Dear friends

Last week, Hobsons Bay City Council formally recognised existing use rights for the last two of the five blocks of units in our street, acknowledging that the long-term residential use of these buildings makes it legal to live in them regardless of zoning.

This means that every home that was threatened with eviction in May 2023 is now safe, secure and has the legal right for people to continue living in those homes permanently. The eviction is over! 

• ‘Gobsmacking’ final win over council eviction for Williamstown residents, The Age
• Techno Park residents win zoning battle to remain in Williamstown affordable housing estate, ABC News

Ours is one of many struggles being led by ordinary people to protect their homes and neighbours. In Sydney, neighbours are working together to save the 32-room boarding house in their street from being converted into four luxury townhouses. The residents of 44 public housing flats across our city, including two here in Williamstown, are fighting their own eviction by the State Government, which plans to demolish every one of these public homes and lease the land to private developers. 

So much is possible when we refuse to accept decisions that will harm people — when we stand up for each other, and look out for one another.

Thank you to all of you who have stood by us for the past two and a half years. This victory is yours.

Once a home, always a home.