Not long after moving into his new home in 2024, Stephen was busily organising a successful Christmas lights competition for the Ground Lease Model (GLM) residents at Bangs Street, Prahran.

Stephen was living in another social housing property in the area when he heard about the Bangs Street property – a mix of social, affordable and market rent properties.

“I have been in Prahran for about six years,” Stephen says.

“I was in Kings Street and then I heard about Bangs Street and put in an application with the support of a Star Health worker.”

When Stephen was invited to inspect a brand new one-bedroom unit at Bangs Street he was instantly impressed.

“It had quite a few things that my old place didn’t have, including a balcony and reverse cycle air conditioning. The bedroom had ceiling fans to help you sleep on warm nights. The modern kitchen also had space for a microwave oven.”

Since moving to Bangs Street, Stephen says his health has improved and he feels a sense of community and belonging.

“Before I moved here I had quite a few different health issues but since moving into my new my health is much better. It’s a relaxed atmosphere here – you very rarely hear any noise from neighbours. We have a lot of activities going on here and they are planned for the year, so you have something to look forward.”

One of the activities Stephen is looking forward to the most is the 2025 Christmas lights competition that he organises.

“I lost my eldest son 12 years ago and one of the things he really loved was putting up Christmas lights and decorations. I decided when I moved here to ask if I could promote a competition for residents to decorate their balconies with lights and the Community Housing Limited (CHL) team said yes,” Stephen says.

“Kate and Mubarek (CHL’s Community Development team members) helped get a flyer put up on the notice board and I offered the residents the opportunity to win cash and prizes to light up their balconies. I am going to be doing that again this year. The plan is to go that little bit bigger and better and put lights along the pathways and in trees in our community garden.”

Stephen is aiming to attract sponsorship for a Christmas tree at Bangs Street where residents and community members can donate presents and toys for the Salvation Army appeal.

“It gives me something to look forward to at Christmas time. It is therapy for me. I love the look on people’s faces when they receive a prize for their efforts and my son would be looking down saying ‘you’ve done good Dad’.”

The Ground Lease Model of mixed housing options creates a sense of equality among renters, according to Stephen.

“The old model had a stigma for people living in the housing. With people living in this new style and integrating with affordable and private rentals you are considered equals. The community development support and activities also helps us make it one community.”