Members of the Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee came to Dhelkaya Health in the first week of May. They heard from representatives of Homeshare Mount Alexander, including Homesharers and Home providers and the Homeshare peak body, the Homeshare Australia and New Zealand Alliance (HANZA). The visit is part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria.
On behalf of the Victorian Parliament, the Committee is examining the methods of building and the mix of housing types across regional communities. It aims to hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including community organisations, industry bodies, local governments, and individuals with lived experience on both the challenges they are facing and the opportunities for policy improvement. The Committee visited Castlemaine to learn about the Homeshare model and its potential to be one part of housing solutions in the future.
At the meeting, participants discussed how the Homeshare model works by matching people who need support and companionship—such as older adults or those with a disability—with individuals who are seeking affordable accommodation and are willing to offer help. In exchange for a room in the home, Homesharers provide practical assistance and companionship. This mutual exchange model fosters social connection, eases housing stress, and can help older people live at home for longer.
HANZA representatives presented evidence on Homeshare’s effectiveness and discussed the model’s potential scalability to meet the needs of other regional communities.
Ms Julie Addison, Chair of the Committee and MP for Wendouree, said: “We heard about the benefits of the program and heard directly from participants, noting how the program offers a low-cost solution to housing shortages in regional areas that makes use of existing housing stock. Hearing about the lived experience of those involved in the program has provided the Committee with valuable insights.”
Dr. Di Cox, Homeshare Mount Alexander Coordinator, said she is thrilled the Committee are interested in finding out more about Homeshare. Dr Cox said: “Our Homeshare experience has been very positive. Having a mutual exchange model based on a clear legal contract means everyone knows where they stand, and they’re supported every step of the way. We’re seeing benefits like people being able to complete education, keep their local jobs and families being able to relax knowing their loved one has a person living with them.”
The five Homesharers who attended the hearing spoke about the benefits they’ve experienced. Homesharer Rob said “I have past experience of tenants and boarders in my home but this experience is so much better. I am flourishing with Homeshare. We are doing things together around the house which I had a lot of trouble getting to alone. It’s also the relationship. I feel like I am living in a home again thanks to the support of the coordinator to help us set it up. It’s a wonderful turning point for me.”
Dr Meg Montague, research and evaluation expert and HANZA representative, said Homeshare uncovers a hidden housing supply at relatively low cost and can address some of the housing stresses in regional Victoria without long infrastructure development delays.
Dr Montague said: “We know there is an urgent need for housing in regional Victoria, especially for essential workers. At the same time, census data reveals that there are over 1 million spare rooms in regional Victoria. Increasingly older people want to age in place in their own home, and a growing body of evidence shows that social isolation and loneliness are critical elements of poor mental health. Homeshare ticks so many boxes; it is a smart use of an existing resource, and the evidence here in Australia and internationally is that it brings significant social and economic benefit to individuals, communities and governments. HANZA urges the Victorian government to invest in homeshare as a component of a response to the need for housing in our communities. “
The Committee is conducting a range of visits across Victoria to understand community needs around regional housing and inform its final recommendations.
