ABIS Community Co-operative Society Limited was established in April 1975 to provide long-term, secure and affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For more than 50 years, the co-operative has supported families in Townsville to remain in their homes and communities, and is now extending its services to the Greater Brisbane Area, Cairns and the Torres Strait Islands.
Core services
ABIS delivers a broad range of housing and community support services, including:
- Affordable housing and older persons housing
- Housing support and advocacy in health, social and emotional wellbeing
- Home care and support for independent living
As a registered NDIS provider, ABIS also offers:
- Accommodation and tenancy assistance
- Daily personal activities
- Group and centre-based activities
- Household tasks
- Participation in community, social and civic activities
- Development of daily living and life skills
Community role
The co-operative plays a central role in linking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as people from diverse cultural backgrounds, with service providers. Its work includes:
- Collaborating with service providers to improve connections and outcomes
- Contributing to Local, State and National initiatives across housing, homelessness, health, aged care, family support and social wellbeing
- Delivering services where unmet needs are identified
- Supporting economic development and community self-sufficiency
- Sharing information and resources through partnerships with other organisations
Advocacy and partnerships
Advocacy is a strong focus for ABIS. The co-operative supports the Building Our Futures Program, which provides young people with trade skills and career training, and sponsors the Council of Elders Group, which holds regular community activities.
Its leadership is active in the health sector, with directors and managers serving as advisory members to the Townsville University Hospital and the Occupational Therapy Department at James Cook University.
Vision
Working alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations, ABIS seeks to set new standards for holistic housing support. This includes ensuring a seamless transition from homelessness to secure housing, strengthening communities and building a foundation for future generations.
