Maleny housing advocate continues her fight for affordable accommodation
By Sonia Isaacs
Tracy Adams, a longtime housing advocate on the Sunshine Coast, is now facing the very crisis she has worked so hard to address—battling cancer while on the brink of homelessness.
A well-known member of the Maleny community for more than 30 years, Ms Adams is currently undergoing cancer treatment and facing eviction from her rental property, which is in the process of being sold.
Her story sheds light on a broader, deepening crisis affecting older women in Queensland.
“Women like me who have worked part-time, raised children, or been through divorce are particularly vulnerable,” Ms Adams said. “We’re often excluded from social housing due to strict eligibility criteria that require severe disability or complete homelessness.”
Her experience echoes findings from a recent Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute report, Inquiry into Socially Supported Housing Pathways, which warns that Australia’s social housing system is severely overstretched.
The report shows growing waitlists, declining new lettings, and a desperate need to reimagine housing support systems nationwide.
Locally, the situation is no less dire. Maleny Neighbourhood Centre co-ordinator Madonna Hampson said, “Women over 55 continue to be the fastest-growing demographic experiencing homelessness in our region.” She cited domestic violence, relationship breakdowns, and limited superannuation as key factors.
“Currently, there are no new social or community housing developments on the Range to support these women,” Ms Hampson added. “Ensuring access to safe, affordable housing must be a priority, as many are now sleeping in vehicles while continuing to work and volunteer locally.”
Ms Adams is calling for bold, long-term solutions: shared equity housing programs, permanently affordable housing models, inclusive eligibility criteria, and significantly increased social housing funding.
“I’d like to see the government spend less on subsidising real estate investors through negative gearing and tax breaks,” she said. “A fraction of that could create meaningful housing solutions for vulnerable populations.”
With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics expected to put even more pressure on affordable housing, Ms Adams believes urgent action is needed.
“The current approaches fail to address the complex housing needs, particularly of older women,” she said.
Despite her own health struggles, she remains a fierce advocate for change.
“We know the solutions exist. What we need now is political will and public pressure to implement them.”
In the meantime, the Maleny community is stepping up. Locals have organised a Raise the Roof fundraising concert on Friday, June 27 from 6pm to 10pm at the Maleny RSL.
The event will feature live music, meals, snacks, a bar, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $30 or $15 concession at the door.
All proceeds will go toward helping Ms Adams purchase a van to live in while a new home is sought.
www.housingolderwomen.org.au
sonia@gcnews.com.au
