Premier David Crisafulli has officially opened Australia’s first Tiny Homes Recovery Village, marking a major milestone in eating disorder recovery support.
Located in West Woombye beside endED’s House of Hope, the eight-unit village is designed to bridge the critical gap between hospital or residential treatment and returning home, which is widely recognised as one of the most vulnerable stages of recovery.
“Recovery doesn’t stop at the hospital door,” says Mark Forbes, co-founder of endED – a support service for people affected by eating disorders and issues.
“The Tiny Homes Village represents Australia’s first fully integrated, community-based recovery pathway. The initiative will give people the space, community and support they require to continue their journey with dignity and independence.”
The village provides short-term, supported accommodation for people who cannot yet safely return home, those travelling from regional areas to access Sunshine Coast services, and individuals needing additional stability before transitioning to independence.
The opening marked the next chapter in a recovery model built by Mark and his wife Gaye, whose lived experience supporting their daughters through severe eating disorders inspired their work.
“We only employ people with lived experience,” Mark says.
“When someone walks through our doors, they should not have to explain what they are going through.
“They are greeted by people who truly understand.”
Eating disorders remain one of Australia’s most misunderstood, yet deadly mental health conditions.
“In Australia, more people die each year from eating disorders than from the national road toll,” Mark says.
“On the Sunshine Coast alone, an estimated 57,000 people are directly affected. That number represents entire families, not just individuals.”
