A place to grow for Mia and Ryder
When Mia’s son Ryder was recently accepted into a new local childcare centre, it marked a turning point for their family.
Ryder, 2, who is anaphylactic to dairy and eggs, had previously been turned away from multiple centres due to the complexity of his needs.
Their circumstances changed following Mia and Ryder’s move into their new affordable home in Burpengary East in mid-2025, where the new local childcare centre didn’t hesitate in offering Ryder a place.
“They completely cut out dairy and eggs in his room and everyone who walks in has to wash their hands to make sure it’s safe,” Mia said.
“They changed their rules to suit Ryder…it was just really good, it’s made everything easier.”
As Ryder’s sole parent, the transition to childcare for a couple of days each week also gave Mia some much-needed time to catch up on jobs, life admin and recharge.
The move to the Avaline estate offered Mia and Ryder more than just a new two-bedroom home close to childcare – it gave them space and a community close to her grandfather’s home, for extra support when need.
After living in a one-bedroom unit in nearby Caboolture, Mia was relieved to give Ryder his own room and a backyard in a quiet neighborhood where he could play freely.
“This house has really changed our lives,” she said.
“Ryder loves playing outside, riding his scooter, and pointing to the park every time we step out the front door.”
Mia’s story is one of many associated with our Everyone’s Place Affordable Housing project, which is building affordable homes in the high-demand suburbs of Burpengary East, Jimboomba, Logan Reserve, and Joyner.
With more than 100 affordable homes completed and tenanted, the Everyone’s Place consortium partners - Tetris, Metricon, KDL Property Group and National Affordable Housing - continue to work with the Queensland Government to deliver 483 affordable homes in total by early 2027.
The homes are integrated throughout new estates and are offered to eligible tenants for discounted rent - capped at 75 per cent of market rates - to ease financial pressure on families, couples, and multigenerational households in need.
“You wouldn’t know which homes are affordable housing,” Mia said.
“There’s no judgment, no stereotypes - just people living together.”
With ‘Pop’ living nearby, friendly neighbors, and Ryder thriving in daycare and starting swimming lessons nearby, Mia said they’re staying for the long run.
“I love seeing Ryder smile…this home has given him space to grow, play, and thrive,” she said.
“I’m so grateful we got this chance.”
