SEARMS portfolio updates – 2nd dwellings and Vacancy
Posted on 18 Jun 2025
Here’s an update to our tenants in SEARMS-owned properties on our 2nd dwelling new build program and the upcoming vacancy process for 90 and 90A Country Club Drive.
We recognise the significant stress and hardship caused by the ongoing delay in completing secondary dwelling works and the impact that unfinished construction has had on household amenity and wellbeing. Unfortunately, factors outside of SEARMS’ control—including the insolvency of the original builder, rising construction costs, and the complexity of building in residential backyards—have all contributed to the delay. While the project is not yet fully back on track, we are working as quickly as possible to finalise the remaining dwellings as funds allow. We trust that the nomination of the preferred applicant for the new 2nd dwellings from the head tenant remains a positive focus for our community.
As many in our community know, SEARMS does not receive core funding for tenancy or property-management services, whether we manage homes that are government-owned or owned by Aboriginal corporation. This zero-funding approach has placed considerable pressure on our operations, resulting in chronic staffing shortfalls and delays in service delivery. In addition, the impact of lateral violence on our workforce—particularly targeting Aboriginal staff—has made the delivery of culturally safe and sustainable housing services even more difficult and costly.
Another contributing factor to the strain on our housing program is the high level of rental arrears and the significant cost of repairing damage to properties. We understand that many of our tenants are facing complex and compounding challenges, including health, financial hardship, and intergenerational trauma. SEARMS approaches these issues from a position of support, not blame. Wherever possible, we provide referrals to culturally safe services to help tenants stabilise their situation and meet both their tenancy responsibilities and broader community expectations around respectful use of shared housing resources.
To help address current portfolio and operational shortfalls, SEARMS has made the difficult decision to list one of our vacant properties for sale. Proceeds from this sale will be reinvested into our housing program to support the completion of delayed projects, strengthen our maintenance and property-care capacity, and help stabilise service delivery during this challenging period.
Despite these challenges, SEARMS remains committed to serving our community in a transparent, fair, and accountable way. We follow a regulated Allocation Policy that ensures every eligible applicant has a fair opportunity to apply for housing when it becomes available. This policy applies to all SEARMS-owned homes, including 90 Country Club Drive, which will shortly be advertised for formal application. This property comprises of two leases for a main residence and a secondary dwelling, and all eligible community members—including those who have previously expressed interest—are encouraged to apply once the process is opened.
We also note that some individual housing requests have already been addressed directly and in writing, including in correspondence with the Budawang Aboriginal Corporation. We are grateful to our local Aboriginal Corporations and community leaders who support us in maintaining fairness and accountability across our housing processes.
SEARMS is committed to delivering culturally safe, trauma-informed housing services, while also continuing to advocate for the investment and resourcing our communities deserve. We thank the community for your patience and understanding, keep an eye out for our next yarn up where we discuss these and other housing matters important to us all.