Minister opens accommodation facility for people with high-care needs

An innovative and modern accommodation complex supporting people with acquired brain injury has been officially opened on Brisbane’s northside.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt was on hand today to open the Brain Injury Association of Queensland’s (BIAQ) new accommodation facility at Lawnton, which will support up to eight individuals with a disability.

“The Lawnton facility will set a new benchmark for quality disability services and accommodation in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

Disability Services Queensland contributed about $1 million towards the cost of building the Lawnton facility, as well as recurrent funding of $724,402 to help with operational costs.

The supported accommodation facility consists of a transitional assessment and brain injury behavioural response unit for up to four people and four self-contained independent living units for another four people.

Member for Kurwongbah Linda Lavarch said the new facility represented an innovative and carefully planned project, designed to give people with a disability dignity and choice.

“The complex is part of a continuum of services being developed by BIAQ, which will offer a range of accommodation and support options that will allow residents and their families to select programs and facilities that best suit their needs,” she said.

“Residents will be encouraged to reduce their dependency on others, thereby increasing their capacity to live in, and be a part of, the community.”

Mrs Lavarch said priority would be given to people with an acquired brain injury, aged 18 to 65, whose complex needs made it difficult for them to access other community disability services.

“The Lawnton facility isn’t just about providing a bed for the night – it involves a series of accommodation and support options providing a holistic and flexible response to the needs of individuals who require support to live in the community,” she said.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280; Linda Lavarch’s Office 3205 6779