Brisbane's Biggest House Warming

A new community housing company – 4walls Ltd– is holding their launch in Kangaroo Point next week to celebrate its creation, bringing together two of the State’s most experienced not-for-profit providers of social and affordable housing.

4walls has become one of the largest community housing organisations in Queensland, after MATCH Housing and Brisbane Boarders agreed to join forces, bringing 30 years of experience to providing housing for a range of individuals and families experiencing housing stress.

4walls has a property portfolio of over 700 units of accommodation, offering assistance to refugees, low-income families, young people and key workers.

The Minister for Communities, Karen Struthers will officiate at the launch being held to celebrate the merger on Thursday, October 22.

4walls CEO, Carolyn Doherty, said the decision to create the new company would ensure limited resources and our combined expertise were being used as efficiently as possible to help the growing numbers of people needing help to find accommodation.

“The national shortage in housing supply and the impact of the Global Financial Crisis is putting real pressure on families and impacting on the availability of all forms of social and affordable housing.

“Low income families and singles who suddenly find themselves without the means to pay for accommodation in the private rental markets can be left with no where to go – that’s where our team of experienced professionals step in to help.

“Renting in Queensland, and in the State’s South East, is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many people. Research from RP Data shows Brisbane’s average weekly rental costs soared by more than 30 percent between 2005 and 2008.

“These increases outstrip the increases in Sydney and Melbourne and it’s the cheaper end of the rental market that’s shown the biggest rent increases.

Our team draws on decades of experience, extensive networks in the private, government and Not For Profit sectors to identify accommodation and provide people with a safe, secure place to live until they can get back on their feet.

We also provide skilled assistance to newly arrived refugees through programs funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Over the past 5 years our programs have helped hundreds of refugees from all over the globe including Burma, Eritrea, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

“In addition to continuing to provide these important projects, in partnership with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities, 4walls will be working to expand the number of homes we provide and extend our geographic reach.

“We’re working to undertake more joint venture partnerships on affordable housing developments.” Carolyn said.

Like to know more about this issue or the formation of 4walls browse our website or call our office on 3891 6100