A public housing site in Gilberton is set to undergo a nearly $10 million upgrade following a fatal stabbing incident in June 2025 that prompted renewed concerns about safety and security. The refurbishment aims to address issues at the Bentzen Court unit complex and surrounding areas, including neighboring homes on Walkerville Terrace.
The review comes after police arrested 30-year-old Lauren Anne Hennessy, who allegedly forced entry into a residence next to Bentzen Court before a man was found dead inside a unit at the complex. The victim, 65-year-old Andrew Sorby, died from injuries sustained during the incident, which also involved property damage. Hennessy faces charges of murder and property damage and is due to appear in court in August.
The violence also affected the nearby home of former Channel 7 personality Jan Beasley, who reported a pot plant was thrown through her back glass door during the episode. She praised the prompt security response and expressed confidence in the Housing Trust’s management following the event. “The security was instant, the housing trust have been fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, the communication level was great,” Beasley said. She also welcomed the announced upgrade, suggesting it will improve safety perceptions and attract new tenants to the area.
The $9.68 million refurbishment will target multiple aspects of the Gilberton public housing precinct, including Bentzen Court. Planned improvements include redesigned site layouts to reduce concealed spaces, enhanced passive surveillance, stronger measures to deter loitering, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, installation of internal laundries, better lighting, and reinforced security features.
Housing Minister Nick Champion, who announced the project alongside local member Lucy Hood, emphasized the need for a strategic approach to refurbishing public housing sites across the state. Champion described the initiative as an opportunity to attract tenants committed to community harmony and highlighted that similar estates, approximately 20 in number, require attention. “There should’ve been a plan in place to refurbish this very important public housing stock,” he said.
However, the state opposition criticized the timing and scope of the government’s response. Opposition housing spokesman Josh Teague condemned the administration for only committing funding after a fatality occurred. He accused officials of neglecting proactive maintenance and upgrades that could have prevented such tragedies.
The redevelopment project underscores ongoing challenges in balancing public housing needs with community safety and revitalization, signaling a renewed focus on infrastructure and tenant wellbeing in the Gilberton area.