Abbeyfield Australia

Abbeyfield Australia

Abbeyfield Australia is a national not-for-profit community housing provider operating 15 Abbeyfield houses and supporting a further eight Abbeyfield local societies and houses across Australia. Abbeyfield Australia currently provides two types of affordable accommodation:

• assisted independent living for adults with mild intellectual disabilities
• assisted independent living for those aged 55+.

Abbeyfield Australia provides affordable housing for older people and people with disabilities who wish to live independently within a supportive environment. We are committed to the development of sustainable community-based housing.

Our vision

For people to have the choice of living in Abbeyfield housing which supports their independence and life choices.

Our mission

To ensure the sustainability and development of Abbeyfield housing.

Our history

Abbeyfield came to Australia with Judy Dunster, whose father was an early supporter of the concept in Scotland. This was the first time Abbeyfield had moved away beyond its beginnings in the United Kingdom.

From her arrival in Australia in the 1970s, Judy met with politicians, community leaders and local groups to gain support and inform them about the concept.

Abbeyfield Australia was incorporated in 1981, and the first Australian house opened in 1986. Its philosophy, objectives and general mode of operation, developed from the United Kingdom model but was adapted to Australian conditions.

Learn more about Abbeyfield Australia