HMAG’s close collaboration with the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution is about to go live.
Sparked by Housing Matters’ inaugural ‘Local Solutions’ Affordable Housing Forum in 2018, a shared vision emerged to transform RFBI’s former aged care facility into an affordable housing development. With strong support from all levels of government, the RFBI secured funding for the project from the State and Federal governments in 2021, turning the vision into reality. Fast forward to late 2024, and the RFBI is close to opening ‘Watson Place,’ which contains 23 one-bedroom affordable apartments for women over 55 facing homelessness. The RFBI donated the land, and the NSW Government Commonwealth Government each paid $5 million to cover its construction.
The project was also inspired by Housing Matters’ Needs-mapping project that identified that older, single women are a vulnerable group locally facing increasing rates of homelessness, housing insecurity and displacement. We have worked closely with the applicants throughout the journey, supporting their application process and linking them up with other important local services. We’re so thrilled that the project is close to completion and 23 local women are about to move in into their forever homes.
We applaud RFBI for all their hard work and commitment to addressing Bellingen Shire’s housing crisis. You can view a more detailed case study on the project here and see local media coverage here.
Are you interested in applying to join the Watson Place waitlist? Contact us at info@housingmatters.org.au
