By Amanda Wright
In a major step forward in the fight against homelessness, the first sod has been turned on a new $5.2 million St Vincent de Paul Society Community Support Centre in Mackay.
The project will bring housing and wraparound services under one roof for some of the region’s most vulnerable people. Six new social housing units — including one accessible ground-floor apartment — will sit alongside a purpose-built centre featuring welfare, youth and housing offices, interview rooms, and a discreet family waiting area.
Ground has broken on a new Community Support Centre and six social housing units in Mackay, the latest milestone in St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s 500 Homes initiative.
At the sod-turning last week, key spokespeople travelled to Mackay to mark the occasion: Joe Duskovic (Acting CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland), Sharon Shearsmith (CEO, Vinnies Housing), Peter Dougherty (President, Rockhampton Diocesan Central Council), and Patricia McMahon (Queensland State President).
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Acting CEO Joe Duskovic said the redevelopment would transform support for those in need.
“This transformative project will deliver a vibrant new space for the community, providing a better experience for people accessing a range of support services, along with providing a much needed modern office space for workers in our housing, homelessness, youth and other programs.”
He added that the design reflects the Society’s integrated approach.
“The integrated housing and support design will provide that holistic wraparound support for the people living here as well as supporting the community.”
The six homes will include two one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, and a wheelchair-accessible ground-floor unit.
Sharon Shearsmith, CEO of Vinnies Housing, said the project would help ease housing pressure in the region.
“Quite often our housing is full or we have low vacancies, so to be able to create a new project that's bringing new stock into the market to help people in need is tremendously exciting.”
Queensland State President Patricia McMahon said the centre’s doors will be open to all.
“The idea is that everyone can get support, because these days there are so many struggling and the homelessness is horrendous.”
Peter Dougherty highlighted the project’s community-led planning.
“We’re very grateful for the input from locals along the way,” he said, noting the design had been revised multiple times to fit local need.
“This kind of integrated service and accommodation model is the first of its kind in Queensland and is set to be completed by the end of 2026.”
The centre will also include a community pantry, youth program office, Home Assist Secure program, meeting rooms with dual exits for safety, an outdoor terrace with BBQ facilities, and vehicle accommodation for a community bus service.
Funded through $5.2 million from the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund — alongside St Vincent de Paul Society’s own contribution — the development will address housing insecurity in a region where property prices have risen 19 per cent in the past year.
Mr Duskovic said the project was only possible through strong partnerships.
“We saw the opportunity to include six homes for people experiencing housing insecurity, as part of the redevelopment. These six homes will help us in our mission to provide more than 500 new homes across the state.
"Combining housing with wrap-around support and services is a practical and effective approach to helping people find a sustainable pathway out of homelessness and housing insecurity.”
“We are enormously grateful for the generosity of our wider community,” he added.
The Mackay development follows new builds in Nerang and Toowoomba, with more projects set to break ground across Queensland in coming months.
L–R: Joe Duskovic (Acting CEO, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland), Peter Dougherty (President, Rockhampton Diocesan Central Council), Patricia McMahon (Queensland State President, St Vincent de Paul Society), Sharon Shearsmith (CEO, Vinnies Housing), and Dennis Innes (Chair, Vinnies Housing and Vice President, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland) at the sod-turning ceremony for Mackay’s new Community Support Centre. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Acting CEO Joe Duskovic addresses guests at the sod-turning ceremony in Mackay. Photo supplied
Work is now underway on Mackay’s new Community Support Centre and six social housing units, due for completion in late 2026
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