YWCA Australia, the nation’s only specialist women’s housing provider, is proud to officially break ground today on a new affordable housing development in Parramatta Park, Queensland.
This $5.7 million project will deliver 12 new two-bedroom apartments designed to meet the needs of women and women-led families experiencing housing insecurity and is funded by Housing Australia through Round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Funding Facility.
YWCA Australia’s Group CEO, Michelle Phillips, is pleased to be partnering with the Federal Government and highlighted the importance of gender-responsive housing in addressing Australia’s housing crisis.
“We are proud to be delivering 12 homes in Parramatta Park that are not only affordable, but designed with the needs of women and their families in mind,” says Ms Phillips.
All YWCA Australia developments are designed in line with its Gender Responsive Design Guidelines ensuring they are inclusive, trauma-informed and supportive of long-term wellbeing.
“The need for purpose-built long-term housing for women is high, with women accounting for 60% of clients seeking support from specialist homelessness services here in Queensland.
“Safe housing is a foundation for the future. These homes will provide the safety, security and long-term stability needed for women and their families to shape their own future.”
“Partnerships are critical to solving the housing crisis. YWCA Australia is committed to working with all levels of government to increase housing supply for women across Australia, especially in regional and remote communities. We thank Housing Australia and the Albanese Labor Government for their support of this project and their commitment to expanding social and affordable housing options.”
YWCA Australia already operates housing across Queensland in Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba and has a national footprint. This development is part of YWCA Australia’s broader $141M commitment increasing to create safe and equitable housing solutions for women and gender diverse people in Australia.
Quotes from Matt Smith, MP Member for Leichhardt
“These are life-changing projects that put power back into the hands of women and children leaving situations of family and domestic violence.
“These new crisis and emergency homes – just like these ones here in Cairns – will help women and children escaping domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness.
“This investment is about making sure that women know that they’ve got somewhere to go and someone in their corner when they need to get up and go.
“These projects can be the difference between choosing to leave and having to stay in the worst of all situations.
“We have a housing shortage in our country, and that’s why many Australians are under real housing pressure. The Albanese Government is taking on the housing crisis. Funding more housing, supporting more tradies to get on the tools, and pushing states to reduce red tape.”
Ends
Media contacts:
YWCA Australia: Kathryn Brennan, General Manager Marketing and Communications – 0408 429 655
About YWCA Australia
YWCA Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation that has specialised in supporting women for over 140 years. Nationally, YWCA currently owns and manages more than 460 social and affordable homes. Our housing spans the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.
We are the experts in gender-responsive housing and homelessness solutions.
Accessibility Tools