Leanne was the first tenant to move into a new Sunshine Coast social housing complex, delivered by the The Queensland Government and Coast2Bay Community Housing Group.
The 34-unit complex includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, complemented by lifts, a community garden and barbecue area. Leanne, a childcare worker with significant health challenges, had spent several months in crisis accommodation after being unable to afford rising rent on her unit.
“My unit was a bit run-down, I was up three flights of stairs and the lifts often broke. There were several times when paramedics couldn’t get in to help me,’’ she said. “Here, I love having so much space and a veranda, which I’ve filled with plants, to allow plenty of fresh air to come in.’’
Leanne said she was looking forward to hosting dinner parties, exploring the local area on her daily walks and getting to know her neighbours better.
“It was really funny because we were all forced to meet when the fire alarm went off early in the morning and we spent an hour downstairs, but everyone was so lovely and already looking out for each other,’’ she said.
“I absolutely adore it here, and the best thing is knowing that I will always be able to afford the rent, whether I’m working or unwell.’’
