Avril, a former English and gymnastics teacher, has called her Maroochydore unit home since 2016. She moved from Brisbane after being accepted under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), which provided the only affordable option for her to live on the Sunshine Coast.
For Avril, staying close to family was essential. Her mother, Margaret, now 93, lived in the same complex until her health declined and she moved into aged care. As Margaret’s sole carer, Avril needed to remain nearby to provide support.
Under NRAS, Avril could manage her rent on a single pension. But when the scheme ended, her unit returned to market rent, and the cost would take more than half her income.
“I knew it would be impossible to make ends meet.”
In 2020, Avril sought advice from the Housing Service Centre but did not meet the eligibility criteria for social housing. By 2023, her rent was set to rise to $495 per week, and she faced the prospect of leaving the Sunshine Coast. A temporary NRAS lease gave her six more months, but it was only a short term solution.
Around this time, Coast2Bay Housing Group received funding through the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund to purchase properties under NRAS and retain them as community housing. The team worked closely with Avril to confirm her application, and in February this year, she was approved for long term housing.
“When I was told I could stay in my home, it was as if an enormous weight had been lifted. I can keep using the gym, meet friends for coffee, go to aqua classes, and visit Mum anytime. As her only support person, this has been a lifesaver. I cannot imagine the alternative. I’m so grateful to Coast2Bay and the staff for their time and patience.”
Safe, secure housing means Avril can continue to enjoy her community and care for her mother for as long as needed.
