From the Chair
My term as Chair and as a Director of Housing Choices ends in November 2024. It has been a privilege to serve this organisation since 2014, and as Chair since 2019. In that time, we have grown from a relatively modest but ambitious, values-driven, Victorian-based housing provider to become a national leader with a reputation for innovation, courage and resident focus, underpinned by collaborative and long-lasting partnerships. Throughout, we have always held firm to our purpose - to serve and support the thousands of Australians in increasing, and very often desperate, need of safe and secure housing. The community housing sector has also grown and changed significantly over this period, building its capacity to deliver at scale, proactively engaging at all levels of government to influence policy and deliver more social and a ordable homes. As an organisation and sector, we embraced both the game-changing establishment of Housing Australia and Housing Australia Future Fund to amplify the impact of significant housing initiatives in every state and territory, and the entry of superannuation funds and private investors to the a ordable housing market with the emergence of the build-to-rent housing model in Australia.
As a Board and an organisation, we remain committed to the social change needed to shape a tomorrow in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples share in an equitable, prosperous and rewarding future. In launching our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) this year, we are building on the foundations of our Reflect RAP and delivering actions to achieve a more equitable society for First Nations people. In November, I hand over my Chair responsibilities to Board colleague Drew Beswick, who will bring to the role deep knowledge and understanding of this organisation and our sector, but also valuable experience in managing growth and organisational change in values-based organisations, from both an executive and governance perspective. I am confident that Housing Choices will continue its remarkable journey – reflecting the values and ambition of our exceptional workforce - to improve the housing outcomes of Australians. I am proud of what has been achieved in this and previous years, in collaboration with our people, our residents, and our many government, services and private sector partners.
But even with this momentum, the consequences of a drawn-out national housing a ordability crisis, a global pandemic, economic and construction headwinds and a cost-of-living crisis are evident. The road ahead for fair and equitable housing for all remains an extraordinary challenge, but a collective responsibility. As my departure approaches, I am confident Housing Choices is on the path to meeting these challenges by building on the legacy of our past and investing in our capability to realise our vision for the future. Growth must always be underpinned by robust operational systems and infrastructure, and strong organisational culture. The work of our Board and executive this past year has been focused on planning and paving the way as Housing Choices prepares for its next decade to extend its impact. To build and manage the scale of good homes required, but more importantly to create great ‘places’, with healthy communities, sustainable tenancies and neighbourhoods, services, connections and networks. Places where our residents will thrive. I am deeply appreciative of the focus and commitment of my Board colleagues this year, including retiring Director Amanda Heyworth, as we planned the way forward with the executive team. All strategic growth brings with it a degree of change and an inevitable period of transition. As I write, our new 5-Year Strategic Plan is being rolled out, led by our CEO David Fisher and a skilled leadership team.
HEATHER MCCALLUM BOARD CHAIR
6 | Housing Choices Australia
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