Vacant, unused aged care home converted into housing for older women in the Hunter

A long-vacant aged care facility in Mount Hutton is now home to women over 55 experiencing homelessness, thanks to a groundbreaking project supported by the Minns Labor Government.

The former Anglicare site — sitting unused for years — has been converted into Lakeside Haven: 20 fully refurbished studio units offering safe, supported accommodation. Over the next five years, it’s expected to provide housing for up to 100 women in the Hunter.

The project is being delivered by Pacific Link Housing and Women’s Community Shelters, with more than $550,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund —helping to cover the costs to run the project, including fit-out and refurbishment, operating costs, and support staff.

Designed for women over 55, the property provides access to communal lounges, kitchens, laundry facilities, and gardens, and aims to help up to 100 women over its five-year lease term.

This is the first “meanwhile use” housing project in Lake Macquarie, part of a broader push by the NSW Labor Government to make better use of empty buildings and get people housed faster.

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, which will build over 30,000 new and upgraded homes across the state – the largest investment ever in housing for NSW.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

"Housing is a major concern for people in the Hunter – no one should have to worry about whether they’ll have a roof over their head.

"This new facility will provide women with the safety and stability of a home, surrounded by a supportive community of other women.

"I'm proud to be part of this announcement as we enhance the Hunter's reputation as one of the best places in Australia to live, work and thrive."

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is exactly what we should be doing — taking empty buildings and turning them into homes for people who desperately need them.”

“This aged care home sat unused for years. Now it’s a lifeline for women who would otherwise be sleeping rough or stuck in motel rooms.”

Minister for Women and Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“This Homelessness Innovation Fund project represents a significant step forward in our collective commitment to supporting vulnerable women in our community, particularly those facing the harsh realities of homelessness and domestic and family violence.

“Lakeside Haven is a great example of what’s possible when the New South Wales Government partners with incredible organisations such as Pacific Link Housing, Women’s Community Shelters and Anglicare, all of whom bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and compassion to the table.

“It’s through this ongoing collaboration that Lakeside Haven has become a reality and a place to restore hope, dignity, and security to women in need.”

Pacific Link Housing Group CEO Ian Lynch said:

“Lakeside Haven represents a significant step towards our mission of providing safe, secure and affordable housing for those in need.

“This collaborative project demonstrates our commitment to not just address immediate housing crises but to also create sustainable housing outcomes.

“Thanks to the support from the Homelessness Innovation Fund and our work with Women’s Community Shelters and Anglican Care, Lakeside Haven is turning a temporary solution into long-term stability for older women facing homelessness.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO Women’s Community Shelters said:

“Women's Community Shelters is proud to be standing beside cherished partners in opening a new safe haven for older women at risk of homelessness, and to be working with the Lake Macquarie community for the first time. At ‘Lakeside Haven’, women will access safety, housing and critical supports they need for a secure future.

“Our long-established model of revitalising vacant properties and turning them into safe and supported housing brings together the best of collaboration between the NSW Government, community housing providers, Women's Community Shelters, corporate partners and the local community.

“We thank the NSW Government for embracing our ‘meanwhile use’ housing model as a pragmatic and immediate response to NSW’s housing crisis, and we look forward to opening more of these life-changing homes for women, where they can thrive with the respect and care they deserve.