Beyond Housing’s Seymour office was officially reopened today, marking an important moment for the organisation and the community it serves.
A year after the 2022 floods forced the office to close, requiring around $90,000 in repairs, the homelessness support and housing team is back in a refurbished space.
Led by CEO Celia Adams, the ceremony highlighted that Beyond Housing is defined not just by its physical premises but by the resilience and dedication of its staff, initially under the leadership of Shaanie Meyer and later under Emily Charles and the ongoing trust of its clients.
When the floods hit last year, staff members were personally affected but continued to support those displaced or rendered homeless. Initially working from home and at the Mitchell Shire’s Flood Crisis and Recovery Centre, they later moved to temporary office spaces until the Seymour location could be repaired.
The renovations have brought significant improvements, including an expanded reception area, specialised rooms for client consultations, and new kitchen facilities. The landlords, Graeme and Meryl Brennan, contributed by replacing the flooring.
The renovation was a collective effort involving various contributors. Design experts from UXD and construction teams from Shearer Constructions played key roles, as did the Australian Defence Force and Mick Bau, in clearing out flood damage to prepare for renovations. Special mention was made of IT support from Matt King and 5G, as well as security measures from Pinkertons.
Beyond Housing’s Project Manager Alanna Maguire oversaw the transformation, ensuring a smooth transition from conception to completion.
As Celia Adams cut the ribbon, she reminded everyone that the spirit of Beyond Housing remains rooted in its people and its purpose to end homelessness.
This reopening serves as a reaffirmation of the organisation’s commitment to serve the community with renewed vigour.
