June marked a historic moment in St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s 130-year legacy as we officially broke ground on the first of the state’s significant projects to build 500 new homes for Queenslanders in need.

On Thursday 5 June 2025, we hosted a sod-turning ceremony at the Nerang site on the Gold Coast, where 60 social and affordable housing units will soon take shape. 

More than 60 staff, supporters and special guests attended the event, joined by our construction partners GFG Projects and Plus Architecture, who led the site’s design.  

Vinnies Housing Chair, Dennis Innes, opened the proceedings, followed by speeches from The Hon. Samuel O’Connor, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Colin Wheeler, representing the Vinnies CEO Sleepout Ambassadors, and Kevin Mercer, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland CEO. 

‘Starting with 60 units in Nerang, this initiative is about more than providing a roof – it’s about creating safe, affordable homes and offering wrap-around support to help residents build a better future,’ Mr Mercer said of the 500 Homes program.

The Queensland Government is co-funding the 500 Homes project at Nerang, along with developments in Toowoomba (27 units) and Bundaberg (60 units), which will also break ground later this year. Funds raised through the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout have been vital in securing land and capital for these projects.

Once construction is complete, Vinnies Housing will manage the Nerang complex and provide wrap-around support to residents, helping them transition out of homelessness and reconnect with the community.  We look forward to welcoming the first residents in mid-2026.