Talbot Estate

CELEBRATING OVER 60 YEARS SERVICE TO THE ROCKHAMPTON COMMUNITY

On 26 February 1957, the first annual general meeting of the Rockhampton and District Pensioners Social and Welfare Society was held. The prime purpose of the organisation was to establish and provide affordable rental housing for aged pensioners. In 1958, under the direction of the then president, Mr Rex Pilbeam, Secretary Mr Stan Bedden and Treasurer Mr C Oates and a committee consisting of Dr N Talbot, Mrs R Pilbeam, Mrs W Bedden, Miss E Brumm, Mr A Philp, Mr R Cousins, Mr J Bubb, Mrs D Merry, Mr J Ross and Mrs J Ross, planning for the building of what is today known as Talbot Estate commenced.

Talbot Estate now has a total of 77 cottages and units servicing aged pensioners with low cost rental housing. Talbot Estate is unique, in that it is the only facility of its type still operating in Queensland today. Initial funding for the building of the cottages was gained through public donations, the Annual Christmas Tree Appeal located at East and Denham Streets and some subsidies from the State and Federal Governments. During the establishment stage, the cottages were built at a cost of around 1,500 pounds or $3000 each and were rented out at one pound or $2 per week. Today, Talbot Estate is a self-sufficient association funded entirely by the rent paid by its residents, however community grants are applied for to assist in capital projects.

In October 2013, the Rockhampton and District Pensioners Social and Welfare Society became incorporated and changed its name to Talbot Estate Inc. Under the leadership of Mr Tom Wyatt, and more recently Mr Graeme Brady (OAM), and a handful of dedicated volunteers, Talbot Estate today continues to offer the lowest rents to aged pensioners in the Rockhampton Region.

With an increasing demand for low cost rental housing for aged pensioners, the Estate usually operates at 100% occupancy, therefore the Board of Talbot Estate Inc continues to plan and invest in upgrades to existing buildings and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewerage, as well as explore opportunities to build additional housing to meet community demand for this type of service. In the time since the first residence was constructed, over 60 years ago, there have been just four presidents, three secretaries and five treasurers, a testament to the long standing dedication and service by a group of committed volunteers ensuring the legacy of the original founders is maintained.