When Bishop Sonia became a priest, Windale was home to her first parish. So, it was quite befitting that she returned last Friday to welcome government ministers, Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, housing groups and media to the official opening of Tingira House.
Once an Anglican Care residential aged care facility, the Mount Hutton site was vacated in 2022.
It has since been transformed into accommodation for women over 55 experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic and family violence.
The 20-studio unit outfit consists of a communal lounge area, kitchen, laundry and gardens.
It is the result of collaborative efforts between Anglican Care, Pacific Link Housing, Women’s Community Shelters, and Homes NSW.
All the spaces within Tingira House have been beautifully decked out in soft, welcoming furnishings thanks to a partnership with Temple and Webster.
Financial support means all ongoing maintenance will also be taken care of.
“There are a lot of pieces to this puzzle, a lot of groups to be thanked,” Bishop Sonia said at the opening.
“It’s great to see refreshed – it looks amazing – and reopened and being used for a similar purpose – to provide a home for people who are looking for somewhere to stay, and a place that will be a community where people can feel cared for and supported.”
Bishop Sonia continued by saying she hoped the women within the home would support one another through their experiences.
“I hope they’ll have a lot of fun, while they’re sharing with each other the ups and downs of life.”
One of the following guest speakers at the opening event was NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.
Ironically, Minister Harrison mentioned she, too, had a connection to the address. Her grandparents were once residents at the former Anglican Care facility.
The Minister, Mayor Adam, and following group spokespeople were all united by a desire to provide a safe space for women facing homelessness
Anglican Care President Bishop Peter Stuart said Tingira House would help support one of the most vulnerable groups in our community.
“Through our services we see many people in our community who are doing it tough,” he said.
“For the most vulnerable, finding affordable, safe and stable accommodation is simply out of reach.
“Anglican Care seeks to create meaningful, positive change in the community.
“We believe the facility’s exciting transformation will achieve this by providing a support network and safe space for this often-overlooked group.”
NB. Tingira House was reopened on May 16 as Lakeside Haven before the current name change was introduced on May 27.
NB. Media coverage of the opening of the site incorrectly referred to the site as being owned by Anglicare rather than Anglican Care.
