Greenup Masonic Lodge and Goondiwindi Regional Council collaborate for better outcomes for elderly residents in Texas

• Goondiwindi Regional Council has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Greenup Masonic Lodge for the management of 10 independent living units in Texas
• The independent living units support vulnerable people in the local community
• Council holds MOUs with a number of local community groups that manage Council assets to encourage collaboration and local community input
• Council acknowledges the dedication of the Greenup Masonic Lodge in providing community facilities that enhance the quality of life of residents in the Goondiwindi Region

Goondiwindi Regional Council has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lodge Greenup No. 139 UGLQ (‘Greenup Masonic Lodge’) for the management of 10 independent living units in Texas.

The independent living units support vulnerable people, such as older couples, in the local community, with accommodation for up to 20 people across one- and two-bedroom units.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM has praised the Greenup Masonic Lodge group for their ongoing commitment to managing the operations of the independent living units.

“The Texas independent living units serve as a valuable and affordable community asset, especially given the current housing challenges we are facing throughout Queensland,” Cr Springborg said.

Council holds MOUs with a number of local community groups that manage key Council assets in order to encourage collaboration and local community input in the management of the facility. The MOU also helps to clarify the responsibilities and expectations of each party.

The MOU between Council and the Greenup Masonic Lodge covers the management of the 10 units in St John Street and Wilson Street as an affordable living option for vulnerable or elderly residents.

Under the renewed MOU, Council will continue to manage certain aspects such as security, electrical and fire safety maintenance, annual inspections, repairs to air conditioning units, and requests for alterations to the existing buildings. The Greenup Masonic Lodge group will be responsible for managing the units and overseeing the tenancies.

The independent living units are a strong example of Council collaborating with a local community group to encourage cooperation and maximise benefits to the region: Council purchased the facility in 2018, and the Greenup Masonic Lodge group have managed the Texas units for about 40 years.

"Council acknowledges the Greenup Masonic Lodge group for their commitment to providing community facilities that enhance the overall quality of life for the local community," Cr Springborg said. "This group has an unwavering commitment to providing a strong sense of community, and their dedication and efforts in managing this essential asset for the Texas community have not gone unnoticed.”

Councillor Susie Kelly, who holds Council’s portfolio for Rural Services and Community Facilities, said Council is committed to maintaining positive and empowering relationships with community groups who manage Council-owned assets.

“We take pride in guiding, listening to and acting on the direction of these committees with key community assets,” Cr Kelly said.

For information about the eligibility and availability of independent living units, contact Richard Coventry at coomooroo@bigpond.com