| Welcome to Better Together Housing Newsletter Thank you for signing up to receive our updates and a big welcome to our new members. Welcome to our March Newsletter A Community-Driven Solution to Housing Stress On Monday, February 24, Better Together Housing, an initiative of Coast2Bay Housing Group, hosted a powerful community forum at Goodlife Community Centre, reinforcing the urgent need for innovative solutions to the housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast. The event attracted over 70 attendees, including older women in need, community organisations, real estate professionals, church leaders, aged care providers and representatives from the offices of federal MP Ted O’Brien and state MP Ted Mickelberg—a clear indication that people are not only interested but desperate for practical solutions to the region’s housing stress. The forum featured insightful presentations from Dr. Lyndall Bryant, PhD, who shared key data on Australia’s underutilised housing stock, Maggie Cairns, Program Lead of Better Together Housing, and PJ Humphreys, Community Development Officer from Sunshine Coast Council, who highlighted the importance of community-led responses to housing stress. A highlight of the event was the launch of a short documentary featuring Nola & Nada, two BTH members who have successfully navigated shared housing. Their heartfelt story demonstrated how this model provides not only financial relief but also companionship, security, and renewed confidence. You can view the video here |
The forum concluded with a Q&A panel featuring all speakers, where the audience engaged in thoughtful discussions about the future of shared housing and the importance of thinking beyond the current limitations of housing shortages and affordability challenges.
The response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming that Better Together Housing is a vital and effective part of the solution. Unlike traditional housing responses that rely on new builds, our program offers an immediate and scalable solution by utilising existing homes more efficiently and economically. By supporting older women to share resources and combat loneliness, we provide not only a more affordable housing option but also a preventative measure—helping women avoid crisis situations while easing pressure on the rental market.
We are hopeful that the Queensland Government, through the Department of Housing, will continue to support this crucial initiative beyond June 2025. The demand for our program is growing, and the success stories emerging from our work prove that shared housing can be a sustainable, empowering, and community-driven response to housing stress.
The event was a resounding success, and we are confident that with continued support, Better Together Housing will keep changing lives, one home at a time.
Brisbane & Chermside Coffee Chats
Leanne, our Better Together Housing worker in Brisbane will be hosting Coffee Chats not just in the West end but also in Chermside! All the dates for the Coffee Chats in Chermside and West End are now on our website so dont forget to register!
Coffee Catch ups are a great way to come and meet Leanne, in a casual environment to see if Better Together Housing might be right for you or someone you know.
Priced out
The third issue of Priced Out examines the incomes of people earning between $40,000 through to $130,000 to see how much of their income they would need to spend to rent a typical unit across regional areas and capital cities.
Check out the full report here
Latest News, Articles and Information
Interesting links to learn more about why Better Together Housing is working hard to grow our services and membership.
| Australians need six-figure income to afford average rental, report finds Australia’s hidden homeless seek shelter outside the system |
Upcoming Get it Togethers and Information Sessions
Check out our upcoming Get it Togethers here
Better Together Housing
info@bettertogetherhousing.com.au
www.bettertogetherhousing.com.au
