By Brendan Rees
Construction of a foster care home in the Tulliallan estate in Cranbourne North has been completed, and marked with a celebratory handover on Tuesday 26 September.
The house, built by leading Victorian builder, Boutique Homes, for OzChild, the largest provider of foster care in the south metropolitan region, will provide temporary care for some of the region’s most vulnerable children as part of OzChild’s Let’s Stay Together program.
Welcoming its first residents in the coming month, the home features an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a separate home theatre and extended outdoor living space with a neutral and light colour palette, five bedrooms, and three bathrooms.
OzChild supports over 6000 children, young people and families every year with services that extend to disability respite, education and therapeutic support.
CEO of OzChild Lisa Griffiths said that as part of OzChild’s Let’s Stay Together program, the house would become home for siblings who might otherwise be separated.
“It has been a wonderful commitment by Boutique Homes, their staff and their suppliers to build this house so we can support a sibling group who would otherwise have to be split up,” Ms Griffiths said.
“OzChild moves heaven and earth to try to keep siblings together and this purpose-built house will enable us to do just that. It is a place our sibling group will be able to call home. We truly appreciate the effort and care all the tradespeople have put in to build this amazing house; it is just as beautiful as a display home.”
The specially modified version of Boutique Homes’ 32 square ‘Riviera’ home is the first of its kind that was designed and built for OzChild by Boutique Homes.
Managing director of ABN Group Victoria, Aidan Hooper, said they were extremely proud to have completed the very special home for OzChild.
“Our team, valued supplier partners and trades have all worked together to raise funds and deliver a quality new home for this important purpose,” he said.
“We know it’s important siblings remain together, especially when children and young people are experiencing a difficult time in their lives, so we hope this newly completed home with nearby parkland, walking and bike trails, will provide a welcoming home for siblings and family groups.”
