Our local newspaper, The Express, ran this article on the 24th of May 2025.
A SERIES of public workshops are being launched next month by alternative housing solutions group PeoplePurposePlace (PPP), to explain both the concept and practicalities of collaborative living.
Organisers will initially be inviting the community to attend a free “drop in” session on 28 May at the Carrington Hotel from 5pm to 8pm, as a precursor to the workshops which begin on 4 June.
PPP is a charity made up of a group of professionals who have been working in the housing industry for several decades. They believe current housing options are not working for all members of the community and offer alternative affordable options.
In a Tablelands first, PPP has built its first home on Ginn Road in Malanda, which will offer like-minded people a way to live with each other in a different type of social housing.
The pilot project was founded by local land and business owners committed to offering homes for everyone from workers, the elderly, and those excluded by the current system.
A second project will be a house renovation based on PPP principles.
“As housing costs rise, collaborative living provides an empowering, affordable alternative,” a project founder and investor, Christine Doan, said.
“But it’s more than building a house, it’s about building the small group who lives there.”
The PPP works with both those keen to provide the housing – with guidance on project delivery, budget management, and sustainability; and those hoping to live in it – with advice on essentials such as decision-making, household rules, conflict resolution and effective communication.
“These all help build the skills to live in a close-knit, small community,” Ms Doan said.
“The workshops are based on a tried and tested framework and they are also custom-made for Tablelanders.”
The Malanda project home will provide stable housing for five individuals. Those who have applied to live there must attend the prerequisite 10 workshops.
The first two workshops, to be held at the Atherton International Club, are scheduled for 4 June (5.30 pm for a 6pm start), and 7 June (9.30 am for a 10 am start) and will run for two hours followed by a Q&A time.
Individuals and community groups curious about new ways to live are welcome. Future dates will be determined with attendees.
Bookings can be made at tablelands@peoplepurposeplace.com.au, or people can simply turn up.
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