McIntyre Drive
Suburb: Altona
Photos above: taken by Rhiannon Slater.
Courtesy of: MSG Architects.
A community of renters who look out for each other
McIntyre Drive is one of Unison’s over 55 communities in Altona. Renters bring a wide range of lived experience, cultural backgrounds and accessibility needs, reflecting the diversity of this community. Unison’s Place Managers work closely with the residents, helping build a strong sense of place and connection.
This is a community where people look out for one another. Renters often come together to chat, join activities and share moments that create a welcoming community. Many renters have pets, who provide companionship and are often just as social as their owners.
The community is managed by Unison, while the building itself is owned by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). The self-contained apartments support independent living, and the landscaped central courtyard, with its leafy outlook and benches provide a gathering place where renters can relax and enjoy time together.
Community features
- Social housing
- Over 55+ renter demographic
- 69 apartments, 2 storeys with lift access
- Communal outdoor area
- Common room for activities & get togethers
About the community
Regular activities
The building’s common room functions as a lively social hub, hosting casual get-togethers, resident meetings and celebrations, including the annual end of year party.
Community life at McIntyre Drive is shaped by a mix of resident-led initiatives and events supported by Unison and partner organisations. Renters often organise get-togethers to enjoy time together or learn new skills. One example is a Christmas card making workshop run by a resident, Pamela, which brought together neighbours to create handmade cards for friends and family.
Read Pamela's renter storyCoffee Van Tuesdays at McIntyre Drive
McIntyre Drive was the first site to take part in Unison’s Coffee Van Pilot, run from October to December 2025 in partnership with VMCH Social Enterprise. The van visited every second Tuesday, offering barista made coffees and a relaxed space for neighbours to connect.
The coffee van stopped into McIntyre Drive fortnightly
The pilot was a huge success, strengthening relationships in the community and helping people feel more comfortable raising ideas, concerns or suggestions. Place Managers also reported feeling more empowered to engage with renters, and VMCH staff noticed how quickly trust and familiarity grew over the weeks.
Thanks to this strong feedback and high participation, the coffee van will become a permanent fixture in 2026, supported by The Erdi Foundation and the Hansen Little Foundation.
Read about the Coffee Van PilotSupport partnership with cohealth
Cohealth provides wrap-around support at the site, connecting some of the more vulnerable renters to the NDIS and services like My Aged Care to ensure they are fully supported. These supports help renters to maintain independence and confidence in their homes.
Building design
The apartments at McIntyre Drive are comfortable, light-filled and easy to furnish, with well lit walkways that feel welcoming at all hours. The property, designed by MSG Architects, encourages natural interactions between neighbours, particularly in the generously landscaped forecourt that sits at the centre of the community. Environmental sustainability features support more affordable and efficient living, while the architects’ focus on social sustainability has created a warm setting for residents to call home.
Read more about the building's designLocal highlights
Nature at Renters’ Doorstep
Walking paths around Cherry Lake, the nearby Altona foreshore and Altona Beach offer easy, scenic access to outdoor recreation.
Shops & Essentials Nearby
Pier Street’s supermarkets, cafés and chemists are just a short trip away for convenient day-to-day living.
Health Services Close By
Altona Medical Centre, pharmacies and allied health providers are all located nearby for accessible care.
Close to Public Transport
Altona Station and local bus routes make it easy to get around without a car.
Walkable, Accessible Neighbourhood
Flat terrain and well connected streets support mobility aids, walking and easy local access.
Landscaped Outdoor Areas
A generously landscaped forecourt and shared green spaces create natural places for neighbours to connect.
Active Local Community
Nearby community hubs, including the library, RSL and Senior Citizens Centre, offer social connection and activities.
Wrap Around Support Options
Renters can access cohealth’s optional support services to help maintain independence and wellbeing.
Pamela’s Creative Nook at McIntyre Drive
Fourteen years ago, Pamela’s life changed for the better when she moved into the over‑55s community at McIntyre Drive, Altona, managed by Unison.
Having divorced a few years prior and sold her family home, Pamela had been left with limited options and no stable place to live.
Her home at McIntyre Drive has given her the space and independence to focus on her creative outlet – making handmade cards.
Read Pamela's storyCommunity photos
Photographer: Trevor Mein. Images courtesy of MSG Architects.
Photographer: Trevor Mein. Images courtesy of MSG Architects.
Photographer: Trevor Mein. Images courtesy of MSG Architects.
