Major Project We Support
The Forgotten Women Project is a Queensland-based charitable initiative dedicated to addressing the urgent and growing issue of housing insecurity and homelessness among older women. Launched by the Lady Musgrave Trust, one of Queensland’s oldest charities supporting women experiencing homelessness, the project shines a light on a demographic often overlooked in public discourse and policy: women aged 55 and over.
​​Purpose and Goals
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The primary goal of the Forgotten Women Project is to:
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Raise awareness of the increasing number of older women at risk of homelessness.
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Advocate for long-term, secure, and affordable housing options tailored to the unique needs of older women.
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Provide practical support, resources, and pathways for women in vulnerable situations.
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Influence policy and community understanding by highlighting the root causes of older women’s homelessness, including financial insecurity, relationship breakdown, illness, domestic violence, and a lifetime of unpaid caregiving work.
Why It Matters
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Women over 55 are the fastest-growing cohort experiencing homelessness in Australia. Many of these women have worked, raised families, and contributed to their communities, only to find themselves in precarious housing situations due to:
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Insufficient superannuation
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Divorce or separation
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Domestic or family violence
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Rising living and rental costs
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A lack of affordable housing options for single women on low incomes
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The Facts
There are more than 40,000 Queensland women over the age of 55 who are doing it tough - suffering financial hardship driven by rising living costs, lack of employment, limited or no superannuation and a lack of affordable housing options. Alarmingly, recent forecasts predict that this figure is set to double by 2036.​
Women experiencing homelessness are significantly less visible and identifiable than their male counterparts, often being described as the ‘hidden homeless’. Vulnerable older women are more likely to be staying with friends, living in a car or physically ‘hiding’.
Annual Projects
Meals on Wheels​​
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Meals on Wheels is a vital community service that delivers nutritious meals and provides regular social contact to older Australians, people with disabilities, and others who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The service plays a crucial role in helping people maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.
As part of our community service initiatives, the club proudly provides Easter eggs at Easter and Christmas shortbread during the festive season to individuals and families in need. These small but meaningful gestures aim to bring joy and a sense of celebration to those who may be experiencing hardship or loneliness during these special times of the year.
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By distributing Easter treats and festive baked goods, we hope to share kindness, uplift spirits, and remind people that their community cares about them. It’s our way of spreading cheer and connecting with others through thoughtful, seasonal giving—especially to those who might otherwise go without. These acts of generosity reflect the heart of our club’s mission: to support, serve, and brighten the lives of others in practical and compassionate ways.
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Women and Children's Shelter​​
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These shelters—often referred to as refuges or safe houses—provide emergency crisis accommodation for women and their children fleeing domestic and family violence, homelessness, or unsafe situations. They offer a confidential, secure environment to protect and support survivors.
​As a club, we are committed to supporting vulnerable women and children in our community, particularly those living in crisis accommodation or accessing support services. Each year, we contribute funds to provide a special Christmas lunch, helping to create a warm, festive atmosphere for families who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
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In addition, we donate Easter eggs for women and children, bringing a touch of joy and celebration during a time that can be especially challenging for those experiencing hardship or separation from loved ones.
Our club also regularly assembles and donates in-kind care packages, thoughtfully prepared with essential self-care items for both women and children. These may include toiletries, hygiene products, skincare, hair care, and small comforting items like soft toys, colouring books, or journals.
These packages are designed not only to meet basic needs but to show compassion and remind recipients that they are valued and supported by their community.
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Through these contributions, our club seeks to offer more than just material aid—we strive to bring moments of comfort, dignity, and hope to those navigating difficult circumstances.
Chameleon Housing ​​
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Chameleon Housing is a not-for-profit community organisation. The organisation provides crisis and short-term accommodation, including 24-hour supervised shelter for young people aged 15 to 17 years.
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It's support includes medium-term shared housing for older youth, with case management, life-skills programs, and pathways to independent living. Tailored support services include counselling, budgeting, parenting programs, child health nursing (especially for Indigenous families), and relationship mediation.
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Each year, the club contributes funds toward a special Christmas lunch, helping to ensure that the young residents and families supported by Chameleon Housing can enjoy a festive celebration filled with warmth, good food, and a sense of belonging.
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In addition to financial assistance, the club also donates essential items for young families, including bedding, nappies, baby care products, and other necessities. These items provide comfort, dignity, and immediate support to those who often arrive at Chameleon Housing with very little.
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Website: https://www.chameleonyouthhousing.org.au/
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