Construction Officially Begins at Kaggarabah

26 July marked the offical start of construction at our redevelopment of the former Joyce Wilding Hostel, now known as Kaggarabah or ‘place of the porcupine or echidna.’

Deicke Richards has been involved with this project, with Queensland’s Department of Communities, Housing & Digital Economy (DCHDE) and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane, since 2016 – so today was an exciting milestone.

Kaggarabah will provide 33 studio, one bedroom and two bedroom units, with a hub integrating a number of support spaces, for First Nations women and children.

We’re proud to be creating housing that is accessible and affordable, connected to community, resilient, sustainable and safe.

Queensland Minister for Communities, Housing, Digital Economy and the Arts Leeanne Enoch: ‘After more than five decades of serving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the old 1960s motel style buildings are making way for new fit-for-purpose homes that when completed will be managed by the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) Brisbane.

This partnership with the Queensland government has seen ATSICHS undertake extensive consultation with the community regarding the unique design and the new name for the facility, Kaggarabah.

Today I had the privilege to share my own family’s connection to this place and turn the sod with Peter Russo MP, the ATSICHS team and builder ADCO Constructions on this unique building project.’

Learn more about this project here.