Roma House

Lady Bowen Complex

In 2005, the Queensland Government committed $30 million over four years to the redevelopment of the historic Lady Bowen Complex, with restoration scheduled for completion in late 2009.

The Lady Bowen Complex was developed in three stages and was carefully designed to ensure the buildings onsite retained their heritage value. Each stage will provide a range of accommodation and support services to assist people in housing need.

  • Stage One was the refurbishment of the original nurses’ quarters into accommodation for 37 clients, the majority of whom have complex needs and experience long term homelessness. Since 22 November 2006, Mission Australia has managed the complex, named ‘Roma House’, with operational funding from the Department of Communities.

  • Stage Two of the Lady Bowen Complex involved the upgrade and conversion of the adjoining building, which has most recently been used in part by the Australian Music Examination Board. Bric Housing has been approved to manage the property under the Community-Managed Housing – Studio Units program. The property will provide 21 studio style units of accommodation, in addition to commercial office space for Queensland Shelter. The Stage 2 complex will be named ‘Diamantina House’.

  • Stage Three comprises 34 studio units over five floors and provides single accommodation for seniors or those of mature age with low incomes. This stage of the project is managed by the Department of Communities (Housing and Homelessness Services) with applicants referred from the department’s housing register. Tenants commenced occupancy in October 2008.

    Stage Three of the Lady Bowen Complex is to be named in honour of Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. It will be known as ‘Quentin Bryce House’ in recognition of Her Excellency’s commitment to the community and as previous Patron of the Lady Bowen Trust.

The Lady Bowen Complex will provide short-term, transitional and longer-term accommodation and associated support services to help people experiencing primary homelessness in and around Brisbane. Specialist services and access to referral for mainstream programs will be available on site to meet the needs of Trust beneficiaries, so they are able to move towards more stable housing arrangements.