Square Metres: Gina Rinehart opens door to support veterans struggling with return into civilian life

WA’s first targeted accommodation program for veterans — owned by Hancock Prospecting — has finally opened.

Sir Valston Hancock House opened at 8 Richardson Street, South Perth, on October 3, almost a year after the site was purchased by Hancock Prospecting.

The facility has been named after former RAAFA leader Sir Valston Hancock — the uncle of Hancock Prospecting’s Gina Rinehart — and has nine two-bedroom apartments, housing up to 25 veterans over the course of a year.

The accommodation — which is backed by RAAFA and RSL WA — will have “everything a veteran needs to get back on their feet” including a TV, toaster, fridge, bed and linen.

Veterans will also work with a program manager to transition back to civilian life.

“Sir Valston Hancock House has everything a veteran needs to get back on their feet and transition to long-term, stable housing … all a veteran needs to bring is their clothes,” RAAFA customer and community chief Aaron Crowther said.

“We know too often veterans don’t ask for help … each veteran faces their own set of challenges when returning from service life as a civilian and we see it as our responsibility to help them find the appropriate support to help them get back on their feet.

“Applying the housing-first model, Sir Valston Hancock House provides a safe space for veterans and helps connects them with the appropriate support.”

Veteran Alex said the facility had changed his life.

“I was totally surprised when I first walked in the door … everything that I needed was here,” he said.

“I was homeless and living in my car and it took a month to get all my records together to be eligible to move into suitable accommodation.

“This experience has improved my life; it’s easier for me to connect with my children and by living here I’m closer to hospitals, which makes it easier for me to attend medical appointments that I need.”

RAAFA chief executive Michelle Fyfe said it would make an significant difference to veterans.

“We are thrilled to be officially opening the doors to Sir Valston Hancock House as part of a proud partnership with RSL WA, made possible by the generosity of Gina Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting,” she said.

No free lunch, but the rent is!

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but free rent is on offer at the upcoming Metronet station at Whiteman Park.

Burgess Rawson is seeking to lease a 29sqm space at the Whiteman Park Station, with a 6sqm storage area.

It seems every effort is being put into making sure the station is a success, with the chosen applicant to get an astonishing two years of free rent.

Offers like this haven’t been around since the pre-COVID days

Burgess Rawson has advertised the property as a commercial/retail tenancy area plus storeroom, described as “a warm shell with a lot of the work already done”.

Offers are invited before October 11, with the advert claiming it allows applicants to “establish and grow your business in proximity to one of Perth’s premier tourist destinations.”

Realtors put out the Cale

Another property is being advertised with a reference to Metronet’s star power, with Cale House in Midland hitting the market this week.

The three-level property at 52 The Crescent, Midland, has a total lettable area of 4050sqm.

Colliers calls it a “unique investment opportunity in a rapidly developing area”.

“Cale House is ideally situated in central Midland, a short walk from the Midland Train Station, which is currently undergoing major upgrades as part of the State Government’s Metronet project,” the advert said.

Colliers chief executive Richard Cash said the property occupied a prominent corner site.

“Additionally, the major upgrades to the Midland train station as part of the State Government’s Metronet project will significantly enhance walking connectivity to Cale House, Midland Gate Shopping Centre and Midland Health Campus,” he said.

“These improvements will greatly benefit the surrounding community and boost local business, making Cale House an attractive investment opportunity.”

Director of investment services James Baker said the building had housed the Department of Communities for almost 12 years, though it was set to vacate in August next year. The property last sold in November 2013 for $5,362,500 to Erceg Management and Erceg Holdings.