A new chapter in the history of the Paddy Coyne Complex in Albany is set to commence.
The Department of Communities has awarded a tender to the Southern Aboriginal Corporation to use the complex for accommodation and tenancy management services for older Aboriginal women.
The Southern Aboriginal Corporation will maximise the cultural and community value of the Paddy Coyne Complex by housing and assisting a critical cohort: older, single Aboriginal women.
Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey said women over 50 comprised the fastest growing group of the homeless population in WA.
The Paddy Coyne Complex has been unoccupied since July 2019. It is made up of eight one-bedroom units and one four-bedroom dwelling.
The accommodation will be drug and alcohol-free. All tenants will be from the Social Housing Joint Wait List.
The Southern Aboriginal Corporation will enter into a lease agreement for a one-year initial term, with subsequent one-year options.
Maintenance of the grounds of the Paddy Coyne Complex will be undertaken through the Southern Aboriginal Corporation’s Ranger Program, which will provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
As stated by Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey:
“The Paddy Coyne Complex has been vacant since mid-2019 and since then numerous models for putting the property to use have been explored.
“Community consultation was undertaken and feedback was emphatic that the properties should be owned by Aboriginal people, tenanted by Aboriginal people and managed by Aboriginal people.
“Through the Expression of Interest process, Southern Aboriginal Corporation demonstrated they could provide a culturally safe service for Aboriginal residents.
“In prioritising older, single Aboriginal women, Southern Aboriginal Corporation is assisting into housing one of the groups most at risk of homelessness.
“It’s a great outcome, and it will be a good partnership in addressing homelessness for vulnerable people in the Great Southern.”
