Cleveland’s historic Station Master’s Cottage will become the new home for Redlands Centre for Women (RCW), allowing the group to expand its services and support to Redlands Coast women.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council would offer a five-year lease to RCW, which had been without permanent tenancy for almost three years.
“The lack of a permanent home in recent years has limited the suite of programs and services that can be offered by the organisation,” Cr Williams said.
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“The Centre proposes to use the Station Master’s Cottage to extend its service delivery by providing a welcoming women’s hub to enhance social connectedness.
“This lease will enable the delivery of 11 programs, including Redlands Active Women’s Program, counselling to support women through challenges, a back-to-work program for unemployed women, support to teenage girls in developing and achieving life goals and support for young mothers.
“The building will be available for use by RCW in mid-year, following the completion of renovations.
“This cottage is a Cleveland icon and of historic significance to Redlands Coast so I am pleased it will benefit the community to which it belongs.”
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Councillors voted unanimously last year to make the building available for community groups.
“It was agreed to upgrade the building to make it suitable for the recommended future use and to invite local community groups to submit proposals to use the building,” he said.
“Four expressions of interest were received, with RCW being successful.
“The EOI process was considered the best method to ensure transparency and maximise the community benefit from use of the Station Master’s Cottage.
“It provided the opportunity for Council to consider community needs and service gaps.
“RCW has provided wonderful support and services for Redlands Coast women for many years and Council is happy to have played a role in enabling RCW to provide even more support to women by expanding services from its new hub.”
BACKGROUND
The historic Station Master’s Cottage was gifted to Redland City Council by Redlands RSL and was relocated to the nearby heritage precinct in Linear Park in July 2017.
The cottage sits adjacent to other historical and ‘recreated’ buildings in what has evolved into a historical character precinct.
The building was identified by Council as being suitable for community groups, not for profit organisations and/or social enterprise providers to conduct and deliver community service activities for the benefit of the Redlands Coast community, while conserving and showcasing cultural heritage for the benefit of the community.
