A new life for Chevy and her son

Published: 
11 February 2025 9:44AM

When Chevy and her young son came to Mari-Mari-Ba they were looking for a safe place to stay. She didn’t expect the place to help her foster community, friends and a new business venture.

Chevy and her son were the first residents at the Mari-Mari-Ba, a residential complex on Brisbane’s southside operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) offering temporary accommodation and support services for First Nations women and children.

'Living at Mari-Mari-Ba has been a dream come true, everyone here is absolutely lovely, the community is great and employees are amazing. I feel the safest I have ever been in my life,' says Chevy.

Read the transcript: Chevette's story – Living at Mari-Mari-Ba (DOCX, 14.66 KB)

Housing with support

New residents are supported from the moment they walk in the door, not only with a place to live but also welcome packs including essential items, and support services to help them get back on their feet.

'There’s family and bub groups, bonding sessions for kids to get along, messy play days, mum groups, I get support with everyday life, they helped my son get into daycare.'

Residents can also access support, including:

  • health services, including dental and optometrist
  • employment support
  • cultural activities
  • mental health support.

two women sitting on a bench seat on a verandah

Chevy with a housing support officer.

Community and friendships

'My son and I love to hang out with our neighbours and the little kids,' says Chevy. 'We have Saturday sessions where all the kids and mums gather down at the office doing activities like making candles and treats.'

Mari-Mari-Ba has been designed to support strong community connection, enabling residents to gather in communal spaces including a yarning circle and bushland hub for larger get togethers.

This support and community – as well as a commercial kitchen onsite – helped give Chevy the confidence to start her own baking business, Chev’s Creations, while living at Mari-Mari-Ba.

'I do cakes, cheesecake, cake pops, biscuits, trifles for Christmas, pavlovas, the lot. My most popular would be the chocolate mudcake,' says Chevy.

'The staff helped me launch my business by helping me do my Instagram page and helping me sort out my first function.'

With a safe place to stay, support to start her business and new friendships, Chevy says she’s excited for what’s to come.

'I have big dreams for my business and for my son and I,' she says.

'I see us growing the business and getting back on our feet. The future for my son myself and my business is a bright one.'

Housing help

If you or someone you know needs housing support:

woman with her young son

Chevy is creating a new life for her son thanks to Mari-Mari-Ba.