Seniors
Seniors housing
Bundaberg Regional Council owns and operates two community housing complexes for seniors at Margaret Olsen Place Units in Bundaberg and the Kolan Centenary Seniors Village in Gin Gin. These properties can be accessed by eligible tenants aged 55 and over.
The complex provides independent living units and operates under provisions of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Act 2008, Council does not provide in-home care to the residents.
Council currently does not have any other form of housing, rental accommodation or crisis housing.
For more information these complexes, please contact Council’s Community Development team on 1300 883 699.
What is community housing?
Community housing is social housing delivered by registered providers, including local governments, churches and other community organisations. These providers deliver social housing assistance under a number of programs including:
- long term community housing and affordable housing
- transitional housing through the Community Rent Scheme, Community Managed Studio Units and Same House Different Landlord programs
Some providers deliver assistance across all these programs while others provide specialised services. For example, long term community housing for older people connected to an aged care facility.
The Department of Communities Housing and Digital Economy requires providers to meet certain standards in delivering housing assistance under the Housing Act 2003 and through funding agreements.
Tenants of registered community housing providers can expect the same level of service from their provider as they would receive from the department in public housing.
Applying for community housing
There is a one social housing system where there is a common application system for all forms of social housing, including public housing and community housing.
The first step in applying for community housing is to contact the Department of Communities Housing and Digital Economy and complete an application.
On completion and approval of this application you will be placed on the housing register. All Bundaberg Regional Council tenants come from this register.
When we have a vacancy the Department provides us with applicants from the housing register that suit the placement requirements of our vacant properties.
About Margaret Olsen Place and Kolan Centenary Seniors Village
The Margaret Olsen Place facility has 48 units and a recreation room for use by the village residents and well maintained gardens in a peaceful setting with easy access to public transport.
The Kolan Centenary Seniors Village has 20 units and a recreation room for use by the village residents as well as maintained gardens, walking distance to the local retail precinct and medical centres.
The independent units are classified as long term community housing, with the Queensland Housing Centre managing the wait list for potential residents.
When a vacancy occurs at the facility, Council notifies the Bundaberg Housing Service Centre. That agency then provides Council with a short-list of applicants with high need for housing accommodation. A new tenant is then selected on the basis of highest need and personal circumstances.
If you are seeking accommodation in a Council Community Housing Facility for seniors, please contact the Bundaberg Housing Service Centre at 16 Quay Street on 07 4331 7900 or the toll free number 1800 809 835. Operating Hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
For more details on the Department of Communities Housing and Digital Economy, housing application forms, eligibility and assistance you can contact 13QGOV (13 74 68), email communityhousing@housing.qld.gov.au or visit the Department of Communities website.
If you have other enquiries regarding either of Council Seniors Housing Complexes, please contact Bundaberg Regional Council on 1300 883 699.