Work begins on $6.7 million homelessness support hub in Redcliffe

Construction is underway on a mega homelessness support hub north of Brisbane as authorities look to provide vital support to thousands living in tents and across the area’s parks.

Construction of the new Peninsula Support Hub in Redcliffe, located at the corner Portwood Street and Oxley Ave, began this week. Picture: Contributed

Construction has started on a $6.7 million homeless hub north of Brisbane to support thousands of the Moreton Bay residents commonly sighted living in tents across the region’s parks.

Works of the new Peninsula Support Hub in Redcliffe, located at the corner Portwood Street and Oxley Ave, started this week with the project two non-for-profit organisations to provide vital services and meals to the homeless.

The hub, funded by the City of Moreton Bay and State Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, will be home to The Breakfast Club and Salvation Army, who were both granted peppercorn leases to operate in the new hub.

Replacing The Breakfast Club’s existing facility, the new hub will include a dual-tenanted service centre, commercial-grade kitchen, office space and consult rooms, storage, shower, toilet and laundry facilities.

Construction will see the former Redcliffe Pensioners Hall rebuilt, with extensions to the existing built form while keeping the open space and recreational areas.

President of The Breakfast Club, Michelle Gilchrist, said she can’t wait to be serving the first free dinner to the community in the new home.

“We provide over 1500 meals each month to people experiencing homelessness or who are in need and this new hub will provide better facilities for us to create a safe space for everyone,” she said.

A concept image of the rebuilt and redesigned Redcliffe Pensioners Hall. Picture: Contributed

“Our guests have raised concerns around food and housing insecurity, social connection, accessing services, and mental health, so it’s great that this hub will be able to create better access to many beneficial services.”

State Manager for Homelessness at The Salvation Army, Aaron Pimlott, said he is looking forward to having a physical presence in the new hub.

“As one of the largest homelessness services providers, we have a long history responding and working with people experiencing homelessness, as well as working with those who may be at risk of becoming homeless by providing tenancy sustainment support,” he said.

“Our services will provide individuals and families with a safe space to access support, as well as case management and referrals to specialist services, including housing.”

A report to councillors read “the tenancy area has been purposefully designed for the Breakfast Club’s operations and will include a commercial kitchen with cold storage facilities, a dining room to cater for 100 people, office space, bathrooms, showers, laundry and locker facilities”.

The report said The Salvation Army would provide assessment and referral services, connect people to social networks and employment and training, financial counselling courses, community education and more.

“Additionally, The Salvation Army intend to provide hot desk access to other service staff and providers who work in a mobile capacity, including but not limited to their Veterans’ Support Team and Mobile Support Team.”

The Breakfast Club Redcliffe. Picture: Contributed

State Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the hub would benefit the community for years to come.

“It will make a real impact for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness on the Peninsula and across the city,” she said.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the milestone marks an important moment in Council’s ongoing efforts to tackle the homelessness crisis locally.

“Homelessness is a growing issue that’s gripping the nation, and as the third largest Council in Australia, City of Moreton Bay is committed to supporting all residents feel connected to our communities and find a place to call home,” he said.

“We know it’s not the usual remit of local government but we couldn’t just stand back on this issue – it’s just too important.

“This new facility will give hardworking local service providers like The Breakfast Club and The Salvation Army a base to reach more people experiencing homelessness and connect them to the services they need.

“It will also serve as a friendly space where anyone can get a warm meal from the commercial grade kitchen, access the shower and laundry facilities, and share conversation with old and new friends.”