park, made up of four two-bedroom homes and eight single-bedroom dwellings.
Moustafa, whose parents Ikhlas and Rateb immigrated to Adelaide from Syria via Lebanon in October 2016, has been diagnosed with level three Autism Spectrum Disorder and is significantly behind his peers in areas such as self- care, play, and social skills, and has limited awareness of safety. Moustafa is the youngest of four children, with an older brother Ahmad, who is also on the autism spectrum, while his family has no extended family or informal support in Adelaide. Clinical Lead of Occupational Therapy, Yvonne Dolman, said AnglicareSA sought grant funding to purchase play equipment for Moustafa, who despite the challenges he faced, was full of energy and enjoyed outdoor activities. “This support marks an exciting step forward in creating a more inclusive, sensory friendly environment for the families we serve,” Yvonne said. “Rateb and Ikhlas have shared how meaningful it is to have a space where their children are developing skills while safe and supported. Tenant talent shines
Five-year-old Moustafa enjoying his new play equipment
A hobby has become a proud achievement for eight-year-old Believe Housing Australia tenant Aaliaa, (pictured), who won an award in the Community Housing Art Awards South Australia (CHARTS). Her artwork, Jellycat , won in the youth bracket’s 2D painting/ drawing category and was displayed in a free gallery exhibition with the other CHARTS finalists. The awards were created by the Community Housing Industry Association of South Australia to showcase the talents and creativity of community and social housing tenants. “We are incredibly grateful for this funding and excited to see the joy, growth, and connection this new equipment will bring, along with a strengthening of a sense of belonging, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
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