Day 1
National  Impact Housing Strategic Alliance Conference  (Gold Coast) 

Arrival and registration 

Welcome and opening remarks 

With housing demand at an all-time high, the Queensland Government is implementing a ground-breaking initiative, Homes for Queenslanders, supported by a $3.1 billion investment.

This ambitious plan sets a target of 1 million homes by 2046, including 53,500 social homes.

This session explores the strategies, partnerships, and innovations driving the expansion of social housing supply in Queensland, including modern construction methods, partnerships with community housing providers, and integration with the broader housing system.

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Session Overview:
This session provides an in-depth look at the key components of the Homes for Queenslanders plan and its role in addressing housing and homelessness challenges.

Attendees will gain insight into the Queensland Government’s collaborative efforts with local governments, the Australian Government, and industry partners to meet these ambitious goals.

The discussion will focus on the integration of planning reforms, private and public housing delivery, infrastructure investment, and innovative building methods to accelerate housing supply and meet diverse housing needs.

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What to expect from this session:
This session offers a comprehensive exploration of the Homes for Queenslanders plan, featuring insights from government representatives, industry leaders, and community housing providers.

Attendees will delve into successful modular construction projects and strategic partnerships driving rapid housing delivery.

The session also highlights key policy reforms and funding mechanisms, such as the Housing Australia Future Fund and the Social Housing Accelerator, that are shaping Queensland's housing landscape.

Through interactive Q&A discussions, participants will explore challenges, opportunities, and innovations in the housing sector, while networking with policymakers, developers, and housing leaders dedicated to increasing social housing supply. It is an essential event for those committed to addressing Queensland's housing crisis through collaboration and strategic innovation.

​This presentation will explore how co-living modular housing is an innovative, scalable solution for providing housing to vulnerable populations, including those in need of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA),

NDIS-supported housing, mental health accommodation, and crisis housing for domestic violence survivors and child protection agencies. We will examine the benefits of using prefabricated and modular construction techniques to quickly address housing shortages, while fostering a sense of community, safety, and dignity for residents.

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Key benefits include the scalability and speed of modular housing, which can be built 50% faster than traditional housing to meet urgent needs.

The flexibility of the design allows for adaptability to different needs such as SDA-compliant spaces, trauma-informed environments, and mental health-friendly housing

Co-living modular units also promote social inclusion through shared spaces while maintaining private, independent living, and cost-effectiveness is achieved by reducing construction time, which allows providers to allocate more resources to support services and tenancy management.

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Furthermore, we will focus on how this model empowers vulnerable populations by providing dignified, secure living spaces, creating pathways to independence through short- and medium-term housing, and fostering community support networks that reduce isolation and help residents transition to more permanent housing solutions.

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Financial models and government incentives for funding these housing projects, such as SDA & NDIS funding, community housing partnerships, crisis and transitional housing funding, and social impact investment funds, will also be explored.

The presentation will include case studies of successful modular co-living projects, such as SDA-approved housing in Melbourne, women’s crisis housing in Sydney, and mental health & respite housing in Queensland.​

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Break 

This session will explore the funding mechanisms that are critical for the development and sustainability of impact-driven housing solutions in Australia. Focusing specifically on the sectors covered in this conference, it will examine funding models that support Specialist Disability Accommodation, Supported Independent Living, crisis and transitional housing, mental health accommodation, and affordable housing for vulnerable populations, including those over 50, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals in child protection systems.

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We will discuss funding mechanisms like the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), which focuses on long-term investment to increase the supply of housing, and the National Housing Accord (NHA), designed to foster collaboration between the government and private sector to address the housing affordability crisis.

These initiatives have specific relevance for housing providers working in high-needs sectors such as SDA and SIL, where funding can directly support the creation of accessible and adaptable housing solutions for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

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Additionally, the session will explore Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator (AHBA) Loans, which help finance large-scale, social housing projects by aggregating capital from investors, and the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF), which funds infrastructure to support new housing developments, including those targeted at vulnerable groups requiring crisis accommodation, mental health housing, and short- to medium-term housing solutions.

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Attendees will learn how to leverage these funding opportunities, including the specific eligibility criteria and application processes, to secure funding for their projects. We will cover the strategic importance of these funding models in the context of high-need populations, such as those requiring SDA, mental health accommodations, and crisis housing, and how they align with government priorities and objectives for social impact housing.

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This session is ideal for SDA Providers, SIL Providers, Community Housing Providers, Investors, Developers, Financial Professionals, and Policymakers who are focused on the urgent housing needs of vulnerable populations. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the funding tools available to them and how to navigate these models to accelerate the development of sustainable housing solutions that benefit both residents and investors.

The Homelessness & Disaster Project, now in its third phase, continues to develop inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies for Queensland communities, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Building on previous phases of participatory research and community engagement, this project explores the importance of collaborative, local-level disaster preparedness and recovery efforts to ensure no one is left behind.

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This session will share the outcomes and insights from the third phase, including the critical role of community-driven disaster planning and response.

The discussion will focus on how the P-CEP Homelessness Outreach Guide can be used to enhance disaster response efforts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local governments, housing providers, and community organizations. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to implement the guide and its modules, learn from case studies, and explore strategies for integrating disaster risk reduction into housing and social services systems.

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This session is ideal for policymakers, housing and social service providers, disaster management professionals, and community advocates who are committed to strengthening disaster resilience and ensuring inclusive, equitable outcomes for people experiencing homelessness in Queensland and beyond.

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Lunch 

This presentation will delve into the essential care models—short-term, long-term, and respite care—and their vital role in shaping impact housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

We will define each model and highlight its specific function within the broader housing ecosystem:

The presentation will emphasize how integrating these care models into impact housing can create flexible, adaptive solutions for individuals with varying needs. It will explore the benefits these models bring, including stability, independence, community integration, and support for caregivers.

Furthermore, we will examine funding opportunities and government support available for these housing solutions, such as:

• SDA and NDIS funding for disability-friendly housing options,

• Crisis housing grants to fund short-term accommodations,

• Government subsidies and housing grants for long-term and respite care,

• Partnerships with community housing organizations to ensure sustainability.

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This session will provide actionable insights into how to leverage these funding mechanisms to create sustainable, supportive housing solutions for vulnerable individuals, with a focus on promoting independence, reducing care burdens, and improving long-term outcomes for residents.

Session Overview:

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This panel will delve into the critical issue of transforming underutilised Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes into impactful, sustainable housing solutions that benefit vulnerable communities, investors, and stakeholders.

Panellists will discuss the challenges and opportunities in repurposing vacant or underutilised SDA properties for broader housing needs, including mental health accommodation, transitional housing, crisis accommodation, and housing for those requiring in-home care.

The conversation will also cover the role of funding models, design strategies, and stakeholder collaboration to maximise the potential of these properties and address housing shortages.

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Key discussion points:

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1. Repurposing Vacant SDA Homes: Challenges and Opportunities

   • What are the common reasons for underutilisation of SDA homes, and how can these be addressed?

   • How can we repurpose vacant SDA homes for crisis, transitional, and mental health housing while still meeting SDA compliance standards?

   • What are the specific barriers to repurposing these homes, and how can stakeholders overcome them?

2. Designing for Flexibility and Adaptability

   • How can we design homes that cater to multiple needs—SDA, mental health accommodations, and transitional housing—while ensuring accessibility and comfort?

   • What role does modular and co-living housing play in transforming underutilised SDA homes into adaptable, sustainable solutions?

   • How do we incorporate trauma-informed and disability-friendly designs to ensure residents feel safe and supported?

3. Funding Models and Financial Opportunities

   • What funding models are available to transform underutilised SDA homes into multi-purpose housing solutions, including government funding, social impact investment, and private sector partnerships?

   • How can investors and housing providers access government-backed funding, such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, National Housing Accord, and Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator Loans?

   • What are the financial incentives for investors to repurpose SDA homes, and how do these compare to traditional residential properties?

4. Community and Stakeholder Collaboration

   • How can SDA providers, SIL providers, mental health professionals, and government agencies collaborate to create a connected, holistic support system for residents?

   • What role do local communities and support services play in ensuring the success of repurposed SDA homes, and how can we foster stronger relationships between housing providers and support agencies?

   • How can we engage investors and developers in projects that balance financial viability with positive social outcomes for vulnerable populations?

5. Sustainable Solutions for Long-Term Impact

   • How can we ensure that repurposed SDA homes are not just short-term fixes but sustainable, long-term solutions for vulnerable populations?

   • What are the best practices for ensuring ongoing support services, tenancy management, and housing maintenance to guarantee long-term success?

   • How can we integrate environmentally sustainable design elements, such as net-zero homes and energy-efficient solutions, into these transformed properties?

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Panellists: 

1. SDA Provider Representative: A key player in the management and delivery of SDA housing, offering insights into the regulatory and compliance considerations when repurposing SDA properties.

2. Community Housing Provider: An expert in managing a variety of housing solutions for vulnerable communities, discussing how to integrate multi-purpose uses into existing SDA properties.

3. Financial Expert: A specialist in housing finance, discussing funding options and financial incentives for transforming underutilised SDA homes, and how these solutions create investment opportunities.

4. Government Representative: A policymaker who can speak to the role of government funding initiatives (e.g., HAFF, NHA, NHIF) and the strategic importance of repurposing underutilised SDA homes in addressing housing shortages.

5. Architect/Designer: A design expert focused on creating flexible, adaptable spaces, sharing best practices for ensuring that repurposed SDA homes are suited for a range of needs, from crisis housing to long-term independent living.

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Audience takeaways:

• A comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in transforming underutilised SDA homes into sustainable housing solutions.

• Practical insights into how to access funding and investment opportunities for repurposing SDA properties.

• Strategies for fostering collaboration between housing providers, support services, and government agencies to create impactful housing models.

• Innovative design ideas for adaptable and accessible housing that can meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

• Real-world examples of successful repurposing projects and the long-term positive impact they have had on both residents and investors.

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This panel session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge, strategies, and resources to unlock the full potential of underutilised SDA homes, creating meaningful solutions for vulnerable communities while delivering financial returns for investors and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Tea Break 

This presentation will examine the pressing need for a cohesive national strategy to address housing challenges faced by Indigenous communities across Australia.

It will explore the historical and systemic issues that have led to inadequate housing, overcrowding, and limited access to essential resources, particularly in remote areas.

Emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and community leadership, the session will propose sustainable solutions that integrate traditional knowledge with modern practices. It will also highlight innovative funding models and collaborative frameworks that can drive equitable resource allocation, economic participation, and deliver long-term, culturally appropriate outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Older women in Queensland and across Australia face unique challenges in accessing affordable, secure, and supportive housing. Many are at greater risk of homelessness due to factors such as lower lifetime earnings, career disruptions, and the impact of domestic violence or health issues.

This session will explore the specific housing and support needs of older women, both in Queensland and nationally, and examine the programs, policies, and initiatives designed to address these challenges.

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Focusing on both government and community-based efforts, the discussion will cover key initiatives such as Queensland’s Homes for Queenslanders plan, the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA), and targeted programs aimed at reducing housing insecurity among older women.

The session will also highlight the importance of integrating support services—such as mental health care, financial assistance, and domestic violence support—into housing models for older women to improve their well-being and long-term stability.

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Attendees will learn about existing and emerging housing models tailored for older women, such as purpose-built senior housing, mixed-age developments, and the role of community housing providers.

The session will also address collaborative efforts between government, the housing sector, and advocacy groups, as well as explore innovative funding models aimed at increasing housing options and support services for older women.

This session is ideal for policymakers, housing providers, service organizations, and anyone committed to advancing equitable housing solutions for older women, ensuring they have the security and support they need to age well and thrive.

Final Panel Session ​​​for the day, Q & A 

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Sit down Dinner