Work has commenced on converting a vacant aged care facility in Sydney’s southwest into urgently needed transitional housing for older women at risk of homelessness, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the ‘meanwhile use’ housing model in New South Wales.
By October 2025, the Whiddon property will provide safe and supported accommodation for 28 women, contributing to a total of 100 crisis and transitional beds available each night for older women through Women’s Community Shelters.
The project is co-funded by $446,450 from the NSW Government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund and was fast-tracked under a recent planning law change that allows ‘meanwhile use’ of vacant properties without requiring a development application. The conversion was made possible through a collaboration involving Whiddon, Housing All Australians (HAA), Urban Property Group, and Hume Housing.
Annabelle Daniel OAM, CEO of Women’s Community Shelters, described the initiative as a powerful response to a crisis disproportionately affecting older women. “We create safe havens where women can rebuild their lives. This project shows what’s possible when government and community work together with purpose,” she said.
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said the initiative reflects the aged care provider’s broader commitment to social impact. “As well as transitional housing, this project opens pathways to employment and training, aligning with our Collaborative Health model.”
‘Meanwhile use’ is a pragmatic housing solution that repurposes idle buildings into transitional accommodation for up to 24 months, helping women stabilise while they seek long-term housing. This Glenfield site marks the fifth ‘meanwhile use’ property delivered by Women’s Community Shelters, and the first involving Hume Housing, Whiddon, and HAA.
NSW Ministers Rose Jackson, Paul Scully, and Jodie Harrison have endorsed the initiative, citing it as an example of responsive policy and community action.
