Land has been secured on which to build two modular homes as part of a partnership project to provide affordable housing in Maldon. Members of Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) and the Community Bank Maldon & District (CBMD) met on the newly purchased High Street block of land on Tuesday 10 March to announce the latest step of the bank’s Big Project.
The BIG Project grant was launched in July 2024 to support a visionary community project (see the TT [Tarrangower Times], Friday 29 August 2025). The Bank committed $650,000, along with a $400,000 contribution from Council (prompted by community group ‘Tarrangower Tomorrow’), to deliver two modular homes for workers in Maldon through the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust (MAAHT).
Mayor Toby Heydon said that partnerships were key to such an important project and that he hoped it was just the start of something bigger. “I think thank yous are in order as we stand on this site for essential housing for the Shire,” he said. “The bank’s contribution is the larger share and we’re so grateful for the Bank’s vision.”
CBMD Chair Matthew Gordon said it was exactly the sort of work that the Bank should be doing, pointing out that numerous community businesses and services cannot exist without workers having access to safe, secure, affordable housing.
He said: “This will have a positive impact for years and years, well beyond our time, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.”
Council’s Housing Solutions Broker Clare Richards explained the MAAHT, saying it had arisen after community consultation when a “dynamic of need and opportunity” led to Council working towards a Trust with a philanthropic taxation structure. “It will become entirely autonomous and focused on addressing housing needs in our community,” she said.
“It’s a very beautiful place, just towards the edge of Maldon township and within full view of the beautiful Mount Tarrengower,” said Councillor Rosalie Hastwell of the block of land.
“The members of ‘Tarrangower Tomorrow’ really highlighted the need for affordable housing; they were the beginning of this story in Maldon.”
The houses will be delivered by Haven Homesafe (HH) and completed by early next year, Ms Richards said, while the process of tenant selection is still under discussion between HH and Council.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 13 March 2026.
