Fromelles Manor, an ex RSL retirement complex has been bought by Social Futures, and with funds from the State Government, will be turned into a resource for homeless people.

30 beds will be made available that will go some way to helping approximately half of the suspected number of people sleeping rough in Lismore, currently. Grants are opening up for services that can support the homeless.

The state government has provided $768,862 towards the project as part of its $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund being rolled out across NSW.

The manor is located in the streets behind Lismore Square - towards the medical precinct. The manor was built and dedicated in 2012, however the 2022 floods inundated the lower level and all residents were relocated. It has sat empty ever since.  

Barrie Lawder from Social Futures, State MP Janelle Saffin, and Minister for Homelessness, Housing, Mental Health and the North Coast, Rose Jackson were at the manor to announce the plan and see the property first hand.

Social Futures CEO, Tony Davies welcomes the news of a grant to help turn the old building into a functional resource once more to support the highest rate of homelessness in NSW outside of Sydney.

“The Homeless Innovation Fund grant will enable us to deliver a unique support services hub model in the heart of Lismore’s proposed Health Precinct.

“It will meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable and offer wrap around support to benefit health and wellbeing.”

Barrie Lawder expanded on the concept, “The accommodation can be provided while we help people get what they need to re-establish their lives.

“There is space for services, such as Centrelink, housing and drug and alcohol support to address each person's needs to help them get back steadily on their feet.”

The accommodation is for temporary use, prior going into transition or social housing. The length of stay is dependant on the needs of the person.

Barrie also mentions the potential for a cafe, which can help people’s work skills and subsequent chances of finding work.

This approach is a new way to assist people holistically. Its focus is on early and comprehensive intervention to minimise a person's experience of homelessness.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is pleased with the plans, “This project is a vital step forward in addressing homelessness in Lismore. Transforming a disused facility into a safe and secure place for individuals and families shows what can be achieved when the government, community organisations and local leaders work together.

“The government is demonstrating its commitment to finding long-term, innovative solutions to homelessness that focus on dignity, stability and hope for the future.”

In the new facility, families can have adjoining rooms where a lockable access door can provide flexibility for the needs of the people using the facilities. A secure wing will provide separate accommodation for women.

The upstairs area, flood free, will be used for the accommodation. The area has flood evacuation plans in place in the event they are needed. The new plans for the property are being drawn up, and the aim is to have it up and functioning by mid-2025.

A one-off grant for organisations will be available to accredited homelessness services and registered Community Housing Providers or Aboriginal Community Housing Providers, including those applying for accreditation.

The aim is to improve outcomes for people facing homelessness with the aim of reducing demand for temporary accommodation and supporting people to find and keep some security and stability in their lives.

Minister Jackson is satisfied at this start - to offer Lismore's homeless a place to rebuild lives after some incredibly challenging times.

“We’re delivering on our promise to harness the expertise of non-government partners, frontline workers and those with lived experience to fund innovative ideas and services that set us on the path toward needing homelessness in this state.”

The NSW Government has offered the funding as part of its $6.6 Billion Building Homes for NSW Package announced in the 2024-25 budget. It is the largest-ever investment in public housing and homelessness by any NSW Government.

“We’ve been clear: relying on costly hotels and motels is not the solution. We need person-centred approaches that provide high-quality, tailored support and help people move towards stable, long-term housing.

“Following our significant investment, we are firmly focused on delivery. Applications remain open, and we strongly encourage organisations to put forward bold and innovative ideas to help transform the way we address homelessness.”

Follow these links for more information on grants available:

Reforming Temporary Accommodation Grant HIF

Service Reform and Innovation Grant HIF