Construction has commenced on Northeast Health Wangaratta's highly anticipated staff housing development in Dixon Street.

The project, supported through the Victorian government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, will deliver nine new dwellings close to the hospital, with a mix of one

and two-bedroom units providing a total of 16 beds for healthcare workers.

The first slab is scheduled to be poured today, 12 September, with framing to follow in the coming weeks, with the whole development scheduled to be completed by June next year.

NHW executive director of people and corporate operations, Kim Bennetts, said the development will have a lasting impact on both the health workforce and the wider

community.

“We are thrilled to be working in conjunction with the Victorian government on a significant project that will have a lasting impact on both the healthcare workforce

and the local community,” Ms Bennetts said.

“With the support of this grant, NHW is set to provide essential accommodation that will not only support our staff but also ease pressure on the local rental market.”

The initiative comes in response to the ongoing challenge of securing affordable housing in regional areas.

By providing stable accommodation, NHW aims to make it easier to attract and retain skilled healthcare workers while also returning existing rental stock used by staff back to the Wangaratta community.

Ms Bennetts said the project demonstrates NHW’s commitment to its workforce and the community.

“This project is a critical step in supporting our staff in a challenging rental market,” she said.

“By investing in accommodation for healthcare workers, we are ensuring that our team has the stability they need to continue providing excellent care.

"This initiative also makes NHW a more attractive and proactive employer, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the region.”