Reflections from The Cottage Homes 2026 Annual Report
At our recent 154th Annual General Meeting, The Cottage Homes Inc. released the 2026 Annual Report, providing an overview of our achievements and the challenges we faced in the 2025–26 financial year – one of the most significant periods in our organisation’s history.
From major expansion projects and property improvements to strengthened governance, growing community partnerships and continued investment in our volunteers, this has been a year defined by growth and collaboration.
These achievements have only been possible through the dedication of our Board, committees, volunteers, staff, supporters and partners, who continue to share our vision of providing affordable housing for older South Australians most in need.
Growing Our Reach
After many years of searching for an opportunity in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, The Cottage Homes was delighted to secure a property at Davoren Park comprising 14 established cottage units. The site is now receiving a much-needed staged refurbishment, allowing existing tenants to remain in their homes while units are progressively upgraded for current and future residents.
This expansion has established Cottage Homes’ first housing community north of Prospect and significantly strengthens our ability to support older South Australians across metropolitan Adelaide.
Equally significant has been the continued progress of our first regional housing development at Yankalilla. Fourteen modern modular homes are currently under construction and will be transported to land leased by Club Fleurieu, creating an affordable housing community for older people on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.
The welcoming local community, together with the close proximity of Club Fleurieu, the Men’s Shed and local services, will provide an ideal environment for tenants to live independently while remaining connected to their community.
Together, the Davoren Park and Yankalilla projects will deliver 28 additional homes, representing more than 20 per cent growth in the number of homes managed by The Cottage Homes in a single year. More importantly, they will provide 28 more older South Australians with access to genuinely affordable rental housing at a time when the demand has never been greater.
Investing in Our Homes
Alongside this significant growth, we have continued investing in the homes and communities we already provide.
The Property, Projects and Maintenance Committee has overseen a comprehensive program of maintenance and improvements across our existing sites, including major and partial refurbishments of individual units to ensure kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces continue to meet our standards and tenants’ expectations.
Regular assessments across all Cottage Homes properties continue to ensure our homes remain safe, comfortable and well maintained, while minimising risks and supporting tenants to live independently for as long as possible.
A highlight of the year was the official opening of the new community pergola at our Mitcham site. The project has created an important shared space where tenants, volunteers and visitors can come together, strengthening the sense of community that has always been central to Cottage Homes.
The celebration was attended by our Patrons, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr Rod Bunten, along with government and local council representatives. It also provided an opportunity to recognise two individuals whose contribution has helped shape the organisation over many years.
Honorary Architect Graham Hardy was recognised for more than four decades of dedicated service, while former Board Chair Jock Berry was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership and commitment to Cottage Homes.
Strong Governance for the Future
As the organisation continues to grow, strong governance remains essential to ensuring The Cottage Homes is well positioned to meet both current and future needs.
Throughout the year, the Governance Committee progressed a broad range of governance, policy and strategic initiatives that support continuous improvement across the organisation. This included reviewing and developing key organisational policies and procedures, completing Board self-assessment activities, coordinating Board education initiatives focusing on philanthropy and social media engagement, reviewing tenancy documentation, strengthening governance structures and progressing Board succession planning through the recruitment of new Non-Executive Directors.
These initiatives continue to strengthen Board capability, organisational sustainability and effective governance practices as Cottage Homes enters its next phase of growth.
Connecting Communities
Growing awareness of The Cottage Homes and strengthening connections with our community has remained a significant focus throughout the year.
The development of our new Davoren Park and Yankalilla communities required extensive communication with local communities, potential tenants, supporters and stakeholders. This included the development of new project branding, signage, marketing materials and digital communications to help introduce the new housing communities.
Two editions of our tenant newsletter were also produced during the year. The Spring edition celebrated the musical talents of our tenants, while the Autumn edition, Fresh Starts, shared the powerful stories of people who found hope, stability and belonging after securing a Cottage Homes property.
The organisation also received a welcome boost to its volunteer archive project through a History Trust of South Australia grant, supporting the important work of cataloguing and preserving the historical records collected during our 150-year celebrations.
Equally important has been the ongoing contribution of our Volunteer Visitors, who have now been supporting Cottage Homes tenants for more than 70 years.
Volunteer Visitors continue to provide monthly wellbeing visits, helping maintain strong communication between tenants and management while providing friendship and support to those who value regular social connection.
During the year, volunteer resources were updated, additional training was provided in conflict resolution and hoarding behaviours, and we were delighted to welcome Allison Hayes as a new Visitor to our Findon community.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to welcoming tenants into our newest communities, we do so knowing that the need for affordable housing continues to grow. While this year’s expansion represents one of the most significant milestones in our history, it is also a reminder that there is still much more to be done.
Together with our supporters, volunteers, partners and donors, The Cottage Homes remains committed to continuing the remarkable legacy established more than 150 years ago – providing affordable, secure homes where older South Australians can live independently within welcoming communities for generations to come.
📄 Read the 2026 Annual Report
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