Council appoints affordable housing trustee, receives major donation
Published on 20 May 2026
Mount Alexander Shire Council has taken a major step to address local housing needs, appointing a Trustee to establish the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust.
The Trust will be an independent, community‑focused organisation dedicated to delivering affordable rental housing for people in the shire, forever.
After an extensive selection process, MAAHT Pty Ltd has been chosen as the trustee. This organisation was set up by Middle Ground Housing Australia and brings together experience in housing, policy and fundraising.
In a strong show of community support, the Trust has already received an initial donation of $500,000 from an anonymous donor, bringing its total starting value to $1.5 million.
Mayor Toby Heydon said this is a big step forward for the community.
“Access to affordable housing has been a long‑standing priority for our community,” Cr Heydon said.
“This Trust gives us a practical, long-term way to respond by creating homes that stay affordable for future generations.”
MAAHT Board member Nicola Foxworthy said the organisation was looking forward to working with Council and the community.
“Secure, affordable housing empowers residents and strengthens communities,” Ms Foxworthy said.
“We are excited to work with Mount Alexander to develop affordable housing solutions for the community.”
The Trust will work by finding land, accepting donations, and partnering with not‑for‑profit housing organisations to build and manage homes. These homes will be kept for community benefit, focusing on affordability rather than profit.
The Trust can support different types of housing, including community housing, independent living, co‑housing, and cooperative housing. This means it can meet the needs of many people, including low‑income households, older residents, people with disability, and workers who are struggling to find suitable housing in the shire.
Importantly, the Trust is designed to operate independently of Council, ensuring strong governance and the ability to attract funding and partnerships over time. Council will continue to play an oversight role and support the Trust through its early establishment phase.
Council has been exploring this type of housing model since 2022, with strong support from the community. The Trust Deed was adopted in 2024, and an Advisory Committee was also set up that year.
To learn more, get involved, or register your interest in donating, visit: mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Affordable-Housing