Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has today helped turn the first sod on a new residential development in Mitchelton to provide much-needed housing for people living with a disability.
Cr Quirk said the project supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust would see six new residences built that will become a permanent home for up to twenty young people with disabilities.
“In 2014 the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust donated $250,000 to FoundationH to help build these residences and provide a place for young people with a disability who want to live independently of their families, but not live in isolation from their communities,” Cr Quirk said.
“As Lord Mayor of Brisbane I am committed to ensuring our suburbs are equipped with facilities and services that provide for the needs of the local community and I’m pleased to have been able to support this project through the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
FoundationH Executive Manager David Melloy said the ‘House That We Built – Mitchelton’ project is the realisation of FoundationH’s goal to bring disability housing to communities where they are needed most.
“Our residents live in purpose-built, suburban accommodation with en-suite rooms and a live-in carer if required, giving family’s peace-of-mind and residents a place to be independent and call home.” Mr Melloy said.
“The work FoundationH is doing is important and critical to how we approach caring for people with disabilities as a society into the future.
“We are very excited to be commencing construction on this project at Mitchelton to help fill a gap in accommodation services that currently exists for those living with a disability.”
“FoundationH, through HELP Enterprises, has a long and proud history with this location and the community in Mitchelton, currently offering disability support services, and operating a commercial nursery providing work opportunities.”
Cr Quirk said the project will not only provide housing for young people with a disability but will provide ongoing benefits to FoundationH.
“In addition to the six new residences, twelve new lots have also been created for private residential use.”
“With the majority of the site being retained for its existing operation, HELP Enterprises will continue to help residents build independence, self-esteem and social connectedness in the local community.”
Place Design Group is proud to have supported this important community project and attended the turning of the SOD via group representative Chris Isles, Planning Director and National Planner of the Year.
