Breaking ground on 27 new social homes in Toowoomba

Construction has officially commenced for a new community housing project in Newtown, Toowoomba, with a sod turning ceremony on 4 September marking the start of the second project in our ambitious 500 Homes initiative – the largest community housing development program in our organisation’s 131-year history. 

The Newtown development - delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Society’s subsidiary community housing provider, Vinnies Housing - will provide 27 new homes for those most in need in the local community.  

Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, Sam O’Connor, said:  

“Our record $5.6 billion investment in social and community housing is about making sure more Queenslanders have a safe and affordable place to call home.  

“Faith-based community housing providers like the St Vincent de Paul are essential partners in delivering on our commitment of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044. 

“The Newtown development shows what’s possible when government and community work together, and we’re proud to be supporting this project to deliver 27 much-needed homes for the people of the Darling Downs.” 

St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Acting CEO, Joe Duskovic, said the milestone represents more than just the start of construction – it signifies renewed hope for Queenslanders experiencing housing stress or insecurity. 

“There’s an urgent need for more social housing across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. This development is a response to that need and represents a new chapter for individuals and families who need a safe and secure place to call home,” Mr Duskovic said. 

“Housing is the foundation of a stable, dignified life. Through this project and our partnerships, we’re not just building homes — we’re building futures.” 

Mr Duskovic also acknowledged the vital role of community fundraising in making the project possible. 

“This development would not be possible without the incredible support of the broader community,” he said.

“Funding raised from individual donors and participants in the CEO Sleepout has helped bring this vision to life. We are deeply grateful for this continued commitment to ending homelessness.” 

Hutchies Toowoomba team leader, Sean Lees said, “Hutchies are very pleased to be partnering with Vinnies on this development. The need for additional housing, particularly for people on lower incomes, has been very well publicised and we are grateful for the opportunity to support Vinnies Housing and the St Vincent de Paul Society to make a difference.

"Every Australian needs a safe roof over their head and projects like this help get that done, that’s a pretty easy thing to get behind.”   

Further 500 Homes developments are planned in Bundaberg, Mackay and South Toowoomba over coming months as part of St Vincent de Paul Queensland’s long-term strategy to provide housing for vulnerable people across the state.  

The program’s first development – a 60-unit complex for individuals and families, also supported by the Queensland Government – broke ground in Nerang on the Gold Coast in June 2025. 

Projects within our 500 Homes program - like these at Newtown and Nerang - demonstrates what is possible when governments and community organisations work together — delivering sustainable, long-term solutions for Queenslanders in need.