Assemble recently hosted a housewarming event at Swift Walk, Kensington, bringing together residents and Assemble team members as well as our project partners Housing Choices Australia and Aboriginal Housing Victoria to connect with Country and with each other.
The evening began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross, who spoke about the new life of community coming together on this land and the importance of looking out for neighbours as a foundation for resilient and strong communities. Daniel invited everyone present to walk through the cleansing smoke of Wurun leaves, offering protection and wellbeing for those living on and visiting the land.
Residents then gathered on the rooftop for a barbeque, taking the opportunity to meet neighbours and share stories, from new favourite spots around Kensington to the realities of settling in and unpacking their new homes.
Residents, housing partners and team members gathered downstairs in the multi-purpose communal room ahead of the Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.
Photograph by Leah Hulst
Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross led the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Photograph by Leah Hulst
Residents, housing partners and team members gathered on the shared rooftop to enjoy dinner and sunset over Melbourne’s CBD skyline.
Photograph by Leah Hulst
Residents enjoying the Melbourne CBD skyline on the shared rooftop space during the housewarming event at Swift Walk, Kensington.
Photograph by Leah HulstResidents, housing partners and team members gathered downstairs in the multi-purpose communal room ahead of the Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.
Photograph by Leah HulstWurundjeri man Daniel Ross led the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Photograph by Leah HulstResidents, housing partners and team members gathered on the shared rooftop to enjoy dinner and sunset over Melbourne’s CBD skyline.
Photograph by Leah HulstResidents enjoying the Melbourne CBD skyline on the shared rooftop space during the housewarming event at Swift Walk, Kensington.
Photograph by Leah Hulst
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see all residents settling into their homes and connecting with one another. Watching relationships form between residents in such a short time has been a powerful reminder of what these communities are designed to achieve.
Shelley Jenkin, Head of Asset Management
With investment from capital partner HESTA, a leading specialist industry super fund, Swift Walk delivers 362 homes across five buildings, including 272 affordable and social homes, and is supported by Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) funding. The project is managed through a strategic partnership between Assemble and tier-one community housing provider Housing Choices Australia, and in close collaboration with specialist community housing provider Aboriginal Housing Victoria.
Step inside and find out more about the available rental homes at our Swift Walk, Kensington.
