Get a clear, practical understanding of community housing so you can respond confidently to housing questions in your council role.

Overview

Local government staff and Councillors are increasingly expected to respond to housing concerns from the community, engage with providers, and contribute to planning and advocacy discussions. Community housing is often part of these conversations, but the system can feel complex, with multiple provider types, funding models and regulatory settings.

This 2-hour webinar provides a plain-English overview of the Victorian community housing sector, including real project examples and practical partnership options for councils. Participants will gain clearer language, stronger context and a realistic understanding of how councils can support and work alongside community housing organisations to improve local housing outcomes.

Why this course matters

Build confidence to respond to community housing questions clearly and accurately

Strengthen council decision-making with realistic sector understanding

Reduce confusion about who does what across the housing system

Support better planning and engagement conversations with CHOs and developers

Clarify what partnership options are practical for councils

Improve consistency in messaging to Councillors, executives and the broader community

What participants will learn

How community housing fits within Victoria’s broader housing system

What community housing organisations do day-to-day and who they support

How community housing is regulated and what accountability frameworks apply

How CHOs are funded and how growth and new supply is delivered

Key drivers of project feasibility, including land, finance and delivery constraints

Real examples of council and community housing partnerships

Practical options for how councils can support or collaborate with CHOs

Resources available through CHIA Vic when housing questions arise

Who should attend

Local government officers working in planning, housing, community development or strategy

Councillors and Mayors

Executive leadership teams in local government

Place-based planning and infrastructure staff

Community engagement and social policy staff

Economic development staff involved in housing-related initiatives

Organisational benefits

Stronger internal understanding of community housing across council teams

More informed decision-making about planning pathways and partnership opportunities

Improved council engagement with CHOs and the housing sector

Clearer communication to the community about housing roles and responsibilities

Increased capability to support local affordable housing outcomes

What participants will receive

Plain-English explanations and practical examples relevant to councils

Real project and partnership case studies from the Victorian context

Tools and language to support conversations with Councillors and communities

Access to sector resources and support pathways through CHIA Vic

Contact the host of Community Housing Explained: Local Government