< Housing

Transitional Housing at Wattle Tree House – Bathurst and Oberon

Wattle Tree House provides transitional housing in Bathurst and Oberon for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

The program is delivered by the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and offers tenancy support to help clients build stability on their way to a long-term, more permanent housing outcome, working closely with a Housing Officer alongside your case manager.

Who can access this service

Transitional housing at Wattle Tree House is available to:

Single people or families experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness.
Clients residing within the Bathurst-Oberon zone. Out of area referrals may be considered case by case, including for people relocating due to domestic and family violence.
Clients who are working towards, or have already achieved, high-priority housing status in the Bathurst region, in partnership with their Client Service Officer (CSO).

Rent and bond support

Rent is calculated at 25% of the client’s income.

Our Housing Officer manages rent and bond administration, including Centrepay arrangements, so tenants can stay on top of their obligations while they work towards a long-term housing solution.

Tenancy support

Our Housing Officer role is strictly tenancy focused. This means we support tenants with:

Rent and bond administration
Tenancy education and legislative compliance
Support through the NCAT tenancy process
Help managing tenancy disputes

Case management, including broader support for underlying needs, continues to be provided by your CSO or case manager. Our Housing Officer works closely with them, and with external support services, to help keep your tenancy stable and moving towards a positive outcome.

How the program works

Transitional housing starts with a 3-month lease, alongside an exit plan developed with your CSO.

Ongoing compliance with your tenancy terms and the Residential Tenancy Act determines whether your lease is renewed, or moves to a shorter term (7, 14 or 28 days) to help manage the tenancy.

How to access support

If you’re already working with a CSO in Bathurst or Oberon, ask them about a referral to transitional housing at Wattle Tree House. Referrals are also accepted from local service providers, Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) networks, health and wellbeing services, and other community agencies.

If you’re not yet connected with a caseworker, get in touch with Wattle Tree House and we’ll help point you in the right direction.