Wongabeena Aged Housing Sarina reveal plans for four new duplexes

One of Queensland’s only community-run aged housing complexes had revealed plans to build multiple new residences and is calling out for support.

Zoe Devenport

less than 2 min read

June 18, 2023 - 5:00AM

One of Queensland’s only community-run aged housing complexes had revealed plans to build a number of new residences and is calling out for support.

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One of Queensland’s only community-run aged housing complexes has revealed plans to build a number of new residences and is calling out for support.

Wongabeena Aged Housing in Sarina was started in the 1960s when the Kotchevatkin family donated a parcel of land, upon which two duplexes were built for pensioners.

From there, the complex has grown into 26 different units with a volunteer committee overseeing maintenance.

Three years ago the committee decided to demolish six of the original units, which had become too costly to maintain, to build four new duplexes.

A layout plan for proposed new duplexes at Wongabeena Aged Housing Sarina. Photo: Contributed

The new duplexes would house at least eight residents with plans showing an open plan kitchen and living room, bathroom, bedroom, and carport.

Committee member Sonja Solli said the Wongabeena residents were keen to support the plan, and now the committee was looking for outside support.

“We have approached three builders and are awaiting quotes from two of the builders, we already have a quote from one,” Ms Solli said.

Wongabeena Aged Housing Sarina residents (standing) Lette Owens, Sonja Solli, Val Smith, (seated) Lorraine Wallace, Kathy Mackay, Cath Hutton, and Rod Nunn. Photo: Contributed

“We are also on the lookout for any grants which we may be able to access.

“The complex is community-owned and we intend to hold a public meeting to organise fundraising to assist in building the new units.”

Wongabeena Aged Housing is registered as a non-profit with about 22 residents, the oldest of which is 92 years old.

This is the present site layout of Wongabeena Aged Housing in Sarina, though three duplexes on Hoey St have already been demolished for planned new ones. Photo: Contributed

Three duplexes that face Hoey St have already been demolished in preparation for the development.

Ms Solli said the committee was waiting on Mackay Regional Council to respond to their request to hire Sarina’s Bob Wood Cultural Hall for public meeting to be held on July 19 or 26.