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🇦🇺 Australia /Energy & Infrastructure

Vacant Sydney mansion becomes vital transitional housing for women

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A vacant 18-bedroom mansion in Sydney was transformed into transitional housing for women over 50 escaping homelessness and domestic violence.
  • The "meanwhile use" project housed 57 women between 2020 and when the land was returned to its owner for redevelopment.
  • The model, pioneered by Women's Community Shelters, is being replicated in other vacant properties across Sydney.

An 18-bedroom heritage mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour, once part of the Mosman Private Hospital, found a new purpose as a safe haven for vulnerable women. For several years, Mosman House served as transitional housing for women over 50 who were experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence. The initiative, a form of "meanwhile use," utilized the vacant property while its owner, Twilight Aged Care, awaited planning approvals for redevelopment.

It just helped me so much to have that safe place to sit back and just try to work out what the hell had happened to me.

— JulieA resident describes the impact of the transitional housing.

During its operation from 2020, Mosman House provided shelter and support to 57 women. Julie, one of the residents whose last name was withheld for privacy, described the house as a crucial "safe place" that helped her navigate a difficult period after losing her son, sustaining a career-ending injury, and her partner returning to the UK during the pandemic. She credited the transitional home with providing the stability needed to "get back on her feet."

The successful model was spearheaded by Women's Community Shelters in partnership with social housing provider Link Wentworth. CEO Niamh Mannion of Twilight Aged Care noted the necessity of a plan for the vacant building, stating, "We were left with a building that was no longer fit for purpose, vacant, and we needed a plan." This collaboration ensured the property served a vital community need before its original development plans proceeded.

We were left with a building that was no longer fit for purpose, vacant, and we needed a plan.

— Niamh MannionCEO of Twilight Aged Care, on the decision to use the property for transitional housing.

Annabelle Daniel, CEO of Women's Community Shelters, has been actively promoting this "meanwhile use" approach. The charity previously tested the concept at Beecroft House, which continues to house women over 55. This success allowed them to prove the model's viability and scale it to other locations. The organization now manages four similar properties in Sydney, offering residents access to essential services like medical care, counseling, and assistance in securing permanent housing, addressing the rising demand for social housing for older women.

That enabled us to prove the model, bring it to life, and then replicate it and scale it.

— Annabelle DanielCEO of Women's Community Shelters, discussing the success of the 'meanwhile use' model.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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