• Another 18 units offering supported accommodation for vulnerable members of the community are set to open in Cairns

Units previously used as police accommodation are being transformed into support facilities for Far North Queensland.

The 18 units in Manoora will be available as supported accommodation vulnerable members of the community.

The government has prioritised the refurbishment which includes bathroom upgrades, repainting, replacement of floor coverings and hot water systems, as well as roofing repairs and upgrading of fire services.

The Department of Housing will partner with St Vincent de Paul to manage and provide support.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“This former police accommodation will very soon be used to help Queenslanders in need.

“While we get on with our big housing build, we’re also refurbishing 18 rooms in Cairns with new whitegoods and kitchenettes.

“And together with Vinnies, we’ll make sure people who will stay here additionally get much-needed wraparound support.”

Quotes attributable to Local Member and Assistant Minister Tourism Industry Development Michael Healy:

“It is great to see property being used for such a worthy cause.

“It’s a good result and good to see departments working together, using assets and resources to produce a much needed and valuable resource for the community.”

Please attribute to Vinnies Queensland CEO Kevin Mercer:

 “St Vincent de Paul has a long history of supporting Queenslanders experiencing homelessness, and our latest partnership with the State Government will provide needed shelter for Far North Queensland residents in need of crisis accommodation.

 “The Manoora facility will be more than a safe place to sleep off the streets – our team will be on-site to provide wrap-around support to residents and work with them to help secure long-term housing.

“We know from experience that our State Government working together with homelessness support organisations like St Vincent de Paul is an effective way to help people escape homelessness, not just in the short-term, but for good.

“We hope this Manoora facility will become a place of hope and comfort for Far North Queenslanders struggling to find a place to call home.”

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078 and Robyn Wuth - 0461 555 208