For CatholicCare Victoria Housing (CCVH), 2026 has brought more people and families in regional Victoria closer to a safe place to call home. In Ballarat, 31 new social homes have opened at Mitchell Park. In Shepparton construction has begun on 41 more.
These two significant milestones form part of CatholicCare Victoria Housing's ongoing commitment to addressing housing insecurity and creating communities where people can feel safe, supported and connected.
CDF is proud to support both projects as part of $72 million in loan funding to CCVH’s social housing portfolio, a partnership grounded in a shared commitment to human dignity and service.
Pictured: CDF CEO John McClusky with Agnes Sheehan at the sod turn event for CatholicCare Victoria Housing projects funded by CDF.
"The Catholic Development Fund’s lending support is helping CatholicCare Victoria Housing deliver much-needed social housing in regional Victoria. From the new homes now open in Mitchell Park to those starting in Shepparton, CDF is helping create places where people can feel safe, rebuild their lives and belong to a community. We are grateful for a partnership that puts our shared commitment to human dignity into practical action, giving more people and families the security of a place to call home."
Agnes Sheehan
CEO, CatholicCare Victoria
A place to belong at Mitchell Park
The 31 new homes at Mitchell Park in Ballarat were completed and opened progressively over recent months. They join nine homes finished in late 2021, bringing the total at Mitchell Park to 40.
CDF provided a $1.8 million loan toward the development. For the people and families moving in, a secure home is the foundation for greater independence, stronger family connections and a renewed sense of belonging.
41 more homes in Shepparton
On 6 October 2026, CCVH turned the first sod on a development that will deliver 41 social homes in Shepparton, supported by a $17.4 million loan from CDF. The homes are designed for people who face significant barriers in the regional housing market: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women and children impacted by family violence, older women at risk of homelessness, veterans, and families experiencing housing insecurity.
Residents will also be able to draw on CatholicCare Victoria’s broader network of services, with personalised care and assistance available where needed.
A partnership in practice
Working alongside partners including Housing Australia, CCVH is increasing the supply of social housing across regional Victoria, bringing together financial investment, housing expertise and community services.
CatholicCare Victoria CEO Agnes Sheehan said CDF’s support has been central to that work:
"The Catholic Development Fund’s lending support is helping CatholicCare Victoria Housing deliver much-needed social housing in regional Victoria. From the new homes now open in Mitchell Park to those starting in Shepparton, CDF is helping create places where people can feel safe, rebuild their lives and belong to a community. We are grateful for a partnership that puts our shared commitment to human dignity into practical action, giving more people and families the security of a place to call home," says Agnes.
With families settling in at Mitchell Park and construction underway in Shepparton, CCVH is adding to the supply of social housing where it is needed most.
Your savings can do more than grow. By opening an account with CDF Community Fund, you can earn a competitive rate of interest while empowering Catholic organisations like CatholicCare Victoria Housing to build, serve, and grow. It's a greater return than money alone. Learn more and apply today.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
