Anglicare and Woollam Construction Partner to Deliver Youth Homelessness Accommodation

L-R we have: (Woollam) Mike Marjanovic – Project Manager, (Anglicare Southern Queensland) Rees Maddren – Insync Youth Service Manager, (Anglicare Southern Queensland) Tammy Lloyd – Chief Operating Officer for Children, Youth and Families, Anglicare Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Sue Cooke, (Woollam) Hayden Ross – Regional Manager, (Woollam) Rudii Lundgren – Site Manager

Anglicare Southern Queensland has appointed Woollam Constructions to deliver its $14 million youth homelessness accommodation service in Beenleigh, which aims to address the housing crisis.

Anglicare Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Sue Cooke, said that the 30-unit accommodation service is designed to support young people aged 16-25, who are either homeless or at significant risk of homelessness.

“I am pleased to announce that Woollam Constructions has been appointed as our construction partner for this important project,” Ms Cooke said.

“Woollam Constructions was selected following a robust tender process and are particularly well regarded for their experience and reputation in delivering projects of this size and nature, throughout Australia.

I am confident that with the partnership of Woollam Constructions this project will be delivered with care and professionalism. I look forward to working together to provide a significant solution to the housing crisis facing young people.”

Woollam Constructions Managing Director Craig Percival said that Woollam is proud to be working alongside Anglicare on this meaningful project that will provide much-needed support and housing for young people.

“With over 140 years of experience building in South East Queensland, we’re committed to creating spaces that do more than just house people—they help them thrive,” Mr Percival said.

“This is more than just construction—it’s about community. We’re honoured to be delivering a space that will give young people the stability and opportunity they deserve.”

Sue Cooke added that the service will include 24 studio apartments and six one-bedroom apartments for couples or small families and will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Construction will commence in April 2025 and expected to be complete in mid-2026, creating several local jobs and an economic boost for the area.

“Sadly, nearly a quarter of Australians experiencing homelessness are aged between 12 and 241. In particular, the South Brisbane-Logan corridor has a significant shortage of immediate need accommodation for young people facing homelessness,” Ms Cooke said.

“The location has been chosen as it’s close to public amenities including shopping centres, business and civic centres, a local sports centre, public green spaces, and has convenient access to public transport.

“In addition to accommodation, residents will also receive a suite of wrap-around support services to help improve life skills and increase independence, while providing the care and connections these young people need, through a case-planned process.

“Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to doing all that we can to help alleviate the housing crisis. We know that with stable housing and the right support network, young people can positively change their life trajectory by securing employment, education, and long-term housing.

“We are one of the largest providers of youth homelessness accommodation services in Southeast Queensland. In the last financial year the organisation provided immediate need accommodation, transitional housing and support services to over 152 young people.

“At Anglicare, we’re here to help those at risk to find a home, but we know we can’t do it alone. We are seeking corporate donors and partners to help realize this important community project and welcome in-kind or financial contributions of any size as part of our annual tax appeal” Ms Cooke said.

Anglicare’s 2025 tax appeal is targeting the ambitious goal of $70,000 in donations by July with all funds raised going directly towards the Beenleigh project.

For more information, visit www.anglicaresq.org.au/fundraising/youth-homeless-accommodation-build/.

To donate through the tax appeal, please visit our giving page here.