We’re proud to present Junction’s 2024-25 Impact Report.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, and recent years, it’s clear – Junction continues to grow. More than that, we have grown up.

We have a deep understanding of our purpose and are evolving to meet the needs of communities now and into the future.

Our capability is stronger than ever, underpinned by confident leadership, a constructive culture, and intentional, innovative solutions. Impact, and the data we use to measure it, is embedded in our work. We listen intentionally to lived experience to inform and strengthen our thinking.

Above all, we acknowledge there is still much more to do – and do better. Our goal is not just to respond to Government policy and direction, but to set our own agenda. That requires further innovation, evidence and courage.

Our work is challenging and unpredictable. Missteps will happen. How we respond is what matters most.

This report reflects our growing impact and our increasing ability to demonstrate it.

Artist’s Impression of Thrive Salisbury

Junction will build a landmark $53.6 million housing and services hub in Adelaide’s north.

Thrive Salisbury will see the creation of 69 new social homes for South Australians within a six-storey building – to be constructed as part of the much anticipated $200 million Salisbury city centre development.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said Junction was ideally positioned to expand its footprint and help more South Australians into housing.

“We are extremely excited about this project which will increase our reach across the metropolitan area,” Ms Palumbo said. “This is the first time we will be developing new housing in the north.

“It’s a significant step for us and one which is instrumental to our growth and impact.”

Thrive Salisbury will be funded by Housing Australia via the second round of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), designed to increase the supply of social and affordable housing across the country.

The project will feature 37 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom apartments, all which will be retained for social housing. The development, designed by Brown Falconer, will also include a ground floor services hub and community space.

“Having the opportunity to help bring the City of Salisbury’s vision to life is a huge privilege,” Ms Palumbo said. “Thrive Salisbury is modelled on what we are achieving in our development within the Tonsley innovation precinct.”

“We are looking really forward to working with Council along with local people and business to activate what is going to be a vibrant precinct with some of the best amenities in the northern region.”

City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said: “We’re excited to welcome Junction Housing into the City Centre, bringing more housing opportunities for our community.

“We look forward to works commencing, signalling the start of the major redevelopment of our City Centre.”

Construction on Thrive Salisbury is expected to start mid-next year and completed in late 2028.

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said: “Through the HAFFF and our partnership with Junction, we’re supporting the delivery of more social housing where it’s needed most.

“This is about creating opportunities for individuals and families to access safe, secure housing and build stronger futures.

“These projects demonstrate how collaboration can transform communities and improve housing outcomes for South Australians.”

The Salisbury City Centre revitalisation project is being delivered by the City of Salisbury in conjunction with Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Buildtec Group and Catcorp will also partner within Junction on Thrive Salisbury.

Community Garden caretakers (from left) David, Sandra and Dean.

A dusty dirt strip in an inner-south suburban street has blossomed – along with the neighbourhood around it.

The Melrose Park Community Garden, supported by housing and community services provider Junction, has become a gathering place where seeds are planted and wellbeing and friendships thrive.

Led by local residents, the garden, umbrellaed by an old fig tree in Regent Street, is part of a growing national movement. Community Gardens Australia counts more than 700 similar spaces across the country.

“When I first came here, this precinct was new and there wasn’t much happening,” resident David recalled. “Junction put in the first herb garden for us. I started planting and people were slowly drawn to it. Before long, neighbours were adding their own seeds and bulbs.”

Now, basil brightens bruschetta, mint flavours desserts and roasts, and parsley garnishes plates following a quick dash from doorsteps.

“I’ve seen a dad run over in his pyjamas because he needs herbs for dinner,” David said.

While some locals boast greener thumbs than others, David says the garden’s magic goes well beyond produce. “It gets you away from screens, out of the house,” he said.

“Sometimes I’ll be out there and suddenly there are three or four of us, people from all walks of life pitch in. Language isn’t a barrier in a garden.”

It’s also been a quiet refuge. After one of his close friends and fellow gardeners in the apartment complex moved into aged care and another passed away, tending the beds helped David work through grief.

“Going back out there really helped me process the sadness,” he said.

It seems fitting October marks both Mental Health Week (starting Monday, October 12) and National Gardening Week (third week of the month). Indeed, research from mental health foundation Headspace shows gardening lowers stress, boosts mood and strengthens social connection, with 93 per cent of Australians saying time outdoors improves their mental health.

Junction Head of Impact Dr Alisa Willis said the Melrose Park garden is one of six supported by Junction across South Australia, including several on Kangaroo Island developed after the 2019 bushfires.

“Spaces where people feel welcome and safe are at the heart of every strong community,” Dr Willis said.

“Community gardens cultivate more than food and flowers. They are places people take real pride in and provide a sanctuary to share, care and connect.”

Imogen pictured with (from left) Sarah Kay; her mum Kimberley and the Hon Nat Cook MP

A group of enthusiastic young changemakers from Kangaroo Island are making a real impact in their community through a new volunteering initiative supported by Junction.

The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) Service Award – a pilot program by Volunteering SA&NT and led locally by Junction – is inspiring students to get involved in meaningful community work. The program helps young people build skills, gain experience, and connect with local organisations through hands-on projects.

So far, around 35 students from Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) have signed up, using a purpose-built app that tracks their volunteer hours, celebrates achievements, and provides a formal record of their contributions.

Modelled on New Zealand’s successful Student Volunteer Army (established after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake), the initiative is helping to address volunteer fatigue on the Island, especially following the bushfires.

Sarah Kay, Junction’s Future Ready Volunteer Coordinator and program manager, said the SVA Service Award is a “win-win” for both students and the community.

“We have incredible volunteers on the Island, but many are ageing and tired,” said Sarah.

With funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and support from Kangaroo Island Our Town, Junction launched the program in April. Since then, students have contributed to projects like refurbishing a school chicken coop, supporting disability awareness initiatives, and helping out at Junction’s KI Community Centre in Kingscote.

The app not only tracks hours – it also highlights skills gained, such as teamwork, leadership, and cash handling, giving students a valuable credential for future study, scholarships, or job applications.

Imogen Windsor, 14, volunteers at weekend netball canteens and in the Sunflower hidden disability program. She said the initiative has opened her eyes to the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the community running.

“The platform helps me track my hours and motivates me to keep volunteering,” she said.

Sarah added that the pilot has brought a “massive feel-good factor” to the Island.

“It’s not just about getting young people involved – it’s about helping organisations work meaningfully with them.”

Since launching in South Australia in 2023, the SVA Service Award has reached 14 schools, with 1,712 students logging 24,952 volunteer hours as of 30 June 2025.

Top volunteers were recognised at the SVA Service Awards on 6 August, during National Student Volunteer Week (4–10 August). Imogen (pictured above) was among those celebrated.

The program is supported by the South Australian Department for Human Services and the Department for Education.

(L-R) Trevor Cooke (CEO, C&G), Maria Palumbo (CEO, Junction), Jaimie McClurg (Executive Chairman, C&G) and Tony Cole (Head of Property and Finance, Junction).

A milestone was celebrated yesterday as construction officially commenced on Tide, Junction’s $37 million affordable housing development at West Lakes – delivered in partnership with Commercial & General and Tandem Building.

The event began with a powerful smoking ceremony led by Cliffy and Luke Wilson of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services. The ceremony honoured the cultural significance of the land and offered a warm welcome to the future residents who will call Tide home.

Among those in attendance were Commercial & General Group Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg, CEO Trevor Cooke, and representatives from Junction, Tandem, and other project partners.

Tide will deliver 60 affordable apartments – including 15 social housing units – across six storeys, with an activated retail space on the ground floor. It is part of C&G’s broader West precinct.

The project is one of three Junction developments to receive support through Round 1 of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), alongside Thrive Tonsley Stage 1 and St Clair.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Artist’s impression of Tide.

Brandon in his home.

For Brandon, the journey to stable housing has been more than just a change of address – it has been a transformation of life, independence, and identity.

Brandon entered the care of the Department for Child Protection (formerly Families SA) early in life. Around the age of 12, he moved into a Junction-supported home in Christies Beach.

“I was with Families SA first, then moved into Junction housing,” Brandon recalls. “That was about eight years ago.”

He remained in that home until he was 17, when he transitioned into a Supported Independent Living Services (SILS) property in Seaford Meadows.

While the transition came with challenges, it also offered Brandon valuable opportunities. One of the most significant was gaining his driver’s license – a milestone that opened doors to employment and greater independence.

“They helped with driving lessons, which was huge. I needed my license to get a job. It took a while, but with support from Junction and my family, I got it.”

Now 20, Brandon is settling into his new home – part of the Oaklands Green development, South Australia’s largest social housing regeneration project in decades.

Located in Oaklands Park, the development is a landmark initiative led by Junction and Housing Renewal Australia, in partnership with the SA Housing Trust. It will deliver more than 680 new homes, including 235 social housing dwellings, with a focus on sustainability, community connection, and long-term affordability.

“I don’t have to worry about being moved on. That’s a big deal,” Brandon says.

The stability of his new home has had a ripple effect on every part of his life. He is now working 20 hours a week as a gardener through a NDIS-supported program, managing his responsibilities, and enjoying the quiet companionship of his cat, Olive.

“It helps me focus on work and keeping everything running smoothly,” Brandon says. “It’s a motivator to keep up with bills and responsibilities.”

“It’s been a long road, but I’m really proud of where I’ve ended up.”

Jackson (L) with the Rugs with Love Volunteers.

Just in time for winter, local volunteer group Rugs with Love has delivered a heartfelt gift to the young people living at our Marltarra Tiny Homes Campus – 10 hand-knitted rugs, each made with care, compassion, and community spirit.

Each rug was lovingly handmade and thoughtfully selected to suit the individual tastes of its recipient.

“This is something just for them, with no strings attached,” Jackson, Junction’s Senior Youth Development coach, said.

“These rugs are something they can take ownership of and keep for the rest of their lives.”

One young person, upon receiving their rug said, “No one’s ever made anything just for me.” The moment captured the heart of the initiative – creating something personal and meaningful for those who often go without.

Rugs with Love has been meeting monthly for the past 19 years. The group not only knits but also supports each other’s mental health and wellbeing.

Despite facing serious health challenges – including shoulder reconstructions and even a triple bypass – members have continued knitting, driven by a shared purpose and love for their community.

“It’s overwhelming and fulfilling,” Pauline, Rugs with Love Coordinator, said.

“We’ve made hundreds of rugs, including 200 for children in care. It’s all about connecting communities – and it’s good for us too.”

The rugs were handpicked for each young person, with colours and styles chosen to reflect their personalities. One was green, another tan – small details that made a big difference. As one recipient put it, “It makes me feel like I’ve walked into my grandma’s house.”

The rugs were hand delivered to the young people at Marltarra last week.

“It’s beautiful. And as long as there are kids like this, we’ll keep knitting,” Pauline said.

With another 10 rugs already planned for the next group of residents, Rugs with Love continues to weave threads of kindness, resilience, and hope – one stitch at a time.

Thrive Tonsley Stage 2, Tide (West Lakes) and Tempo (St Claire).

Junction will deliver 163 new homes, including more than doubling the number of apartments in a second stage of its Tonsley development, as part of a $65 million-plus funding announcement.

A boost of $25.6 million from Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) will underpin Stage 2 of the Tonsley project creating a total of 113 new homes for South Australians across both stages, within the State’s premier innovation district.

Junction is expected to receive more than $40 million for 60 new social and affordable homes within Tide at West and 40 affordable homes at St Clair. Delivered in partnership with Commercial and General and Peet, respectively, the West and St Clair projects will have a strong focus on providing long term, affordable housing for key workers.

The Housing Australia Future Fund is a $10 billion Australian Government initiative to address the housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable and social housing across the country.

Thrive Tonsley Stage 1 tops out.

Thrive Tonsley Stage 1, comprises 50 apartments and is supported by $15.2 million investment as part of the Social Housing Accelerator Program, a Federal Government initiative delivered in partnership with the State Government and community housing providers. Today’s funding announcement brings the total project value to $70 million across both stages.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said the project, due for completion in early 2026, also would include a services hub for the community as well as a café and co-working space.

“The partnership between Federal and State Governments, Community Housing Providers and also, the private sector, is key to addressing the housing crisis now and creating opportunities into the future,” Ms Palumbo said.

“Together with our development partners, we are moving forward to deliver the housing South Australians so desperately need.”

Ms Palumbo said Junction was “well on the way” to achieving its goal to deliver 2000 homes by 2030 within vibrant, thriving and sustainable communities.

“Today’s topping out at Tonsley is another milestone as we bring this project and vision to life,” she said.

Media Contact: Danielle Gordon on 0401 696 853 or email Danielle.gordon@corporateconversation.com.au

Lou and Len Turner at the Hackham Community Centre.

When Lou Turner began taking her grand-daughter to the local playgroup, she never expected to still be there almost two decades later.

Together with husband Len, the couple have been volunteering at Junction’s Hackham Community Centre for almost 30 years between them.

“I came here when my grand-daughter was two and then I took the other grandchildren too,” Lou, 63, said. “I didn’t want it to end.”

Soon after, Len joined her.

“Sometimes when I came in to pick Lou up, they would ask me to help with the garden, move furniture or hang a picture,” Len said. “They kept asking me to volunteer so I eventually did. Lou seemed to love it so I thought I might like it too.”

Lou’s volunteering mainly involves helping out with administration and sorting donations while Len is a “jack of all trades.”

“I mainly do gardening and maintenance,” the 70-year-old said. “I fix a lot of broken toys.”

“When I started, there was this one boy who wasn’t connected with his Dad. I was hanging some shelving and he sat with me and asked if he could help. So, I got him to pass things to me and you could see how special it was to him.”

Since Lou and Len started volunteering, the world – and the Community Centre – has changed significantly.

“When we first attended playgroup there was six or seven families,” Lou said.

“Now there’s about 400 people (at the Centre) each week for different programs. Recently we had 60 children at a playgroup.”

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said Junction was fortunate to have around a dozen volunteers supporting its work across housing and community services.

“Our volunteers complement our workforce adding different perspectives, experience and knowledge,” Maria said.

She described Lou and Len as stalwarts of the organisation and community.

“We cannot thank them enough,” Maria said. “The positive impact they have on our staff and the people we work with is immense.”

Lou said volunteering enabled her to stay connected with community.

“I’ve had health issues but Len knows there are people here to help me if I need it,” she said. “We’ve both found it a safe place to be. It’s a gift in many ways.”

Len agreed. “I certainly feel useful,” he said. “We get a lot out of it too.”

This week is National Volunteer Week, taking place from May 19 to 25.

To find out more about Volunteering with Junction, visit: junctionaustralia.org.au/volunteer/ 

Phil Grinter, Junction Financial Counsellor

Locals in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island are being helped to manage their budgets, understand debt traps and overcome financial stress amid cost-of-living pressures through support from Junction’s Financial Insight and Navigation Service (FINS).

The program delivers financial counselling, education, advocacy and advice across the region. The initiative is part of the Department of Human Services’ Financial Wellbeing Program.

Junction CEO Maria Palumbo said rising prices are putting unprecedented pressure on household budgets impacting individuals and families, many who were already extremely vulnerable.

“We are seeing more people than ever before with high bills, threats of utility disconnection –people struggling to put food on the table,” Ms Palumbo said. “This puts enormous stress on every aspect of someone’s life including their health.”

“We are equipping people with the knowledge and skills to make positive decisions, get on top of their debts, manage their income and expenditure to improve their circumstances and ultimately, their wellbeing.”

FINS is delivered by two part-time qualified professionals including a financial counsellor and financial capability worker.

Junction financial counsellor Phil Grinter said while he hoped to support people before they reached crisis point, sometimes “that’s easier said than done.”

“The first thing is we sit down, get to know a person’s whole situation, look at any debts they have, prioritise the debts and options available such as applying for financial hardship,” he said.

“Often, we will advocate on their behalf to reduce these burdens. Along with below average income, unmanageable debt can make it impossible for people to get into a stable position. We can’t work miracles but the earlier we can support someone the better the chance of making a real difference.”

Since September 2024, Junction has also partnered with Teen Challenge SA as part of its Living Free addition recovery program, run out of Strathalbyn.

Mr Grinter, who has been a financial counsellor for 26 years, said Living Free clients often had accrued debt in the throes of their addiction and were experiencing homelessness.

“Being debt free after exiting drug rehabilitation gives clients a fresh start and removes a key stressor that can possibly lead to a relapse,” he said.

Mr Grinter said “providing hope” was core to his work.

“The worst position for someone to be in is when they can’t see a way out,” he said. “I am continually inspired by people’s courage, resilience and endurance.”

So what’s the best advice to anyone overwhelmed by their financial situation?

“Get help as soon as you possibly can,” Mr Grinter said. “When you are dealing with debt, contact the companies’ financial hardship team, and get some assistance from a financial counsellor. Act as soon as you realise there is a problem.”

For a direct referral to the program contact Junction’s Goolwa office on 8392 3060 or email fins@junctionaustralia.org.au or the Kangaroo Island Community Centre on 8553 2809.