2026 Social Housing Volunteer Awards
In every community, there are exceptional people who reach out, lend a hand and get involved.
The Social Housing Volunteer Awards acknowledge an individual renter, or a group of renters, who contribute positively to their local community.
Nominations close Friday 25 September 2026.
The awards have two categories: the Frances Penington and Molly Hadfield Awards.
Learn more and nominate today on the Social Housing Volunteer Awards web .
Frances Penington Award
The Frances Penington Award celebrates an individual public or community housing renter, or a group of renters, who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to their community.
The award honours the late Frances Penington. As a Commissioner of the Housing Commission, she was the first woman appointed to the board of a statutory authority in Victoria. She was also a strong advocate for women in housing estates.
Molly Hadfield Award
The Molly Hadfield Award honours outstanding services to older renters.
This award was named after the late Mary (Molly) Hadfield OAM, who was a dedicated advocate for public housing renters. She was also a founding member of the Housing for the Aged Action , which formed in 1983.
Housing for the Aged Action Group
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) specialises in the housing needs of older people. Coming from grass-roots beginnings 41 years ago, HAAG today has over 1,000 members.
In honour of the Molly Hadfield Award, we shine a light on the group she helped to start.
Home at Last
Created in 2013, the Home at Last program provides services to older people in Victoria seeking secure, affordable and appropriate housing.
Run by HAAG, this program:
- helps older people experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness
- gives advice to people in retirement housing
- connects older people with aged care
- speaks up for older people’s housing rights.
Home at Last focuses on early intervention and engaging with communities directly to reach people before crisis point.
Learn more or seek help on the Home at Last web .
The Housing for the Aged Action Group offices are open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday:
- call 1300 765 178
- visit 1st Floor, Ross House, 247–251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
More information
Learn more on the Housing for the Aged Action Group .
Reviewed 27 August 2026