St Vincent de Paul Queensland welcomes new home for Mackay community support services

Mackay residents will now have better access to local support services and community housing with the recent official opening of St Vincent de Paul Queensland's new Mackay Community Support Centre.

The two-storey, multipurpose facility includes six integrated community homes for locals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and will also provide Mackay locals experiencing hardship with access to multiple support services including specialist homelessness, housing and family support.

New resident Shane* said the place was a big ‘step up’ from the homelessness shelter he was previously living in.

“It’s a beautiful place, lots of room, secure and I’m surrounded by good neighbours,” he said.

“I’ve got a place to myself, all my own furniture, all the facilities I ever wanted need. The team here are a good sort – they look after me well.”

The Centre also includes a food pantry and meeting spaces and will be a new home for Members of St Vincent de Paul Queensland in Mackay to continue their work helping people in times of need and connecting them to essential services in the community.

State President Peter Dougherty said the Society supported more than 6,000 Mackay residents in the last 12 months.

“There clearly is a need in Mackay and the new Centre will help us meet that need,” he said.

“The unique part of how we deliver housing is that we don’t just move someone in and leave them alone, we’re there to support them throughout their journey.”

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government, in partnership with participating mineral resources industry parties, the Queensland Resources Council and its members, the new facility has been delivered by St Vincent de Paul Queensland and its subsidiary organisation Vinnies Housing. 

“This project is part of our commitment to Queensland to boost our response to rising cost of living and housing pressures and provide a hand-up to families and individuals in need,” Chief Executive Officer Joe Duskovic said.

“Residents of the six community housing units will also have access to community support to provide a pathway out of homelessness and housing insecurity

“This exciting project will allow us to deliver even more for the Mackay community, continuing our mission to help Queenslanders in need and connect them with critical support services in their region.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the State Government for their support in allowing us to extend our help further for Mackay residents experiencing hardships and help strengthen community connection, wellbeing and resilience.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, who attended the opening, said the Centre would provide practical help for Mackay locals who need it most.

“This new centre will make it easier for people in Mackay to access the support they need, whether they are facing housing insecurity or other hardships," he said.

“It’s vital we build a safe and welcoming community. Supporting regional Queenslanders through difficult times will go a long way towards creating a stronger Mackay,” he said.

“After more than two decades as a police officer, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of protecting our vulnerable and the importance of intervention services to break down barriers to safety and community inclusion.”

The Mackay Community Support Centre is one of several projects underway by the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland to deliver more than 500 supported community homes across the state.

*Last name withheld for privacy.