As reported last week, residents of social housing in the Inkerman Oasis development recently learned their homes were to be sold when a representative from HousingFirst knocked on their door with the unwelcome news.
Even worse, some of the 25 households received their relocation notice only via a letter pushed under the door.
After complaints to Federal MP Josh Burns and State MP Nina Taylor, as well as TWiSK’s reporting, HousingFirst moved into damage‑control mode.
Letters were sent to residents offering a meeting with none other than HousingFirst CEO Jan Berriman to discuss any concerns or questions. The letter said residents were “welcome to bring a family member or friend along.”
Two groups of residents opted to have a group meeting and invited their local MPs – Josh Burns or Nina Taylor – as their “friend.” Great idea, it’s good to have friends backing you when you’re invited to the big table in the boardroom.
TWiSK understands that HousingFirst were told that the MPs would be joining the meetings as the residents’ ‘friend’. But only hours later, HousingFirst said the MPs were not welcome in the resident meetings and would instead be seen earlier in a separate briefing. Embarrassing.
Later Josh Burns re-affirmed his committment to finding a positive solution.
“As soon as we were notified of Housing First’s decision, we have been working to ensure residents are supported and have as many housing options as possible.
“We are constantly liaising with Housing First and we won’t stop until every resident is settled into a new home,” he told TWiSK.
HousingFirst doubles down on sale
We don’t know what was said in the MPs’ briefing, but we do know what was said in the meeting with residents.
Residents told TWiSK that Jan Berriman was polite and courteous when she addressed them around the board table for a lengthy discussion. However, residents say she “didn’t give an inch.” Her message: the decision had been made – indeed, made some time ago – and the focus now is firmly on the sale and subsequent relocation.
Berriman explained that the 25‑year‑old properties have been operating at a loss for nearly seven years. Rent collected is about 50% of market rate, while maintenance and owners corporation costs are at market rates and rising. This financial imbalance, she said, led the board to decide to sell the properties to reduce the trust’s debt and prevent further loss of housing stock.
The properties are to be sold through an expression‑of‑interest process, closing around 29 May. If sold, settlement would occur 90 days later – around the end of August. If the block does not sell as lot, the units may be sold individually, a process that would take longer.
Lack of Alternatives no impredemint to sale
Despite being determined to sell off 25 existing homes, Berriman acknowledged the limited availability of vacant properties, with only 11 currently empty within Port Phillip.
She said options outside the municipality are available, but residents are encouraged to consider any offer within Port Phillip – even if it’s not ideal – to avoid ending up with “nothing.”
HousingFirst staff will meet individually with residents to understand their needs and will offer packing and relocation services at no cost.
Residents convey their concerns
TWiSK was told that the meeting was not all one‑way traffic. Residents used their time with the CEO to raise significant concerns, including:
- Lack of communication: Residents expressed deep frustration at the absence of clear and consistent information about the sale and relocation. Some had heard rumours as early as 2024, despite being assured previously that they were “safe for the rest of our lives.”
- Anxiety and stress: Many residents have lived at Oasis for up to 22 years. The sudden prospect of displacement is causing significant emotional distress.
- Relocation options: Residents are concerned about limited, unsuitable alternatives – particularly within Port Phillip. Some options are smaller (such as those in Brighton) or in less desirable locations. Many need access to established doctors, transport, and community networks.
- Maintenance issues: Residents highlighted ongoing maintenance concerns they feel are being ignored because the properties are slated for sale.
- Loss of amenities: Some fear losing key features such as car parks, which are not guaranteed in new locations.
- Timing and planning: Residents questioned why relocation planning did not begin when the decision to sell was made.
- Lack of individualised support: Residents feel their needs – such as car spaces, ground‑floor or upstairs units, or specific locations – are not being properly recorded or considered.
But HousingFirst continues to sell
Despite Berriman’s willingness to listen, she indicated no reconsideration was on the cards. This puts the spotlight on the merits of the decision.
TWiSK’s earlier report generated a range of responses, some of which warrant further investigation.
One of the most notable came from former Mayor Dick Gross, who has insider knowledge of the original vision for Oasis.
He expressed is concerns in a strongly worded statement to TWiSK:
“The proposal by HousingFirst to sell the social housing units on Greeves Street is total treachery.
“That land used to be the old St Kilda Transfer Station. It was granted by Port Phillip Council (when I was on the Council) to the Housing Association to house St Kilda residents who were being forced from the suburb.
“This was the purpose of the grant. To sell those units now breaches the word and/or spirit of the grant.
“If the resources are not to be used for the identical purpose, it is – as TWiSK wrote – a complete betrayal.
“Where are Councillors Betti Jay and Justin Halliday, who are Board members of HousingFirst? Why are they not preventing this complete abrogation of Council’s interests?”
TWiSK is also familiar with some of the thinking behind the Oasis. We can assure readers that the idea the units would one day be sold – and residents encouraged to move to Brighton East – was never, ever imagined.
In coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at financial transparency, governance, and decision‑making at HousingFirst.
Anyone with concerns about HousingFirst and the provision of quality social housing in St Kilda is welcome to contact Greg Day on 0418 345 829 or email in confidence. This includes concerns about maintenance, cleaning & hygiene and safety.
HousingFirst is welcome to respond, and any comments will be published.
