All the latest news from Women's Property Initiatives
WPI Update December 2025
At this time, our thoughts are very much with those affected by the devastating violence that occurred at Bondi Beach at what should have been a wonderful celebration of faith and life. Hate and violence has no place in our community. Our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, the entire Jewish community and everyone affected by this tragedy.
As 2025 races to a close, it has been a busy time at WPI, with the completion of lovely new homes for women and their families. Over the last month WPI has handed the keys to 10 women and their children who now have a safe and affordable home to enjoy the festive season.
We have been moved by many offers from within our networks to generously support our renters in other ways. This can be a challenging period for women on low incomes and we thank those that have offered to make the festive season happier and easier for some of our renters. From backyard makeovers to thoughtful gifts - you are making a difference.
At this time of year, many people wish to make a gift of a donation. Please consider WPI for your end of giving. With the need greater than ever before, your gift supports our mission to deliver more homes for women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
I feel very privileged to be part of WPI and to have met and heard directly from the women about the impact of our work. They inspire us to continue to strive to deliver more housing and we have many exciting projects in the pipeline which will be progressed in 2026.
On behalf of the team at WPI, I would like to wish you the warmest greetings of the season and best wishes for 2026. Thank you for your continued support of WPI and for your commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable women and their families.
Warm Regards
Roberta Buchanan
CEO, Women's Property Initiatives
Mornington Peninsula Project
In a previous update, we shared that we had secured funding and endorsed Condition 1 plans for our Mornington Peninsula Project. We have now signed the building contract for the project and will be partnering with ARKit, an innovative Australian construction company specialising in sustainable modular design, to deliver the homes. Construction will commence early in the New Year.
Funded by Homes Victoria under the Big Housing Build, this project has been made possible through the ground lease from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and generous gifts from Arden Homes, TEN Women and their networks, the Jack and Ethel Goldin Foundation, and Homes for Homes.
New Homes Delivered
In the past few weeks, we have been thrilled to see construction complete on several important projects.
- We have opened the doors to five beautiful homes for women in Ballarat in partnership with Hygge Property. A short walk to the central shopping and dining precinct as well as local amenities. Five older women have moved into these beautiful homes and are settling well.
- Construction is complete and residents are moving into Umarkoo Wayi this week. WPI has acquired three new apartments. We are thrilled to be part of another project that integrates women into vibrant, inclusive, planet friendly communities where they can thrive.
- Construction is complete on our four new homes in Daylesford with the finishing touches being applied to the landscaping. Partnering again with Hygge Property, this project focuses on sustainability, community connection and thoughtful design. It provides much needed housing for women in the area who are experiencing housing insecurity. We look forward to welcoming four new women to the WPI family in early 2026.
- Following the completion of WPI's development of two new homes in Melbourne's north, two women and their children have moved in. This project has revitalised the site of one of WPI's oldest homes to accommodate two contemporary dwellings for women led families, including five children. Each home features its own private open space and individual entry, ensuring private, sustainable and comfortable family living.
Meet Zora and Bobi
We are very proud of our renter, Zora, who appears in the 2026 Pets in Our Place calendar, produced by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. It features social housing renters from around Melbourne and their very special pets.
Zora and her Brittany Spaniel, Bobi. are inseparable and devoted to each other. "Bobi is so funny. He's such a character, really an icon. We help each other out". said Zora.
Annual General Meeting and Annual Report
Last month we held our 2025 Annual General Meeting. Hosted by Johnson Winter Slattery, it was an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our 30 newest homes.
At the AGM we farewelled longstanding Board Director and former Chair, Debra Mika. WPI is delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Kennedy as our new Chairperson. Margaret is an accomplished Chair, Non-Executive Director and CEO, with experience leading
large commercial, residential real estate, investment, and customer facing businesses. We thank Katie Struthers for her contribution as Chair and are delighted she will continue on the Board.
WPI's 2025 Annual Report was presented at the AGM. It focuses on our work, our partners, the women we serve and our supporters. We are very proud of what has been achieved in 2024/25. You can read our Annual Report here.
End of Year Appeal
On any given night, there are almost 54,000 Australian women who are homeless. You may know one of them.
WPI exists because women face inherent financial disadvantage that is create by gender inequality. This limits there access to safe and secure housing. They earn less than men, spend more time out of the workforce caring for children and the elderley and are over-represented in our lowest paying jobs. They are also far more likely to experience family violence.
With your help we can change this. We can provide more safe, secure and affordable homes where women and their families can thrive.
