Safe as houses for at-risk women

STRUCTURAL works are complete on 35 new social housing dwellings in the Burnayi Lurnayi development.

Burnayi Lurnayi, meaning young women in Dja Dja Wurrung language, will house at-risk women and their families, with at least half of the homes prioritised for First Nations women.

The milestone was marked recently with a ceremony attended by representatives from YWCA Australia, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil, and Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters.

Due to be finished in mid-2026, the development includes an apartment building plus nine three-bedroom townhouses.

YWCA Australia Group CEO Michelle Phillips said the new dwellings demonstrate what coordinated investment and collaboration can achieve for regional communities.

“The solution to Australia’s housing challenges relies on governments working together with specialist providers and community partners,” she said.

“Burnayi Lurnayi shows what this collaboration makes possible, creating new safe, secure and affordable homes for women in Bendigo.”

Dja Dja Wurrung Group interim CEO Cassandra Lewis described the development as an important initiative that would help ease housing stress for First Nations and non-Indigenous women and families.

“We hear about the housing crisis every day,” she said.

“Finding safe, affordable housing is especially challenging for people dealing with the impacts of inter-generational disadvantage and trauma, which, unfortunately, is too often First Nations People.

“Burnayi Lurnayi honours the importance of women in our community and the need to provide safe, secure housing for our young women so they can establish themselves, become financially independent and participate in society.”