Supporting sustainable housing has long been a commitment for King Charles whose projects in the UK are highly regarded. So it’s no surprise that His Majesty wanted to check on the latest building his Australian charity has been working on in Sydney during this historic royal visit. The Cowper Street Development is a pioneering social housing project which will deliver 75 unique new inner-city social homes with completion due in early 2025.
It’s a collaboration between the NSW Government and The King’s Trust Australia, which has provided design and consultancy services to support the development’s six-star, green-star rating; and has also created an exciting new training initiative ‘Get into Construction’. The four-week program helps young people gain a foothold in the thriving construction industry; designed to address the growing demand for skilled labour in the sector while offering a pathway for young people to kickstart their careers.
The King met three Aussies participants today at the worksite. Wes Patten is an 18-year-old First Nations man, born and raised in this part of Sydney. He’s also an actor and appeared in ABC hit drama Total Control, but knows acting is not always steady work.
Wes really enjoyed his placement with the King’s charity and says, “It’s more than just job training. They teach life skills that everyone needs.”
Wes is considering pursuing an apprenticeship and enrolling in TAFE to further his skills.
“Everyone deserves opportunities like this,” he adds.
“It’s been a great start, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
Wes was keen also to give back to his community.
“That’s half the reason I joined this program.”
Another trainee John Suttie, 17, also met the King today. John was born in a large country town in NSW and his dream is to become an architect-builder. While Sydneysider Sam Amey, 20, wants to be a qualified carpenter. The program is giving him the chance to gain hand-son carpentry skills before committing to an apprenticeship.
“I’m loving and learning a lot,” he says.
The King’s Trust Australia chair, the Hon Julie Bishop was also at the site proudly showing the monarch around. “The exemplary terrace houses and apartments are eco-friendly and will provide safe and welcoming homes to those who need it most,” she explains.
“The project is inspired by our historic woolstore buildings and Glebe’s iconic Victorian terraces. As it will have the highest sustainability rating possible of Six Green Stars, it is designed to be an exemplar that can be copied across Australia.”
Read more about the work of The King’s Trust Australia at kingstrust.org.au
