Endeavour Foundation has spent up big on accessible housing in Bundaberg as part of the My Home, My Life initiative.
The foundation has built four brand-new fully-accessible houses at a cost of $2,060,000, giving twelve Bundaberg locals a safe, secure, and affordable housing option.
Rodney “Ross” Eastment is over the moon about his new home for lots of reasons, but there’s one reason that stands out: he now has a private patio all of his own.
Ross is one of 12 people with disability set to benefit from the first four Bundaberg homes constructed under the biggest initiative in Endeavour Foundation’s 70-year history to build fully accessible homes where they’re needed most.
“There is a significant shortage of accessible housing in Australia,” Endeavour Foundation’s interim CEO David Blower said.
“I’m proud to announce that, when we have completed the My Home, My Life initiative in Bundaberg, every single one of our homes here in Bundaberg will have been renovated, replaced or refreshed, meaning nobody will miss out. Our total investment in Bundaberg will exceed $3.5m,” Mr Blower said.
“Many adults with disability are still living with aging parents – who have played an important role as carers, but are now increasingly in need of support at home themselves.
“We believe people with disability have the same right as everyone else to live in a suitable, affordable and secure home. That’s why Endeavour Foundation has expanded our My Home, My Life initiative, investing additional money and time in the program.
“It’s so hard to find an affordable rental at the moment. Just imagine trying to do that if you’re on the disability support pension and need a home with accessible features.
“That’s why Endeavour Foundation is putting our money where our mouth is and spending $45m over four years on accessible housing throughout Queensland.
“We want to give Queenslanders with disability the choice to live more independently in a home that meets their needs now and into the future.
David Blower said the good news for Bundaberg didn’t stop there.
“We’ve always enjoyed tremendous support from the Bundaberg community, including recently with our Mother’s Day flower harvest,” Mr Blower said.
“We’re pleased to be giving back by building new homes and engaging local builders Bundaberg Construction, and Bundy-based design company Gatley Building Design, which
won the contract to design all of our homes across Queensland.
“We know that community inclusion is key so we've focused on developing homes that are centrally located; close to shops, transport, and services.
“Our homes meet the Platinum Level of the Livable Housing Australia guidelines and are built above and beyond what is required by NDIS legislation.
“They include modern safety features such as help buttons in each bedroom, bathroom and living space, extra-wide corridors to accommodate wheelchairs if needed, and
smart home ducted air-conditioning systems with individual room control.”
A keen and prolific artist, Ross Eastment said he was looking forward to having more space of his own, including a private patio.
“I’ve been wanting a patio for a long time now to do artwork and make things on,” Mr Eastment said.
“A good house, is a safe one and not boring!”
Your support helps Endeavour Foundation build much-needed accessible homes for Queenslanders with disability.
Head to the website or call 1800 112 112 for more information.
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