Supporting secure housing: Neville and Isabel's story

After more than a decade living in a one-bedroom cottage on a remote cattle station outside Mackay, Isabel and Neville never expected to be starting again in a suburban home in Jimboomba, South-East Queensland.

Their move in late 2025 followed a medical emergency that changed everything. While feeding cattle on the property, Neville collapsed in the pens – an accident that could have been fatal. 

“I collapsed in with the cows,” Neville said.

Doctors later confirmed blood pressure complications and stroke-like symptoms had triggered a form of dementia. Neville’s neurosurgeon explained that while some recovery was possible, further decline was likely and continuing physically demanding farm work was no longer safe.

Isabel tried to manage the station running while caring for her husband, but managing fences, livestock and 66 acres alone soon became unmanageable. 

“It was getting too much,” she said. “I couldn’t keep an eye on him and do all the work as well.”

Their daughter Lana urged them to move more than 1,000 kilometres south to be closer to family in Jimboomba. 

“Every family’s got one that takes the reins,” Isabel said. “That’s Lana.”

Finding a rental, however, proved difficult. In their 70s and transitioning to the pension, Isabel and Neville were repeatedly overlooked in favour of higher-income applicants and feared they would be forced to live in a caravan. 

That changed when Lana connected with Rachel from Horizon Housing Realty, Community Housing Limited’s subsidiary and affordable housing property manager. 

“She really cared,” Isabel said. “She listened and worked it all out – that made all the difference.”

The couple secured a newly built, two-bedroom affordable home in Jimboomba. Their home is one of 206 affordable homes being delivered in the Logan region under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), developed by Tetris Capital, KDL Properties and Ryse Construction and managed long-term by Horizon Housing Realty.

Offered at discounted rents, the homes support eligible families, key workers and people in need of secure, affordable housing.

Set in a quiet new estate, the home is a world away from the isolation of station life.

“It feels luxurious,” Isabel said. “It’s beautiful, it’s quiet - just wonderful.”

The second bedroom has become Neville’s rehabilitation space, fitted with exercise equipment and games recommended by his surgeon as part of his cognitive recovery. Five months on, Neville is making strong progress.

“You’ve got to do the work - and he does,” Isabel said.

The greatest change, the couple say, is being close to family. Their new home is just 7 minutes from their daughter and grandchildren, and they’re enjoying neighbourhood walks with their dog Minnie and the convenience of nearby shops.

“After years of driving an hour for groceries, it feels so easy,” Isabel said. “That part of our life had run its course. Now it’s time to look after ourselves -  and this feels just right.”