Revamping homes for people in need

Revamping homes for people in need

RMIT students and staff have volunteered time to support the South Melbourne Project, where industry partners Better Living Group and Plantfulness are revamping 31 units to provide housing solutions for those in need.

Close to a dozen students got their hands dirty working to revitalise the gardens surrounding the units.

Diploma of Business student Luke Bountris said that he loved the opportunity to connect and volunteer with RMIT industry partners for a social cause. 

“I really value the community feeling of different companies coming together to make one good force,” he said.  

Program Coordinator Ngoc Le Chow from the College of Vocational Education’s Business and Enterprise Cluster was similarly enthused about the hands-on volunteering opportunity.  

“It not only allows students to contribute directly to the project’s physical transformation, but also gives them valuable insights into the work our partners are doing.”

Better Living Group, a family-run property and development company, took on the work pro bono in partnership with non-for-profit organisation Plantfulness, after the project was brought to their attention by Housing All Australians (HAA). 

Revamping homes for people in need Ngoc Le Chow (left) and Jeremy Glover (right) working on-site to provide revamped housing for those in need.

Bonnie Hook from Plantfulness, and Silvio Mazzei, Better Living Group’s Executive Director of Construction, said they were pleased with the student volunteers’ efforts.

“The students from RMIT have been fantastic; they’ve been really positive and generous, and they’ve asked lots of questions. It’s been great to integrate with them,” Hook said. 

Despite it not being a “pen-and-paper” project, Mazzei believes that volunteering with the South Melbourne Project has been an invaluable experience as it allows students to have a real impact.

“Students are very keen to participate in this space. There’s a social awareness that’s growing in Melbourne because of homelessness,” he said.   

“For students to actually come on the ground and get their hands dirty and have a real impact in terms of real-life experiences, I think it’s just awesome for them to be part of.”

Story: Wen Yee Ang

15 November 2023

Share

15 November 2023

Share

Engage

Related News

rental-crisis-ea-1220px.jpg

New report proposes using tax system to improve rental properties

A new report from RMIT University urban policy experts recommends using Australia’s tax system to force investors to improve conditions for private renters.

capitol-theatre-1.jpeg

Celebrating 100 years of architectural and cinematic wonder at The Capitol 

From silent films to near-demolition, refurbishments and reinvention, the theatre has stood the test of time to remain a cultural icon of Melbourne.

RMIT's Swanston Academic Building

Moves to strengthen higher education integrity welcome, but well-balanced policy decisions needed

RMIT University responds to the draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework.

RMIT's Swanston Academic Building

RMIT ranked fifth globally for sustainability impact

RMIT continues its sustainability leadership, ranking in the top five global institutions in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for impact against the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information