Test & Fix is an extension of the Kempsey Housing Health program, led by the Aboriginal Environmental Health Unit and North Coast Public Health Unit in partnership with Community Housing Limited (CHL).
The three-year pilot demonstrates the strong and positive connection between environmental health, housing, and community wellbeing. Through a collaborative partnership between health and housing services, Test & Fix embeds environmental health principles within routine housing maintenance and strengthens shared responsibility for creating healthier and safer homes.
The flexible model supports cyclical and preventative maintenance, early identification of housing, safety and environmental health risks, immediate minor repairs, practical tenant education, and local employment opportunities. By connecting tenants, Test & Fix workers, housing staff, tradespeople and environmental health professionals, the model improves communication, access to homes and coordination of maintenance responses.
Test & Fix highlights the importance of raising the profile of environmental health and recognising it as a core function of housing service delivery, rather than an additional or separate activity. Embedding environmental health into everyday housing practice helps address the social determinants of health and supports NSW Health priorities for preventing chronic disease and reducing health inequities.
The pilot is now in its final year. Preliminary evaluation findings indicate a reduction over time in items requiring repair, improved access to properties, fewer unsuccessful trade call-outs and positive social outcomes. The evaluation has also identified systemic maintenance challenges and opportunities to strengthen service delivery and future partnerships.
The presentation will include a short video featuring Test & Fix workers and support staff, highlighting their experiences, achievements and the practical impact of connecting housing, employment and environmental health.