Regional worker housing opens its doors

02/11/2026

We’re helping regional employers attract and keep the staff they need with more than 50 dwellings for over 150 workers now in place across regional Victoria and dozens more on the way, thanks to our Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.

Among them are 10 new houses in Robinvale, where dedicated worker housing will help local health and education services fill essential roles. The two and three-bedroom houses were built by Mildura Homes, with more than 60 regional tradespeople involved in the project.

In Bairnsdale, 24 studio and four two-bedroom apartments are set to house up to 32 doctors, nurses, allied health workers and specialists. This will support shorter wait times, better local treatment options for the community and reduce pressure on the existing workforce.

The fund is also helping industries meet demand for staff during busy periods. Across Buloke Shire, 10 completed cabins in seven towns will house workers in farming, energy and mining, including during harvest.

Local tradespeople and 11 businesses helped deliver the cabins, which were built using modular construction for faster installation.

In Lorne, where hospitality businesses rely on seasonal staff, eight new units can house up to 32 Lorne Hotel workers. This will help the hotel secure staff while freeing up other local accommodation. Geelong Building Company built the units, supporting dozens of regional construction workers.

By providing housing for workers, these projects also help ease pressure on local rental markets.

More projects are underway across regional Victoria to deliver benefits for even more workers and businesses.

In Warrnambool, construction is underway to deliver cabins at Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park to provide 32 bedrooms for local workers, including those in health and education. The park’s location near public transport, parkland and the town centre will also help workers and their families settle into the community.

At its Swan Hill facility, Swanbuild is building 13 modular homes for Murtoa, Apsley, Minyip and Donald. The houses will support workers and their families in industries including agriculture, healthcare, energy, mining and tourism.

And over in Shepparton, JMB Modular is delivering 28 units for up to 37 key workers through the Goulburn Apartments project.

These investments are all made possible by our Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, which is helping employers fill jobs, keep essential services running and support regional growth.