Young Queenslanders make a move for greater good

A group of Queensland students have made a carefully managed move to ensure those at risk of homelessness aren’t exposed to COVID-19, in proof the fight against the virus is a united effort.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said a group of young Queenslanders were going above and beyond, to look after their community’s most vulnerable during the public health emergency.

Together with their landlord, mission based housing provider Scape, students in an inner city Brisbane apartment block will move to new accommodation, so that Brisbane residents of crisis accommodation can have a safe place to live and avoid the coronavirus.

“Whether it's joining the Care Army, or giving up your own home to save lives, this initiative shows young Queenslanders are a generation we can all be proud of,” Mr de Brenni said.

“While we’re all doing our bit to stay healthy, the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with apartment operator Scape and its young residents to secure self-contained apartments for over 500 Queenslanders with current living arrangements that risk coronavirus spread.

“I extend my sincere thanks to the students and staff for “making a move the greater good”.

“Their decision will absolutely save lives, in fact it could save thousands of lives.” Mr de Brenni said.

“I want to thank the students, who heeded our call for help and relocated to nearby, alternative accommodation so that we could maximise the use of this space for those with nowhere else to go.”

Craig Carracher, from Scape said that the opportunity to do the right thing for the broader Brisbane community was ultimately contributing to a better outcome for everyone.

“Atira and our students here, know this transition is for the greater good, if we can assist in flattening the curve, the whole community will benefit.”

Mr de Brenni said the transition of residents would begin shortly, under the expert guidance of Queensland Health.

“I’m pleased we have been able to work collaboratively with Bric Housing, St Vincent de Paul, Mission Australia, and the Salvation Army to provide these homes,” Mr de Brenni said.

“The new residents will have around-the-clock security and support, with meals and laundry service available too.

“Supporting Queenslanders does not end with giving them a roof over their head, in fact that is just where it starts,” Mr de Brenni said.

“In partnership with service providers, we’ll invest in integrated care to ensure the stay at Scape has positive legacy outcomes for all the temporary residents.

“By housing vulnerable Queenslanders, we improve their health outcomes, and we also give the skills needed to transition to stable independent living.”

ENDS

Media contact – Rosie Gilbert 0466 834 330