About Unison

Vision

Communities that thrive.

Mission

Collaborate to create vibrant, sustainable communities that meet the needs of renters, owners and people who are homeless by developing, managing and providing access to affordable housing.

Who we work with

People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

Unison is one of the largest providers of services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Melbourne’s West. We connect people to safe and affordable short, medium or long term accommodation combined with support to assist with addressing any issues that may have contributed to their fragile housing situation. In addition we help people re-establish and maintain a secure home.

People on a low income looking for affordable rental

We provide social and affordable long term rental accommodation in Victoria for people who are on a low income. Tenants can be employed or on Centrelink benefits. The properties range from rooming houses, apartments, units and houses. Our homes offer security of tenure and cater for all household types including singles, youth, seniors, couples and families.

Owners Corporation members

Unison is a registered owners corporation management company managing residential and commercial properties on behalf of owner occupiers, private investors and Government.

The lots we manage as part of owners corporation management are located in our mixed tenure communities, blending owner occupiers, investment properties and affordable housing. We are located within these communities with an aim to create a thriving diverse community and a great place to live and invest in.

Partners

Partnerships are critical to our work and help us achieve more than we could working alone. We collaborate with many like minded organisations across the government, business and community sectors who respect our ethos and understand what we are about.  One such partnership is with RMIT University, with whom Unison has created the Unison Research Lab. Our applied research partnership with RMIT University will investigate issues of urban housing and homelessness over the five year research program. 

Unison has an annual operating revenue of over $25 million and owns $300 million in affordable housing properties. To find out more see our Annual Reports in the Publications section.

 

Our Strategic Plan

Unison’s vision is Communities that thrive. To help create that vision, Unison’s strategic plan focuses on five strategic directions:

• Increase the supply of good quality housing

  We want our properties to be secure, well located, of high amenity and sustainable. We also recognise the critical shortage of affordable housing and we want to grow the number of households we support in properties we own or manage (currently 2,551 units, as of June 30, 2021).

• Develop and strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships

  Achieving our mission is underpinned by effective cooperation with support agencies, government, peak bodies and the private sector.

• Provide commercial opportunities to support our mission

  We look for commercial opportunities that align with our values to create pathways (e.g. our social enterprise) and diversify our revenue (e.g. our Owners Corporations management services).

• Leverage Unison Housing Research Lab (RMIT University)

  We leverage our research partnership with RMIT University to inform service delivery and contribute to sector knowledge and government policy.

• Integrate our services across the housing continuum

  Unison teams work together across our different services (IAP, PRAP, Place Management of transitional, social and affordable housing) to optimise outcomes for our clients and tenants. We will explore expanding offerings including home ownership.

   

  Click here to read the full strategic plan.

---