“I’m so happy here,” she says. “I’ve never looked back, this really is home.”

Julie was one of the first tenants to move into Queens Walk when Housing Choices Tasmania took over management of the complex in 2014 and she has recently moved into one of the 65 new units that were completed in August.

“I’ve got osteoarthritis, so the stairs in the old building were getting hard,” she says. “Now I can use the lift in the new building and it makes such a big difference.”

Julie, 67, says having an affordable, secure home has given her stability, helping her keep working part time and enjoy her life.

“When you hear about people paying $800 a week for rent, it’s unbelievable. I just couldn’t do that,” she says. “Having this place means I can live comfortably, stay close to work and still be part of the community.”

She loves everything Queens Walk has to offer – the peaceful surroundings, the nearby walking track and chatting with her neighbours.

“I’m friendly with everyone,” she laughs. “If I see someone new, I’ll always say hello. It’s a real community here – people look out for each other.”

But what really stands out for Julie is the support she receives from Housing Choices Tasmania.

“Rebecca and the team have been amazing,” she says. “They look after us all and make sure the units are well-kept. I’m so grateful.”

Queens Walk tenant Julie, left, and Housing Choices Tasmania tenancy officer Rebecca.

Rebecca is one of the tenancy officers at Housing Choices Tasmania, and says being able to help people into their own home is tremendously satisfying.

“It’s honestly the best part of my job,” Rebecca says. “I came into Housing Choices just as the ground had broken at the site for the expansion, so I watched these buildings getting built up from nothing to what they are today.

“It's been really special knowing that they are getting tenanted by these wonderful people like Julie.”

Rebecca says the role of a tenancy officer is varied and “no two days are exactly the same”.

“It’s about helping out if a tenant needs me in any way,” Rebecca says. “That could be helping them fill out paperwork, translating a document, or even just having a chat.

“Just helping with the day-to-day things and giving them a hand if needed.

“I really enjoy getting to know the tenants and knowing that something that I can do – even something small – can help someone in a massive, impactful way.”

The 65-unit expansion of the Queens Walk complex was completed in August 2025 and was officially opened on 14 November 2025.

Housing Choices Tasmania managed the expansion project, and Homes Tasmania provided a $22.5 million grant for the development, a $4 million grant for enabling infrastructure and site works and a $7 million repayable loan to Housing Choices Tasmania.