A DISABLED woman who was allegedly beaten because of her trans-gender appearance moved to one of 14 new North Albury units to assist low-income earners.
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The new units, opened yesterday, make up one of five sites offering affordable rental housing as part of the national building stimulus plan.
Donna Macklan said making the move from Lavington was a welcome change, after feeling insecure in her previous home.
She was left bed-ridden for 11 weeks after she says she was subjected to an unprovoked attack in February.
Two people allegedly beat her while she sat in her electric wheelchair.
She said one of the assailants had a shovel.
Ms Macklan believes her trans-gender appearance elicited the attacks.
Since moving in March, Ms Macklan said she feels safer, and is pleased she and her dog Bella have a nice place to live and with friendly neighbours.
A car accident 10 years ago left her wheelchair-bound, and with poor access in her previous Lavington home, she used to have trouble getting to her laundry and the backyard.
Her new unit is tailored to her needs, with lower bench tops, extra wide hallways and doors.
“It’s really accessible, I love my unit,” Ms Macklan said.
“I used to scrape up all the walls of my old place with my chair so it is much better.
“I’m happy here, it’s a lovely and bright place and when I get up in the morning I just want to clean.”
The properties accommodate people who need support, have relocated, who need to downsize, the homeless and disabled.
