The Lady Bowen Trust was established in 2006 by the Queensland Government, with joint funding of $1.5 million each from the then Department of Housing and the Residential Tenancies Authority.

The $3 million for the establishment of the Trust was made available in recognition of the Government’s ongoing commitment to reducing homelessness and enhancing Queenslander’s quality of life.  Income earned on the capital of the Trust is distributed to organisations to assist Queenslanders in necessitous circumstances who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

The Trust operates independently of government, with the Public Trustee of Queensland acting as Trustee.

A voluntary Board of Advice provides counsel to the Trustee and reports on performance. Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, PSM, Governor of Queensland, is patron of the Trust.