In Heidelberg Heights, Victoria, Australia, a single mum with a child on the NDIS is facing the threat of losing their rental home. The council owns this house and has plans to sell the land for redevelopment on the site. This isn't just any family; they are part of our community fabric and desperately need our support.

There is a current lack of family homes in the Banyule and surrounding areas to this standard and suit the needs of a family with special needs. Rentals of similar houses have dramatically increased in price in the current housing crisis with 30-50 people at each open house. 

The mother in this family is currently unwell and awaiting surgery in May. She also cares for her autistic son with no immediate family nearby for support. Her close friends who live nearby provide an essential network of support that she relies on daily.

Moreover, her child's school and the NDIS services they access are all local - making relocation not only emotionally distressing but logistically challenging as well. Amidst the current housing crisis and the added stress of on-going health issues, she has been unable to find anywhere suitable to move.

This situation is personal to me as I was once a tenant in this block of houses myself. It took me nearly two years to find another place to live within our community - a struggle I wouldn't wish upon anyone else.

The council had previously promised not to sell this property until all the tenants found suitable housing – we must hold them accountable to their words. We urge you all to sign this petition to show council that we stand together as a community against such actions which threaten one of our own's security and wellbeing.

Please sign this petition today; let us help secure housing here in Heidelberg Heights for families like hers who call it home. Too many family houses are being knocked down to build high density multi story dwellings and are pushing people with disability needs further and further away.

We urge the Banyule council to follow through with their promise and provide a guaranteed rental until Gemma has found suitable housing in the local area before proceeding with the sale of her home.