New lease on life

Published: 

29 November 2024 1:46PM

'My 3-year-old granddaughter was initially scared but now she thinks it’s great.'

When Brett’s young grandchildren saw his lower left leg amputation, they went from calling him Poppy to Hoppy Poppy. Now, thanks to a state-of-the-art prosthetic, he’s called RoboPop.

Brett spent 40 years working in the security industry, with 20 of those running his own business. The father of 3 also built and rode his own custom motorcycles.

'I’ve certainly met some interesting people,’ he says.

Brett was 1 of the first tenants to move into the new accessible social housing complex in Pimpama. 6 of the 18 units have been built to Gold and Platinum standard under Social Housing Design Guidelines, making them suitable for people with disability and mobility needs.

Brett was previously living in a single-bedroom National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) unit in Labrador but needed a 2-bedroom unit to enable overnight carers to stay, given his significant medical issues. His new ground-floor pad has plenty of room for Brett and his carers, and a grassy yard for pup Frankie and the grandkids to romp in.

'I’ve met most of the neighbours and they all seem to be great. It’s close to everything and I can get around to the shops with Frankie on my mobility scooter. All 5 of my grandkids live in Coomera, which is not too far away – and it will be even closer once we get a railway station!' he says with a wink.

Accessible homes

We’re committed to creating more accessible and sustainable housing options for people with disability.

Going forward, at least 50% of all new social homes will meet Livable Housing Design standards at Gold or Platinum levels.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.