- Cook Government awards new contract to MercyCare for women's supported accommodation service
- Service to replace St Bart's Women's Service, which is closing due to redevelopment
- All current residents will have access to safe and suitable accommodation and support services
The Cook Labor Government has today awarded a new contract for a supported accommodation service that will continue vital support for vulnerable women experiencing homelessness.
The contract has been awarded to MercyCare to deliver the new service, following St Bart's decision to close its facility as part of site redevelopment plans.
The State Government is working closely with St Bart's and MercyCare to ensure smooth transition options are available for all current residents.
MercyCare's new service will provide trauma-informed, secure accommodation and services for up to 27 women.
The facility is well located with easy access to public transport and shops and can accommodate all current residents of the existing service.
Each woman currently residing at St Bart's will be supported to have their needs individually assessed to ensure the most appropriate housing and support option is secured ahead of the service transition.
As stated by Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"With St Bart's no longer able to provide the service, we moved quickly to secure a new provider so that every woman currently supported will have access to safe and suitable accommodation.
"I thank St Barts for its ongoing engagement with government in ensuring a smooth transition for the women into new services.
"The Cook Government invests $1.8 million each year to fund this essential service, and we remain deeply committed to supporting women facing homelessness."
