Today marks the official opening of Tingira House, a new “meanwhile use” (short-term emergency accommodation) women’s shelter supporting vulnerable women in the Lake Macquarie region as they rebuild their lives. Together with our charity partner, Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), Temple & Webster is proud to have contributed to creating this nurturing environment for older women experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic and family violence.

From left: Krystal Moores, Homes NSW Director Housing Services, Wal Edgell, Pacific Link Housing Chairman, Bishop Sonia Roulston, Diocese of Newcastle, The Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Annabelle Daniel OAM, Women’s Community Shelters CEO, Adam Shultz, Lake Macquarie Mayor, Llewellyn Visagie, PLH Group Executive Manager Operations, Adam McWhinney, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Temple & Webster

Temple & Webster Chief Experience Officer Adam McWhinney joined The Honourable Jodie Harrison (Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault), and WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM at the opening event, which marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for secure, supportive accommodation for women over 55—increasingly one of our community’s most vulnerable groups.

“Women over 55 are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness, " said Annabelle Daniel OAM. “Tingira House offers not just a roof over their heads, but a genuine chance to rebuild their lives with support, stability and care.”

The Hon. Jodie Harrison Minister for Women, Seniors, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

 

WCS CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM and Temple & Webster Chief Experience Officer Adam McWhinney

 

How Temple & Webster is Making a Difference

From beds and desks to armchairs, dining tables and wall art, our team donated and installed furniture and decor for all 20 rooms and communal spaces, transforming a once-vacant aged care facility into a welcoming, uplifting environment. Our stylists ensured each room was thoughtfully curated to bring positivity and warmth to every space.

Speaking about the project, Adam McWhinney, Chief Experience Officer at Temple & Webster, said: “Tingira House is more than just a shelter, it’s a place of dignity, recovery, and hope. We’re proud to create beautiful spaces where women can begin to rebuild their lives.”

From left: Llewellyn Visagie, PLH Group Executive Manager Operations, Julie White, Women’s Community Shelters Chair, Adam McWhinney, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Temple & Webster, Jan Allen, former Allawah House Resident, Adam Shultz, Lake Macquarie Mayor, Annabelle Daniel OAM, Women’s Community Shelters CEO

 

What is a Meanwhile Use Shelter?

Tingira House operates as a meanwhile use shelter—a concept where vacant or underutilised buildings are temporarily repurposed to meet urgent community needs. In this case, a former aged care facility has been transformed into a safe space for women in crisis, ensuring valuable resources aren’t left idle while providing immediate support where it’s needed most. 

With a shortage of affordable housing and the rising cost of living, meanwhile use housing solutions like Tingira House are more vital than ever to support vulnerable communities.




 

Our Ongoing Partnership

Tingira House is the ninth project in our seven-year partnership with Women’s Community Shelters. Since 2018, we’ve furnished and styled five crisis shelters and four large-scale transitional homes, helping support:  

• Over 820 women
• More than 110,000 nights of safety and comfort
   

We’re committed to using our expertise and resources for good—helping to make every shelter a true home. Every thoughtfully furnished room is a step toward healing, hope, and a brighter future. At Temple & Webster, we’re proud to help create safe, restorative spaces for women when they need them most.