Rosalie Court opens

St Vincent de Paul Society National President, Mark Gaetani and Minister for Housing and Planning, Felix Ellis

Residents have commenced moving into the 28 brand new units at Rosalie Court Smithton, made possible by a partnership between the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Tasmanian Government and Centacare Evolve Housing, with involvement from Wilson Homes too.

The units were officially opened by Minister for Housing and Planning, Felix Ellis, and St Vincent de Paul Society National President, Mark Gaetani, in late June 2024.

The Society’s State President, Corey McGrath, said the units offered a stable home to those older than fifty-five years.

“Securing affordable housing and reasonable rents in private properties has been difficult for many people and we continue to experience an increase in the number of Tasmanians seeking assistance, including those in need of affordable housing,” he said.

“Rosalie Court is designed to create a sense of community and belonging for the residents.

“Situated within walking distance of the Smithton town centre and close to medical facilities, the development will offer peace of mind to those who choose to live there, remaining close to friends and broader family networks across the Circular Head region.

“Without partnership developments like Rosalie Court, the impact and cost of homelessness and the number of those at risk of homelessness will continue to rise and become a challenge for the whole community.

“While 28 new homes might not seem a lot, they will mean the world to the low-income, over 55s residents who will be calling Rosalie Court their home.

“So many people worked hard to make this project happen for quite a number of years, especially Mark Gaetani when he was our State President at the time,” Mr McGrath said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society committed $2.5m to 20 units in the Rosalie Court housing development. As part of its Community Housing Growth Program, the Tasmanian Government supplied a further amount of around $5m to make the project a reality, with Centacare Evolve Housing contributing to development of eight villas in the village.

Circular Head Council Elected Member, Mark Dabner, attended the opening and blessing, as well as partners from Centacare Evolve Housing, Homes Tasmania and Vincentian Members from Circular Head.

Particular thanks go to Father Chathura Silva for his beautiful blessing ceremony.