Left: Coralene and Liam.
What are you most excited about bringing to Housing Choices? “We’ve both come into these roles at a similar time and are both fairly new to Housing Choices. Post-COVID, I feel there’s exciting opportunity and scope to strengthen things and do what we do better or differently, while capturing residents’ voices and listening and incorporating their lived experience,” said Coralene. Liam is “excited to expand our garden program and create great environments that are conducive to communities to meet in and enjoy.” “Also change, in a positive way. I’m keen to look at how we work alongside residents and connect residents with residents. Not only in their neighbourhoods, but also residents with other residents in communities. I see there’s opportunity for new things!” added Coralene. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know residents authentically and to make that connection. We will be out and about in your neighbourhoods,” she said. “Look out for us in the coming months and please say hello!” said Liam. Coralene and Liam are both avid St Kilda Football Club supporters and are always happy to have a chat about the almighty Sainters.
“My previous role was COVID-19 support and education for residents in high-risk housing in the outer north,” Liam said. What brought you to Housing Choices? “I’ve been researching Housing Choices for about eight years and how they’ve grown and developed. I admire their ethos and work and that’s why I expressed my interest to work here,” Coralene said. Liam says he “has a desire to help a larger group of people and not be so concentrated on COVID-19.” What do you like about the organisation so far? “The people, the culture, it’s very much a ‘can do’ attitudes and people genuinely work together here,” said Coralene. “The comradery amongst staff and the genuine care they have for residents” is what Liam likes about Housing Choices.
Meet your new Inclusive Communities Program team Coralene (Team Leader of Inclusive Communities) and Liam (Community Development Officer) recently joined Housing Choices as Victoria’s new Inclusive Communities team and are excited to meet residents. Both caught up with the Communications team for a Q&A to introduce themselves to you. What were you doing before Housing Choices? “I have over 15 years of
community development programs management
experience, and have previously worked in social and community housing, justice – youth justice, out of home care – Indigenous out of home care, homelessness, and mental health and suicide prevention,” said Coralene.
To reach out to your new Inclusive Communities team or to just say hello, send them an email on communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au or call 1300 312 447.
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