Council forms accommodation partnership for women over 55
Former aged care site to house older women at risk
- Housing revival: Former Gladstone aged care site transformed into affordable homes
- Target cohort: Women over 55 facing homelessness to be prioritised
- 20 units planned: Project also supports key workers struggling with housing costs
- 2027 delivery: Council-backed ARC21 project underway in South Gladstone
Gladstone Regional Council in Queensland has struck a partnership with Not-For-Profit The Shelter Collective to give women over 55 sleeping rough a home.
“For women over 55, secure housing offers more than a roof overhead – it provides stability, safety and the opportunity to rebuild independence, wellbeing and connection,” The Shelter Collective Chair David Grenfell OAM said.
Gladstone Regional Council is working with the organisation to transform 20 units at the former site of Hibiscus Gardens Aged Care Facility in South Gladstone.
The site has been dormant since late 2015 and will be reinvigorated to provide safe, secure and dignified accommodation for women over the age of 55, as well as essential service workers who are struggling to find affordable housing in Gladstone.
Gladstone Region Mayor, Matt Burnett said the project, known as ARC21 (Affordable Residential Communities), is something the community has wanted to see for a long time.
“This project ties directly into Council’s advocacy for more housing in the region, which has been a priority of ours for many years as we look to tackle challenges surrounding availability, accessibility, and affordability,” the Mayor said.
The project is expected to be complete in April 2027.
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