Toowoomba Red Cross set up shop in historic new location

One of Australia’s most famous charities has shifted all of its Toowoomba operations into a historical building in the CBD, providing support for both disadvantaged youths and people struggling with homelessness.

NEW DIGS: Australian Red Cross have relocated to 152 Margaret Street. With new spaces to help clients including special chairs to help with anxiety, Zeynab Aria (back) and Tahlia Bligh. Picture: Bev Lacey

One of Australia’s most famous charities has shifted all of its Toowoomba operations into a historical building in the CBD, providing support for both disadvantaged youths and people struggling with homelessness.

In a move that will add another 20-25 staff to the Toowoomba CBD, Australian Red Cross has taken over both floors of the 100-year-old T and L building on Margaret Street.

The property is also known as the Groom and Lavers building and enjoyed renovations back in 2016.

Red Cross regional manager Charlene Keller said the goal of the move was to consolidate the charity’s various services and staff under one roof, in a location that was convenient for clients.

Australian Red Cross have relocated to 152 Margaret Street. Red Cross regional manager, Charlene Keller. Picture: Bev Lacey

“It’s really the continuation and combination of all our activities, apart from Life Blood — we’re not taking blood here,” she said jokingly.

“We’d been operating in a location that was out of town a bit, and we’ve now moved into a closer location.

“We’re also really excited to offer a place that will be a Red Cross location for our first-aid training courses.”

Red Cross will mainly run its Homestay and Youth Homelessness and Reintegration services from the Margaret Street, with Ms Keller noting she had seen a dramatic increase in the number of people requiring support.

Australian Red Cross have relocated to 152 Margaret Street. Outside their new offices, back row; Charlene Keller (left) and Karla Draper. Second row; Sarah Berardo and Tiaro Cyrnock. Front; Zeynad Aria, Mary-Ellen Middleton, Tahlia Bligh, Luke Yuginovich, Jade Stanley, Abigail Eberhard and Teagan McDonald. Picture: Bev Lacey

“Homestay is an early intervention program for people who have concerns with their housing situation — we work with people to stay in their current location or working to relocate,” she said.

“The other program works with children between 12-22 who are moving from the care of the state and had some touchpoints with youth justice, or they might be experiencing some homelessness, so we assist them with case management.

“We have exceeded our normal caseload numbers already this year, just because there are so many people needing assistance.”

Ms Keller said Red Cross workers were already loving the new location, especially the access to quality cafes and eateries.

The T and L building is for sale through LJ Hooker.

For more information, call Chris Stewart on 0451 948 001.