Keith Perry, Robert MacKenzie and Frank Jenson, who met at school in the seventies, along with their close mate John O’Sullivan were handed the keys to their brand new home in Mackay last Tuesday during a spectacular opening event.
Keith undid the ribbon on the entrance door in front of an exuberant crowd of attendees – including Dawson MP Andrew Willcox, Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert and Mackay councillors Laurence Bonaventura and Michelle Green – before stepping into the home.
This build is part of our $45m My Home, My Life initiative to deliver 70 new custom-built homes for people with disability.
With a private patio in each bedroom, assistive technology, built-in help alarms, and a mobility-accessible floor plan, these best friends are excited to embrace their independence with the support of each other and our wonderful Mackay staff.
“I like all my friends with me,” said Frank.
“[We’re] always helping each other,” added Bob.
Their close bond is captured in a memory photo wall, created by Home Site Supervisors, Dannielle Gallagher, Mary Denton and Terry Stacey, comprising five decades of memories made from the housemates living, working and hanging out together over the years.
They also unveiled a special wooden bench – built by the team at Business Solutions Mackay – in memory of their friend Bill “The Legend” Pascoe during the event, and Robert planted a mandarin tree with the assistance of Mr Willcox to kickstart their garden.
EGM Home and Community, Leanne Rutherford, who was in attendance, said the gentlemen were “very ready to make [the house] their new home”.
She spoke on ABC Tropical North to share the momentous occasion with the public last week. Click play to hear what she had to say.
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