Published Thursday, 19 June, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
SCHWARTEN, SHINE OPEN UPGRADED YWCA WING
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine have today officially re-opened a wing of the Young Women’s Christian Association community housing facility in Mary Street after a $275,000 upgrade funded by the Department of Housing.
Mr Schwarten said the refurbishment of the Betty Willis Wing would help the YWCA Downs and South West Queensland Inc. cater for an increased demand for housing and support services for single people in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
“Record low housing affordability in the private rental market has put increased pressure on both Department of Housing-managed and community housing organisation-managed social housing,” Mr Schwarten said.
“One trend that has been identified is the increase in single people who are needing housing assistance.
“In this regard, the service offered by the YWCA is an important one as it not only offers a roof over the head, but also support services like counselling to help them improve their situation.”
Mr Shine said he had worked closely with the YWCA, which had actively lobbied the Government for funding, and was thrilled to witness the culmination of the group’s hard work on what will be a valuable asset for the Toowoomba community.
“The two-storey, 14-bedroom Betty Willis Wing was originally opened in 1991 by the late Tom Burns and named in honour of Betty Willis OAM for her outstanding service with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Toowoomba since 1967,” Mr Shine said.
“The YWCA has a long history of assisting people experiencing difficulty with finding suitable housing.
“Betty Willis’s fundraising and community services improved the lives of thousands of individuals in Toowoomba and beyond.
“I am delighted that her legacy, as well as the great service offered by the YWCA, will continue with the refurbishment of this facility.”
Mr Schwarten said the YWCA had also received $55,000 in funding to employ a project manager to undertake a feasibility study of the remaining three allotments on the Mary Street site to determine the best use of the property.
“The Mary Street site also consists of the Wadley, a nine-bedroom communal building, and Hoffman, a two-storey 17-bedroom communal block, wings as well as a 1921 heritage-list building which is used as an office,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The feasibility study, which is due for completion in July, will look at what options are available to ensure this site is being used to its full potential.
“Once the study is complete the Department of Housing and YWCA will examine the finding and look at what funding is available.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said the refurbishment of the Betty Willis Wing would help the YWCA Downs and South West Queensland Inc. cater for an increased demand for housing and support services for single people in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
“Record low housing affordability in the private rental market has put increased pressure on both Department of Housing-managed and community housing organisation-managed social housing,” Mr Schwarten said.
“One trend that has been identified is the increase in single people who are needing housing assistance.
“In this regard, the service offered by the YWCA is an important one as it not only offers a roof over the head, but also support services like counselling to help them improve their situation.”
Mr Shine said he had worked closely with the YWCA, which had actively lobbied the Government for funding, and was thrilled to witness the culmination of the group’s hard work on what will be a valuable asset for the Toowoomba community.
“The two-storey, 14-bedroom Betty Willis Wing was originally opened in 1991 by the late Tom Burns and named in honour of Betty Willis OAM for her outstanding service with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Toowoomba since 1967,” Mr Shine said.
“The YWCA has a long history of assisting people experiencing difficulty with finding suitable housing.
“Betty Willis’s fundraising and community services improved the lives of thousands of individuals in Toowoomba and beyond.
“I am delighted that her legacy, as well as the great service offered by the YWCA, will continue with the refurbishment of this facility.”
Mr Schwarten said the YWCA had also received $55,000 in funding to employ a project manager to undertake a feasibility study of the remaining three allotments on the Mary Street site to determine the best use of the property.
“The Mary Street site also consists of the Wadley, a nine-bedroom communal building, and Hoffman, a two-storey 17-bedroom communal block, wings as well as a 1921 heritage-list building which is used as an office,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The feasibility study, which is due for completion in July, will look at what options are available to ensure this site is being used to its full potential.
“Once the study is complete the Department of Housing and YWCA will examine the finding and look at what funding is available.”
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832