Historical information

The Housing Commission of Victoria (HCV) was established by the Victorian Government in 1938 after a public campaign for housing reform.

After 1942 the HCV was responsible for developing regional and outer suburban housing estates where low-income families were located in proximity to expanding population areas and post-war industries. With greater funding and a severe housing shortage, the Commission's activities greatly expanded through the late 1940s into the 1950s. They began to build larger and larger estates of housing in the suburban fringes, as well as country towns

The Housing Commission was largely responsible for the development of Wodonga up to 1973 and in 1975 was said to have built one-third of all homes in Wodonga, though many of these were handed to the Army.
Criticism of the bureaucratic and undemocratic nature of the Commission and scandals over corruption in relation to housing developments in Melbourne's fringe areas resulted in the disbandment of the HCV and the formation of a Ministry of Housing in 1984.

The work of the Housing Commission of Victoria allowed many people in Wodonga to acquire affordable housing and pay it off over time through monthly instalments.

Significance

This booklet is of local and state significance as it is evidence of the role of the Victorian Government is providing access to affordable housing. It supported the development of Wodonga and the realisation of the "Australian dream" of home ownership.

Physical description

A small receipt book issued by the Housing Commission of Victoria to record payments and receipts for tenants who were purchasing their home through the Housing Commission. Monthly installments allowed people to access and purchase, affordable housing.

Inscriptions & markings

On the front cover "Housing Commission/VICTORIA/ HOUSE PURCHASER'S/ INSTALMENT/RECEIPTS"