Haven House Kingaroy
QLD
Number of bedrooms |
4 |
Building Partner |
Home Zone |
Charity Partner |
South Burnett CTC |
The Property Industry Foundation has partnered with South Burnett CTC to deliver a 2 x 2-bedroom duplex which offers transitional housing for at-risk young people in Queensland’s Kingaroy area.
Haven House Kingaroy will offer a secure, safe living space for young people to find their feet until they can source their own permanent housing arrangements.
Key Suppliers & Supporters
At every Haven House, the support we get from the industry is incredible.
The below is not a full list but notes some key suppliers.
- Caroma
- JLL
- MBM
- Milliken
- MinterEllison
- Metz
- Saunders Havill Group
Announcing Haven House Kingaroy, QLD!
01
The Property Industry Foundation Queensland announced a project in partnership with South Burnett CTC at it’s Inaugural Backseat Sleepout on 26 October 2023.
It was announced by Brandon, a young man currently living in a transitional home owned by South Burnett CTC. Brandon spoke at the event about his impactful story of family violence, homelessness and finding refuge.
“Being at the event was a significant moment for me personally, as I know what it’s like to have nowhere else to go,” said Brandon. “I’ve been through homelessness and now look where I am: I have an actual home now after thirteen months in a shelter and thirty-three months in transitional housing, and I have a job and a car as well. The catharsis that comes with being free from homelessness will stay with you for eternity.”
“Being there to witness the announcement of the construction of Haven House Kingaroy brought hope to me that one day, the problems of homelessness will finally be resolved, one house at a time,” said Brandon.
Kingaroy Sod Turning
02
On 9 May, the Property Industry Foundation held a sod turning ceremony to mark the start of construction for Haven House Kingaroy, a 2 x 2 bedroon duplex that will be managed by youth and family services non-profit, South Burnett CTC.
Haven House Kingaroy, constructed by Building Partners HomeZone Projects, offers crucial transitional housing for at-risk young people in the South Burnett region. The modern 2 x 2-bedroom duplexes offer support and safety while residents find their feet and secure more permanent accommodation.
The project was announced last October at the Inaugural Queensland Backseat SleepOut by Brandon, who has a lived experience of homelessness and has been supported by South Burnett CTC.
“Being here to witness the announcement of the construction of Haven House Kingaroy brought hope to me that one day, the problems of homelessness will finally be resolved, one house at a time,”
Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills says this project will help meet significant demand in the region and gives young people the opportunity to build a brighter future. “Through Haven House Kingaroy, we are taking a proactive stance against youth homelessness. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s where vulnerable youth can find a new beginning and the support they need to flourish.”
South Burnett CTC CEO Jason Erbacher, Property Industry Foundation QLD Events and Engagement Manager Rebecca Field, and Q Shelter’s Manager Policy and Strategic Engagement Jackson Hills gathered at the site with invited guests to celebrate the beginning of the build.
“I’m immensely proud of the partnership between the Property Industry Foundation and South Burnett CTC, which has culminated in the establishment of Haven House Kingaroy,” said Jason Erbacher. “By providing transitional housing and a holistic support team, we’re empowering young people to overcome challenges and strive towards brighter futures. This initiative reflects our dedication to building stronger, more resilient communities. We also want to extend our gratitude to local builder, Peter Hay of HomeZone Projects who is bringing Haven House Kingaroy to life. His commitment to the project has been instrumental in turning this dream into a reality.”
At the heart of Haven House Kingaroy and all of the Foundation’s Haven Houses is the belief that every young person should have a safe and secure home. 2021 Census figures show that more than 120,000 people around Australia were experiencing homelessness, with nearly a quarter aged 12-24. “We are committed to leveraging our network within the property and construction industry to create opportunities for young people to access safe, secure, and supportive housing options,” said Kate Mills. “Haven House Kingaroy represents a critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to reduce youth homelessness in the South Burnett.”
“By providing transitional housing and a holistic support team, we’re empowering young people to overcome challenges and strive towards brighter futures.”
Kingaroy is nearly finished!
03
We’re excited to share the latest updates on the construction of Haven House Kingaroy, delivering four new bedrooms for youth in need. Progress is moving at a fast pace as we get ready to welcome the first tenants in time for Christmas!
As of today, the interior painting is now complete. A splash of vibrant color to help bring the space to life, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the young people who will soon call Haven House, home.
In terms of utilities, we’re pleased to report that electricity and sewage connections are now in place. This critical step has paved the way for ongoing plumbing fit-outs, which are currently underway. Each passing day brings us closer to ensuring the house is fully functional.
We’re also excited about the recently completed flooring. A project spanning the November month has to come together wonderfully.
In addition to the interior work, earthworks have commenced for the driveway and landscaping. This stage marks an essential step toward establishing a beautiful and inviting exterior that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
We sincerely appreciate the continued support and efforts from our community and partners as we work towards creating a safe haven for those in need.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move towards completion. Haven House Kingaroy is becoming a reality, and we can’t wait to open our doors!
Haven House Kingaroy Opening
04
The Property Industry Foundation and South Burnett CTC have opened the doors to Haven House Kingaroy, a project designed to address the housing crisis for at-risk youth in the South Burnett region.
A busy nine-month construction period beginning in May 2024, has seen the creation of 2 x 2-bedroom duplexes which will offer a welcoming, secure home to young people experiencing homelessness, housing instability or unsafe living arrangements.
Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills attended the launch, along with key members of the building team and South Burnett CTC staff. “Haven House Kingaroy will bring a tangible, positive change to young people in Kingaroy who would otherwise be facing serious and daunting prospects,” said Kate. “Our hope is Haven House Kingaroy will help to support young people as they search for permanent and safe housing solutions and explore pathways to pursuing security, education, employment and most importantly, their mental health and wellbeing. As we cut the ribbon today, let it symbolise not just the opening of homes, but the opening of doors, to opportunities, to learning, and to a renewed sense of hope.”
South Burnett CTC CEO Jason Erbacher emphasised the positive impact Haven House Kingaroy will have on the lives of vulnerable youth in the region. “The opening of Haven House Kingaroy means that we now have over 200% more capacity to provide safe transitional housing in Kingaroy. In tandem with CTC’s Malcolm’s Youth Hostel, we can now provide more life-changing assistance to young people who need it most,” said Jason.
“The partnership between ourselves and the Property Industry Foundation has brought about a rarely seen chance for those of us who are passionate about uplifting homeless and at-risk youth to have real impact on the issue. We sincerely thank our construction partner at Homezone Projects and the many people who have taken part in fundraising initiatives for this development.”
Local builder Peter Hay of Homezone Projects used his expertise and passion to help bring the project to completion. The Foundation’s industry partners—GWA Caroma, JLL, MBM, Milliken, MinterEllison, Metz, and Saunders Havill Group generously provided supplies and consultancy on a pro-bono or low-bono basis.
“By leveraging our industry network, we’re creating safe, secure, and supportive housing options for young Australians in need,” said Kate. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality. Together, we’re building stronger communities and brighter futures for vulnerable youth.”
Haven House Kingaroy will be operated by South Burnett CTC’s Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) In addition to transitional housing, they provide one-on-one support and case management to young people, with the goal of empowering them to learn important life skills and make informed decisions about their futures.
