Pindari celebrates 42 years of changed lives
Pindari celebrates 42 years of changed lives
28 July 2022
Celebrating the end of an era at Pindari, Brisbane.
Around 60 current and former staff and residents gathered on 14 July to mark the end of an era with the closure of The Salvation Army Pindari facility in Brisbane.
Pindari, meaning ‘rock on the hill’ in the local Indigenous language, opened in 1980 as a purpose-built residence for men and women experiencing homelessness. Approximately 15,000 people needing crisis accommodation were supported during its time in operation.
However, with changing approaches to homelessness services, a decision has been made to close the residence and commit resources to new support programs.
“It is a privilege for us to gather, not just to say goodbye to a significant piece of our history, but to thank God for the lives that were changed in this place,” said Major Gavin Watts, Queensland Divisional Commander, at the thanksgiving ceremony.
Chris Deighton, former Pindari Director of Operations for the Army’s Homelessness Services, noted that the building, in all its forms over the years, had served its purpose well as a place to provide support and programs. “Many people have different trajectories in life because of this place called Pindari,” he said.
The Army recently opened a 26-unit, long-term housing complex in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside. Aaron Pilmott, Queensland State Homelessness Manager, said there were also several social and affordable housing developments in the pipeline across the state, in cities including Toowoomba, Cairns and on the Gold Coast.
One initiative is the Salvos Brisbane City Mobile Support, which has assisted more than 200 individuals in the past 12 months.
“Ninety-three per cent of people engaging with the mobile support program have maintained their tenancy within community,” Aaron said. “We will continue to evolve to improve the health and wellbeing of clients and residents.”
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