The ACT heritage listed Havelock House building was first opened in 1951 as a hostel to accommodate public servants. During the 1970’s, the demand for hostel accommodation decreased. In 1981, the Fraser government recommended that an alternative use be found for Havelock House. Early in 1982 the Australian Federal Police (AFP) moved into a small section of Havelock House and set up offices.
In 1983, the first Hawke Ministry handed over full control and use of the building to the AFP despite intense lobbying by various welfare groups. The decision, when made public, elicited a quick and powerful response from concerned community groups. By early July a picket line was in place outside Havelock House. It stayed there 24 hours a day for 16 weeks through a long, cold Canberra winter.
The aims of the picket were to pressure the government to recognise the serious need for low-cost accommodation; ensure that Havelock House would be retained as low-cost accommodation; and highlight the extent of homelessness and poverty in the ACT.
The picket ended in December 1983 with a settlement, which committed the government to transfer Havelock House to providing low-cost housing.
Since that time, Havelock Housing has provided affordable accommodation for people on low incomes. Today Havelock Housing Association is one of the largest Community Housing providers in the ACT. The heritage listing relates to the unique architecuture, its use as social housing, and its role in Canberra's history.
The hide is nothing you haven't seen before. Find a space between the hedges and line up with the building name.