Department of Housing and Public Works

The Mossman Courthouse has been successfully restored by QBuild! Originally set to feature an upgraded courtroom dock, the project faced an unexpected challenge when the court was hit by 150mm of floodwater from Cyclone Jasper in December 2023. Our dedicated teams rose to the occasion, working to strip out the floors, furnishings, joinery, and wall linings before resuming construction of the new dock. QBuild also delivered a state-of-the-art audiovisual upgrade and a brand-new layout. “These works required an excellent effort in communication and coordination across QBuild Business Units,” says Project Manager Lee. “Well done, everybody!” Kudos to our QBuild teams—the new court is an important building for the Mossman community, and it wouldn’t have happened without your resilience and hard work.

Synara is driving positive changes at Mount Isa’s Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre (JTHC). Kalkadoon woman Synara is deeply connected to local traditions, stories and the culture of her community. She has been recognised for carrying forward the wisdom of her ancestors while honouring the shared heritage within the region. In the Housing Service Delivery team, Synara is implementing holistic programs designed for residents to strengthen their connection to country and culture, while also improving their health and wellbeing. Synara is also a mentor to trainees Gemma and Sharnelle. Thanks to her leadership and dedication, the next generation of JTHC staff looks highly promising. International Mentoring Day celebrates mentors like Synara, who ensure our department delivers high-quality services all over Queensland!

For many QBuild staff, building homes for people in need is more than just a job—it's a passion. That's certainly true for Scott, a dedicated condition assessor in our Far North Queensland team. Recently, Scott took his passion for helping others all the way to Cambodia. Through Volunteer Building Cambodia, he helped build a house for a local family in need. Prior to the new home build, the family was living in very basic accommodation built out of palm leaves about 45 minutes outside Siem Reap, Cambodia’s capital. As part of a small team of seven volunteers, Scott worked with locals to build the kit home comprised of steel frames and villa board weatherboards. A small solar panel was also added to power lights and a ceiling fan. "It was a really rewarding experience—the Cambodian people are the nicest I’ve ever met, and I couldn't be happier knowing that what we were able to build will make a difference," Scott says. He’s already planning to go back and do it all again next year! "To see the joy in the faces of the family that we built the house for was special. The whole experience gave me some perspective. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever considered doing some volunteering." Stories like this are a testament to the heart and dedication of our people—and their drive to make a positive impact. Thank you, Scott, for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of others and for embodying the spirit of service. You are making a real difference!

We teamed up with YWCA Australia to purchase 30 new social homes across Townsville and the Darling Downs region! These purchases have provided a total of 22 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom and 2 one-bedroom homes. With a focus on older women and families, this safe, affordable, and long-term accommodation will welcome eligible Queenslanders on the social housing register. Through our QuickStarts Queensland program, we invested in a range of properties that matched local needs, including apartments, duplexes and detached houses. Our partnerships with community organisations like YWCA Australia are paving the way for improved housing supply in local communities. 📷 3-bedroom home in Deeragun, Townsville and a set of 2-bedroom unit complexes in Drayton, Darling Downs.

We’ve launched the department’s First Nations Employee Network Group! Group members will: ✅ Be part of a culturally supportive network to share knowledge, experiences, and provide mutual support ✅ Access mentoring, career development workshops and leadership programs tailored for First Nations employees ✅ Celebrate First Nations cultures and actively participate in cultural exchange within our department ✅ Join a collective voice in departmental discussions and ensure our policies and practices are culturally aligned and respectful ✅ Connect with other like-minded professionals who share similar backgrounds and values One of the members, Hailey, praised the group when she spoke at the first information session. “Joining an Employee Network Group (ENG) was a turning point for me. When I was new to the government, feeling overwhelmed and isolated, I found a sense of community and connection I didn’t know existed,” she said. “ENGs amplify diverse voices, raising awareness of barriers that exist for us and offering solutions to improve our workplace for everyone. My experience with ENGs has shown me how powerful and important they can be, especially when we, as mob, come together.” The first meeting for the First Nations Employee Network Group will be held in February 2025. For more information, reach out to our Strategy and Capability team at StrategyandCapability@housing.qld.gov.au

Domestic and family violence—it's never okay. Not now, not ever. This time of year can see a spike in people needing to access domestic and family violence support services. Everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe, and there is no place for control in healthy relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please know that help is available—online, over the phone, or in person. You can find support options at www.qld.gov.au/dfvsupport. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for the Police. Together, we can make a difference and build a safer Queensland.

As we kick off the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on how much our teams accomplished in 2024: 🏠 1,283 social and affordable homes delivered—703 of those were in partnership with community housing providers (as of 30 November 2024). 👨👩👧👦 73,109 households supported with social housing, including 3,867 new households (as of 30 September 2024). 🤝 132,000+ people helped through our Housing Service Centres (as of 30 September 2024). 🤝 59,881 households supported with private rental products (as of 30 September 2024). 🚚 1,517 individuals experiencing homelessness were assisted by our critical response teams (as of 13 December 2024). 💸 The $160 million Renters’ Relief Package was launched to provide cost-of-living support. 🔼 20% funding increase for frontline homelessness services. 🤲 Co-designed and released “Partnering for inclusive housing with Queenslanders with disability 2024-2027” 📜 Launched “Our Place”—an 8-year strategy and 4-year action plan to close the housing gap for First Nations peoples in Queensland. 🔗 Linked 102 agencies with 40,000 suppliers through the Queensland Procurement Solution online portal 🏗️ Commenced construction for 239+ homes through the Modern Methods of Construction program. 🔧 Commenced upgrades for 9 QBuild depots. 👷 Delivered 208 homes under the Government Employee Housing Program. Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve these outstanding results! Here’s to another year of creating meaningful changes that benefit Queenslanders in need.

Social housing construction, architectural award wins and nominations, QBuild recruitment, staff milestones … it’s been a big year for our department! Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve our goals to support Queenslanders in housing need throughout 2024. Our Housing Service Centres will be closed from 4.30pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024. They will reopen at 8.30am on Thursday, 2 January 2025. If you or someone you know needs housing help during this time, the free Homeless Hotline remains open 24/7. You can call 1800 474 753. For help finding temporary accommodation after a disaster or other emergency housing concerns, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). The QBuild after-hours and emergency crews will also be on call and can be reached via the same 13 QGOV number for any urgent maintenance or disaster recovery works on government-owned and leased buildings. We’ll be back on Thursday, 2 January 2025. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season with your loved ones.

Teamwork makes the dream work 🤝 When Melissa, a single mum, found herself alone and without support in an isolated location, the Emerald and Maryborough Housing Service Centres teamed up to unite her family in a new home. After moving to Blackall from Hervey Bay to escape homelessness, Melissa’s two children were unable to join her due to the unsafe conditions in her rental home. Emerald Senior Housing Officer Tessa stepped in with Maryborough RentConnect Officer Karen to organise much-needed support for Melissa. Tessa and Karen worked together to help Melissa obtain a Helping Hands Headlease and additional financial assistance. The result: Melissa was able to reunite with her children in a new home in Hervey Bay. Thank you, Tessa and Karen, for making a positive difference for Melissa and her family! This collaboration is just one of the ways our department is working to provide safer housing pathways for Queenslanders across the state. 📷 Tessa (pictured left), and Karen (pictured right).

A cutting-edge medical facility set in the oldest tropical rainforest in the world? It’s a unique experience for our QBuild team working in Far North Queensland’s Cow Bay. Here’s a look at the site progress: Structural milestones: Pathway, retaining wall, and covered walkway framework are complete. Timber frames are nearly finished, with masonry blockwork wrapped up and truss beam support ongoing. Next-level finishes: Aluminium glazing and roller door measurements are done, and production is underway. Critical infrastructure: Concrete pours continue for car parks, footpaths, and surrounding areas. Hydraulic and electrical rough-ins are in progress, and the bore water treatment system will soon follow suit once the final design is approved. This modern facility is an upgrade from Cow Bay’s current timber clinic and will include a helicopter landing pad to enhance emergency care. Built to withstand rainforest conditions, it will ensure the safety and comfort of both staff and patients in this tropical environment.