Redevelopment gets underway for Joyce Wilding Hostel

Construction has commenced on the Kaggarabah Housing project, a new purpose-built accommodation precinct for Indigenous women and children who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness on the site of the former Joyce Wilding Hostel.

An official sod turning event to launch the project was held at the site on July 26 with Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch, MP Peter Russo, ATSICHS Board Chair Melody Ingra, ATSICHS CEO Renee Blackman and also ADCO Constructions Project Manager Nathan Webber in attendance.

Together with the Queensland Government, ATSICHS Brisbane is spearheading the redevelopment of the site. It will include five studio apartments, 10 one-bedroom units and also 18 two-bedroom units.

ATSICHS Brisbane CEO Renee Blackman welcomed the partnership with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, highlighting the importance of providing safe, affordable and also culturally appropriate housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

“ATSICHS Brisbane has a strong and historical connection to the community. We are proud to continue the legacy of Joyce Wilding Hostel as we begin a new chapter with Kaggarabah”, she said.

“The facility is a much-needed addition to the community and will help reduce housing instability and the risk of homelessness.”

The hostel has a long and important history of providing short to medium-term transitional accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children and the Department of Housing is eager to continue that legacy.

Minister Enoch said the redevelopment of the new precinct is culturally responsive. It will also maintain historical connections in a way that respects the natural environment.

“These homes will provide privacy and independence for residents,” she said.

“The precinct will also foster community connection through a series of shared spaces. This will include spaces such as a yarning circle, kids’ play area, landscaping and sheltered barbeque areas.”

Included in the development is an integrated communal hub to provide space for essential social, health and cultural support services.

Following the sod turning event the site will be known as Kaggarabah, a language word which means place of the porcupine or echidna.

The name was chosen in consultation with local Elders and is also the name used for the Country of Mt Gravatt and surrounds where the site is located.

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