Could the Shire’s only queer and trans support service, Queer Family Inc, have finally found a long-term home?
The organisation plays a vital role in supporting local members of the LGTBQIA+ community in and around the Byron Shire, and is the only organisation of its kind in the Northern Rivers that works with people under 18.
But ever since it lost its home in the 2022 floods the service has been on shaky ground, bouncing from one high-priced, unsuitable space to another.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for the service at last week’s Council meeting.
Potential homes
Council agreed late last year to investigate potential Council-owned sites that could be used by Queer Family and other community service organisations.
Council has come up with two potential sites, including one – the former Sewage Treatment Plant site on Casuarina Street, Mullumbimby – that the managing director of the service says would perfectly fit the bill.
‘Casuarina Street is incredibly exciting,’ Aiden Gentle told last week’s Council meeting.
‘Yes, it’s fully-fenced and quite tucked away, but is still well connected to town,’ Aiden said.
‘It offers exactly the type of security and privacy we need to protect our vulnerable community.’
‘It would provide us with a true foundation for a thriving purpose-built community hub for us: room for kids, dogs, and long-term growth.’
Aiden said that, with the help of Council staff, the service had also met with NSW Reconstruction Authority which had offered them a buy-back home that could be relocated to Casuarina Street.
This would provide the service with both indoor office and group space.
Will Council come on board?
But Council, it seems, were less enthusiastic about the idea.
In a report tabled at last week’s meeting, Council staff said that their investigation had identified ‘very limited options for further investigation due to various constraints’.
The constraints in relation to the Casuarina Street site included the fact that parts of the land were either flood- or bushfire-prone while others contained high environmental value vegetation and acid sulphate soils.
They recommended that Council continue to work with Queer Family Inc to explore the potential for co-location with an existing service, and continue to advocate for opportunities with other government and non-government agencies.
But Aiden said time was of the essence, with Queer Family running out of funds to continue renting.
Reduced programs
‘Timing, now, is absolutely critical,’ they said.
‘Since first approaching Council over three years ago we’ve spent nearly $70,000 on rent.’
‘Right now we’re paying $700 a week for space that doesn’t even meet our needs. We have no core funding for rent or staff, and we’re forced to leave our current home by the end of the year.
‘We’ve already shut our doors to the public, paused programs and reduced staff. Without a stable, long-term home we are on the brink of shutting down entirely.
‘We know that LGTBQIA+ people have the worst suicide stats in the country. Queer Family is a vital frontline protective factor. We offer connection, safety, culture and community.
It’s critical that Council supports us on this. We’re not asking for charity we’re asking for a chance to survive so our community can thrive.’
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