Social Enterprise Fund helps Far North Queenslanders with housing, health and jobs

Cairns-based social enterprise, Three Sistas will receive a $450,000 loan to turn a former tourism business into a low-cost accommodation service to support people in Cairns and Indigenous people from Cape York who travel to Cairns for health services.

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis said this is the first loan delivered through the Australian Government’s Social Enterprise Development and Investment Funds (SEDIF) by the fund manager, Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA).

“This loan will allow Three Sistas to grow their housing and support services in Cairns to better meet the needs of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the region,” Ms Ellis said.

“It is terrific that Three Sistas will work with Apunipima Cape York Health Council to ensure clients from Cape York have access to affordable accommodation and transport when in Cairns.

“In addition to these vital community services, Three Sistas will also offer training and work experience to young people in the region as part of the refurbishment of the site.”

Queensland Senator Jan McLucas welcomed the announcement.

“Congratulations to Three Sistas and SEFA for their efforts to work together to develop the finance and support needed for this valuable project for Cairns,” Senator McLucas said.

Announced in 2011, the $20 million SEFA loan fund was established with $10 million in Australian Government funding, fully matched by private investors, under the SEDIF program.

For more information go to www.deewr.gov.au/pages/sedif.aspx