Grants up to $5 million to address housing shortages for key workers in rural Victoria, enhancing liveability, job security, and economic growth through infrastructure investment.
On this page you will find
What is the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund?
The Regional Worker Accommodation Fund (RWAF), initiated by the Victorian Government, is designed to address critical housing shortages for key workers and their families in rural and regional Victoria. The fund aims to enhance liveability, job security, and economic growth by investing in new housing, accommodation, and related infrastructure.
Regional Worker Accommodation Fund level of support
- Minimum funding: $150,000
- Maximum funding: $5,000,000
Co-contribution: Applicants are encouraged to provide cash contributions, ideally covering at least two-thirds of the total project cost. Co-contributions must come from non-Victorian Government sources and should include evidence of sufficient funds. In-kind contributions, such as land, are not accepted. Projects with higher co-contributions are prioritised.
Regional Worker Accommodation Fund important dates
- Applications close: 31 January 2025, 4:00 pm.
- Assessment period: February – April 2025.
- Grant announcements: From May 2025.
- Project completion deadline: 30 June 2026.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Regional Worker Accommodation Fund objectives and outcomes
- Increase the availability of appropriate and affordable housing for key workers and their families.
- Support businesses and services to meet staffing needs.
- Enhance community access to critical services.
- Deliver safe, environmentally sustainable, and well-designed housing integrated with the community.
Activities and expenditure eligible for Regional Worker Accommodation Fund support
Eligible projects must be located in one of 48 rural and regional Victorian local government areas or six alpine resorts. They must deliver a net increase in affordable and appropriate housing for key workers, addressing demonstrated local needs.
Eligible activities and expenses:
- Construction of new key worker housing, including design, site preparation, and fit-out costs.
- Redevelopment or expansion of existing buildings (if it results in a net gain of key worker housing).
- Enabling infrastructure, such as drainage, roads, and utilities.
- Professional fees necessary for project delivery.
Ineligible activities and expenses:
- Retrospective funding for completed projects.
- Projects located outside rural and regional Victoria.
- Purchase of land.
- General operational or maintenance costs.
- Marketing, staff wages, and administrative expenses.
- Community or public housing not tied to key worker accommodation.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for RWAF support.
Other Regional Worker Accommodation Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for RWAF support
Eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated private sector organisations registered with ASIC, CAV, or ORIC.
- TAFE institutions, universities, and schools.
- Hospitals and healthcare providers.
- Local government authorities within eligible areas.
- Public/private partnerships or consortia led by eligible organisations.
Ineligible applicants include:
- Sole traders, individuals, and unincorporated entities.
- Commonwealth Government agencies.
RWAF assessment criteria
Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:
1. Project Need (25%)
- Evidence of housing shortages limiting job creation and service provision.
- Alignment with local strategies and demonstrated employer demand.
2. Project Alignment (25%)
- Appropriateness and affordability of proposed housing for at least five years.
- Environmental sustainability and community integration.
3. Feasibility and Readiness (20%)
- Demonstrated ability to commence and complete the project by 30 June 2026.
- Evidence of planning permits and community engagement.
4. Government Support and Value for Money (15%)
- Justification for government funding.
- Potential to generate economic and social benefits.
5. Financial Viability (10%)
- Evidence of financial capacity to deliver and operate the project.
6. Organisational Capability (5%)
- Track record of delivering infrastructure projects.
- Compliance with legal and ethical standards.
How do I get the RWAF?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the RWAF application
Applicants must prepare:
- A Project Implementation Plan, detailing timelines, design, and environmental measures.
- An itemised budget with verified cost estimates.
- Evidence of co-contributions, such as bank statements or funding confirmations.
- Letters of intent or support from employers and stakeholders.
- Approved planning permits or evidence of application.
- Financial reports for the last three years and forward projections.
Applying for the RWAF
Contact your local RDV office to discuss the proposed project and express interest in applying. The RDV office will provide a link to the online expression of interest application form.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Worker Accommodation Fund resources
I need help applying for grants
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application. But no matter how well prepared you are, winning grants takes time—something we know many business owners and directors just don’t have. And that’s why we’re here to help.
- Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.
- Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn some time-saving tips to make the grant writing process easier.
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Download The Grant Application Starter Kit eBook to discover grant-winning secrets
Our free eBook features 12 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.
Get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants now.
Is your business eligible for this government grant?
Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.
Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.
Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.
Check out some of the clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
