Building homes to grow Hopetoun’s health community

09/12/2024

Hopetoun will be in the box seat to attract more healthcare workers to the region, when dedicated hospital accommodation is built next year in the remote town where no rental properties exist.

Four new modular houses will be constructed at Rural Northwest Health for staff, thanks to support from the Victorian Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.

The health service currently has some temporary housing available for new workers, however, there are limited options for those wanting to stay on longer in Hopetoun, which is located more than four hours northwest of Melbourne.

Rural Northwest Health CEO, Jenni Masters said she is hoping the extra accommodation will initially attract more registered nurses, but the accommodation will be available for all medical professionals and other hospital staff, including those working in finance, maintenance and general services.

'Health is more than just the clinical staff who work face to face with patients,’ Jenni said.

‘I know we focus on registered nurses, and we talk about bringing in urgent care but actually, it’s more than that.

‘There’s so much behind it that ensures that we can provide the services we do.'

The homes are being built by Swanbuild in Swan Hill before being transported and assembled in Hopetoun in early 2025.

The design for the homes is flexible, catering for both individual workers and their families, with 12 bedrooms across the project.

Once the project is the complete, the health service will host a community evening to welcome Hopetoun’s newest residents to town.

This will allow the new workers and their families to get to know people in Hopetoun and explore the many clubs the town boasts, while taking the opportunity to get involved in the community and pursue their interests.

'Not only is it great for us as a health service, but it’s also building our community,' Jenni said.

Round 2 of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund is now open for applications until 4 pm Friday 31 January 2025. All public and private businesses in the regions are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the Fund and how to apply, visit the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.