The presbytery was given a second life in late-2023 when Hunter Community Housing (HCH), St Benedict’s Inner Newcastle Parish and Muru Pathways came together to provide much-needed accommodation for people with a disability.

Talented graphic artist, Justin, was the inaugural tenant of the presbytery following completion of his animation studies at the nearby TAFE.

He said the share house environment has enabled him to focus on things that are important to him while giving him the tools to gain vital life experience.

“I’m enjoying the independence and learning routines like cooking and cleaning. I just like relaxing and doing my drawings and art,” Justin said.

Justin and his housemates can call this unique place home thanks to Muru’s vision to provide self-directed supports for people with a disability, enabling them to live independently and autonomously.

The accommodation became available last year when St Benedict’s Parish recognised that its vacant presbytery could be repurposed. The historic building comprises eight bedrooms across two levels and sits next to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Newcastle City Pastoral Region Moderator, Father John Lovell reached out to HCH, a registered community housing provider which was established by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, who explored potential uses for the property.

An experienced provider of tenancy management solutions, HCH assisted Fr John with all the steps needed to get the property ready for advertising to lease to a potential tenant.

“HCH provided all the required information such as a lease agreement, regulations, safety considerations and contacts for trades,” Fr John said.

Travis Borg is a qualified social worker and established Muru Pathways in 2015 after identifying a gap in the market for accommodation for people wanting to live independently but who still required a level of support.

He came across the advertisement for the presbytery lease and could see it had potential to become a great place for Muru’s NDIS participants to call home.

He contacted HCH about his vision to utilise the property as an Individualised Living Option for people with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities requiring a low level of support.

HCH played a pivotal role in liaising between Muru as the prospective tenant, and the Parish as the property owner, to bring a shared vision to fruition. Following the signing of the lease agreement, Muru took possession of the keys late last year, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

To suit the needs of the new tenants, some minor modifications were needed.

These included the installation of a second kitchen and a bathroom refresh, transforming the property into a welcoming home for up to six tenants.

Along with Justin, four other young men currently call Tighes Hill their home. They are gradually acquainting themselves with their neighbourhood, enjoying activities like fishing in Throsby Creek and playing basketball at the local park.

These independent living arrangements, coupled with a focus on personal interests, education and employment opportunities, are preparing the tenants for an eventual transition into mainstream housing.

Lee* has been a resident of the Tighes Hill property for a couple of months now. Lee has lived in a number of Muru properties across Newcastle, but is particularly enjoying the sense of freedom and independence this home offers.

A keen gamer, he likes the flexibility of having time to himself but also the company of others.

“It is a peaceful environment here, both the house itself, but also the neighbourhood. I like being outdoors and Tighes Hill gives me that option,” he said.

Fr John commends Muru’s participants as being excellent tenants.

“Many of our parishioners live locally. They have gotten to know some of the young men and enjoy seeing them out and about in the neighbourhood,” he said.

The parish also has a thriving community garden within the church grounds that is open to everyone.

“The garden provides a lovely meeting point and pastoral activity. There’s a strong sense of community here,” Fr John said.

“This really has been a win-win situation for all involved. We’ve been able to give new life to a historical building and deliver upon the mission of the Church while creating meaningful partnerships to produce much-needed housing for the community.”

To learn more about Hunter Community Housing services visit www.huntercommunityhousing.com.au

*name changed to protect privacy

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