“Selling our land to Accessible Homes Australia, a group equally invested in community work, aligns perfectly with our mission. We are thrilled to support this endeavour and look forward to being neighbours,” said Bob Bowden, Vice-Chairman of the Board at New Life Christian Church where he’s been attending services for over eight years.
With three Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) locations on the Gold Coast, AHA moved to expand its inclusive communities, building 12 high-physical support villas at Hervey Bay, Queensland. The land was contracted to be purchased from the New Life Church in June 2022 and finally settled earlier this month after a lengthy planning and approvals phase, with construction now underway on the Urraween Village project.
The sale of church land to AHA is more than just a real estate transaction; it is a symbol of unity and collaboration. Both New Life and AHA envision a future where community support and inclusivity go hand-in-hand.
Established 26 years ago, New Life Christian Church, Hervey Bay, and its 250 parishioners have a long-standing tradition of serving the local community, volunteering their time, providing much-needed relief and assistance to countless individuals and families.
“New Life is heavily involved in community work, feeding homeless individuals in the local area and assisting community members needing support. We hoped we would find someone to purchase our land that held similar values,” said 75-year-old Bowden.
“Meeting the AHA team and learning about their commitment to the disability community’s welfare was wonderful. Perry Cross and Tom Ray, along with their AHA partners Tim Douglas and Jason Doerr, have been a godsend and the sale of the land to AHA allows us to build a new auditorium where we can continue our services and work, which we are all proud of.”
“I’m sure as construction moves forward, excitement and anticipation will grow within the church. We look forward to continuing a close relationship with AHA and their residents, as good neighbours. As the new tenants move in we’ll be there to welcome them over the fence.”
AHA’s new Urraween Village is due for completion in late 2025 and will include state-of-the independent living homes, featuring automatic doors and window blinds, customised accessible kitchen, laundry and bathroom, while the communal areas will consist of a media and residents’ lounge, gym, accessible hydro-therapy swimming pool, BBQ and outside gardens and dining areas. The site location is centrally placed, close to Stocklands Shopping Centre, Hervey Bay hospital and directly adjacent to the wheelchair accessible Mary to Bay Rail Trail.
The village will also include round-the-clock onsite shared support, allowing residents to thrive, connect, and participate in community life.
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Photo Top: AHA directors visiting Hervey Bay. L-R: Tom Ray, Jason Doerr, Perry Cross and Tim Douglas
Photo Right: AHA directors Jason Doerr (3rd from right) and Tim Douglas (far right) discuss development plans with New Life Church’s Bob Bowden (4th from right) and civil contract builders, Grand Civil Constructions.
