NSW Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Rose Jackson and Janelle Saffin recently toured the Soorley supported temporary accommodation centre in the Tweed, operated by Social Futures. During the visit, the NSW Government announced it will purchase the site, securing its future as social housing. The centre, originally a vacant aged care facility, now supports people over 55 and those with disability to transition out of homelessness with 24/7 care and wrap-around services onsite.
Social Futures last week welcomed Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson, and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin, along with NSW Premier Chris Minns for a tour of the largest supported temporary accommodation centre in the Northern Rivers.
Located in the Tweed Shire and operated by Social Futures, the project demonstrates a commitment to tackling homelessness through partnerships that deliver practical, person-centred solutions.
During the visit it was announced that the NSW Government will purchase the property currently leased by Social Futures.
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies welcomed the government’s commitment, saying “We are encouraged by this announcement and value the opportunity to continue working with government to deliver solutions that offer a long-term pathway out of homelessness.”
“This is the largest single increase in government owned housing in the Tweed that I can recall in my time over the past 20 years.”
Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the government’s earlier support, through the Homelessness Innovation Fund, aided the transformation of a previously vacant aged care facility into supported temporary accommodation with wrap-around services onsite, offering people aged 55+ and those living with disability a pathway out of homelessness.
“We’re already seeing encouraging outcomes at Soorley. Tenants are connecting with our on-site support teams, regaining stability and improved health and wellbeing outcomes, and moving on to permanent housing,” said Mr Davies.
“With 24/7 on-site management, a safe environment and access to dedicated professional support, we’re creating the conditions people need to feel secure and supported as they work toward securing long-term housing solutions.”
Since opening the centre earlier this year, program workers have walked alongside 71 participants, facilitating access to wrap-around supports such as healthcare, employment pathways, NDIS services, and mental health support to help address some of the underlying causes of homelessness.
“In the Northern Rivers, our communities still face enormous housing pressures. This project is a crucial step toward addressing homelessness in a way that is safe, structured, and supportive.”
Social Futures delivers a range of programs proudly funded by the NSW Government to help people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, connect with essential services to find secure housing in the Northern Rivers area.
Contact our Connecting Home, First Response team on 1800 048 310.
If you are experiencing homelessness and need emergency accommodation, please call Link2Home on 1800 152 152 a 24/7 NSW statewide service.
