Housing is one of the biggest political and community issues for Canberrans right now. The waitlist for social housing is long, construction costs are high, and the gap between what is needed and what exists continues to grow. When organisations at the frontline of that challenge have something important to say, it matters that they are heard. This month, we’ve been helping two of Canberra’s leading community housing providers do exactly that.
June was a big month for Canberra housing
On 4 June, CHC Australia’s media release for the month announced the start of construction on the Marlowe development in Phillip – a 140-apartment project delivering 70 affordable rental homes for nurses, teachers, healthcare workers and other essential workers close to the Canberra Hospital precinct. The project will showcase the importance of local partnerships as a joint venture between CHC Australia and Canberra Southern Cross Club, with completion expected in 2027.
Then only a day later, CHC Australia responded to the ACT Government’s landmark 2026-27 Budget announcement: a $364 million public housing pipeline to build and buy 450 additional homes, alongside a $39 million loan guarantee program expected to unlock more than 1,000 affordable homes through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
CHC Phillip Marlowe construction commencement and CHC Strathnairn project aerial image.
On 12 June, Havelock Housing – Canberra’s oldest frontline community housing provider, with more than 40 years of experience and over 400 active tenancies – added its voice to the conversation. Havelock’s message was direct: measure the success of this investment in lives changed, not just buildings completed.
If you missed the media on this, catch up on the latest on Canberra housing on our Mediawire.
Why this kind of PR matters
A well-timed media release does more than generate a headline. For community housing providers, media and PR is one of the most practical tools available. Coverage builds public understanding of the scale of housing need. Positioning organisational leaders as credible voices in policy conversations strengthens their relationship with government. Consistent, clear communication helps attract the funding, partnerships and community support that make more housing projects possible.
CHC Australia is the ACT’s largest community housing provider, housing more than 2,160 Canberrans across a portfolio built over 25 years. Havelock has supported more than 2,000 people since 2015. Both organisations are doing serious work. That work deserves serious communication behind it.
Telling stories that matter
Working with organisations whose purpose is genuinely community-focused is a reminder of what media and PR is capable of beyond the typical marketing brief. The craft is the same. The stakes feel different. If your organisation is doing work that deserves more visibility, we would like to help you tell your next story.