Work begins on Peninsula Support Hub

Work has begun on the new start-of-the-art Peninsula Support Hub in Redcliffe, which will provide community members better access to critical housing and homelessness support services.

An official sod turning was held at the site on Oxley Avenue this week, which will provide more space and amenities for The Breakfast Club and The Salvation Army to continue their vital work in supporting the community.

Breakfast Club President Michelle Gilchrist and Major Mark Everitt from The Salvation Army were there with their shovels and high-vis gear alongside City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, State Member for Redcliffe and Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath, and Division 6 Councillor Cr Karl Winchester. 

The development is led by a $3.7 million investment from City of Moreton Bay, with a further $3 million contribution from the State Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP).

Inside the building will be a new commercial kitchen complete with cold storage facilities and a large dining room, as well as new offices, bathrooms, showers, laundry, and locker facilities.

Michelle Gilchrist, President of the not-for-profit organisation The Breakfast Club, said she can’t wait to be serving dinner in their hew home.

“We provide over 1,500 meals each month to people experiencing homelessness or who are in need and this new hub will provide better facilities for us to create a safe space for everyone,” Michelle said.

“Our guests have raised concerns around food and housing insecurity, social connection, accessing services, and mental health, so it’s great that this hub will be able to create better access to many beneficial services.”

Volunteers from The Breakfast Club vacated the old Pensioner Hall building in May 2023 and have been operating out of the Clontarf Community Hall for the last year.

Aaron Pimlott, State Manager for Homelessness at The Salvation Army, said he is looking forward to having a physical presence in the new hub.

“As one of the largest homelessness services providers, we have a long history responding and working with people experiencing homelessness, as well as working with those who may be at risk of becoming homeless by providing tenancy sustainment support,” he said.

“Our services will provide individuals and families with a safe space to access support, as well as case management and referrals to specialist services, including housing.”

Above: An artist impression of what the new Peninsula Support Hub will look like. 

Working together to provide better outcomes

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the milestone marks an important moment in council’s ongoing efforts to tackle the homelessness crisis locally.

“Homelessness is a growing issue that’s gripping the nation, and as the third largest council in Australia, City of Moreton Bay is committed to supporting all residents feel connected to our communities and find a place to call home,” Mayor Flannery said.

“We know it’s not the usual remit of local government, but we couldn’t just stand back on this issue – it's just too important.

“This new facility will give hardworking local service providers like The Breakfast Club and The Salvation Army a base to reach more people experiencing homelessness and connect them to the services they need.

“It will also serve as a friendly space where anyone can get a warm meal from the commercial grade kitchen, access the shower and laundry facilities, and share conversation with old and new friends.

“We have worked closely with both tenants to ensure this purpose-built facility will be a central hub to support the critical services they provide to the community.”

With more people experiencing homelessness due to the cost-of-living crisis and housing crisis, Mayor Flannery said the new Peninsula Support Hub is part of Council’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan.

“The number of people experiencing homelessness is growing and so too is the need for council to step in and support solutions at a local level to build safe and resilient communities across the city,” he said.

“That’s why we released our Housing and Homelessness Action Plan late last year to better work with the state and federal governments and community service providers.

“Developing this new hub is just one key initiative we have outlined and are committed to delivering in the plan.”

Division 6 Councillor Karl Winchester said this multi-purpose services centre will go a long way in helping the needy on the Peninsula.

“This great new facility will provide people with the immediate support they need including food, access to bathroom and laundry facilities, and connection to health, wellbeing and housing assistance,” he said.

“Council is proud to be delivering this new home for The Breakfast Club and The Salvation Army who are doing so much for those doing it tough.”

State Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said it was exciting to see the project underway.

"I've been advocating for this hub for many years, and it will benefit the community for many years to come. It will make a real impact for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness on the Peninsula and across the city," Yvette said.

“Supporting our vulnerable community members is critical. Last year our government provided $171 million to 90 homelessness services like Encircle and The Salvation Army to support the important work they deliver in the community.

“The Queensland Government is committed to working with all levels of governments to ensure we are providing the support needed to improve the lives of all Queenslanders.”