Acknowledgement of Country Housing Choices acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Disclaimer To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s (Housing Choices) knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication. Housing Choices makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. Housing Choices expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of information provided. Housing Choices recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.
Our business pillars
Housing Choices Australia is an independent, national, not-for-profit housing provider that delivers high quality affordable housing for people on low to moderate incomes and for people with disability.
We embed practices into the organisation that support our future success and enable us to “develop a robust, resilient and agile organisation”.
Our vision It is our vision that all people are a ordably housed in neighbourhoods that support life opportunities. Our mission It is our mission to provide a ordable homes across Australia, working with partners to create resilient and inclusive neighbourhoods.
We strive to continually create the best experience for our residents by “transforming the resident experience”.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live in a safe, comfortable, a ordable home, in a community they feel a part of. Housing Choices is an NDIS registered provider of Specialist Disability Accommodation, manages Catherine House, providing South Australia’s only accommodation and support services specifically for women experiencing homelessness, and manages Common Ground Adelaide. Australia's private rental market presents challenges for a significant portion of the community, particularly people on low incomes and those living with disability.
We use our scale and national footprint to “grow our impact and influence” and deliver better outcomes for our residents and their communities.
We are continuously looking for better ways to work and “implement innovation” for the benefit of our residents and their communities.
We “build housing choices for participants in specialist disability accommodation” by creating homes and services that empower and support residents to exercise choice and control.
Featured Artist
Resident Contributors
Tim Born and raised in Fremantle, Tim is a creative writer and photographer who uses his hometown as the inspiration for many of his works. The Western Australian resident began writing after encouragement from friends. Tim said his written works were a chance to reflect on his experiences growing up in Fremantle, with one of his stories featured in this year’s Annual Report. As well as writing, Tim loves photography and his images have been featured in magazine articles, posters and reports.
Bill Talented gardener, poet and artist, Bill, created the vibrant artworks featured on the cover and throughout the Annual Report. Many of Bill’s paintings are inspired by his own garden, love of native plants and Australian animals. His works can be seen all over the walls of his Devonport home, thanks to his proud wife Kay. Bill also writes poems and short stories. His best ideas often come to him at 2AM. Luckily, he keeps track.
Contents From the Chair From the Chief Executive O cer Board of Directors
6 7 8 11 12 15 16
Our pathway to reconciliation Housing Choices at a glance Creating pathways for residents.
Operations overview Around the country
Nuhamin Year 10 student Nuhamin loves writing and has drawn inspiration for her featured story from her first job. Nuhamin said that entering the workforce was a daunting experience but she learnt a lot and enjoyed getting her first pay cheque! Outside of work, Nuhamin loves watching the Big Bang Theory with her family at home in Melbourne’s West.
South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Forging pathways. Generating growth. A year of national growth Nightingale partnership comes home Asset management Building positive people and culture.
17 20 23 26 31 32 35 37 41 42 43 47 48 49 51 52 54
People and culture overview Health, safety and wellbeing
As well as English, Nuhamin’s favourite subject is legal studies.
Pathways to independence. Specialist Housing Group update New accessible homes for Tasmania Advancing our advocacy. Oswald Barnett Oration Media wrap up
Financial report
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Message from the Chair As an organisation whose mission and values are people-centred, it is wonderful to see the many positive pathways our residents have taken over the past year: from pursuing new opportunities in education and employment to incredible stories of independence, community participation and advocacy. Against a backdrop of cost-of-living challenges and the severe housing and homelessness crisis in Australia, we pursued our mission with determination and innovation. In the face of legislative delays, interest rate rises, inflationary and supply chain pressures, we delivered new housing supply through active expansion of our partnerships and thoughtful diversity in our housing delivery and funding models. Our teams across the nation performed extraordinarily well, with successful tenders in significant housing projects in Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania as well as the completion of our first Nightingale Housing project in South Australia. The creation of so many new homes expanded our resident community with operations teams across all states engaging with new Housing Choices tenants and supporting them to achieve successful, stable tenancies. For the first time, the Build to Rent housing class was firmly established as a key component of the housing spectrum in Australia, providing new opportunities for collaboration between public, not-for-profit and commercial housing interests. Housing Choices is well positioned to contribute through the progression of our partnership with Assemble and Super Housing Partnerships to manage their social and a ordable housing projects. It is clearer than ever that the housing supply crisis will only be solved when all parties - housing providers as well as all levels of government and sources of investment and industry commit to working in a collaborative, bipartisan way.
We welcomed David Fisher as our new Chief Executive O cer, replacing Michael Lennon, who stepped down after 12 years at the helm. Michael’s vision and contribution to Housing Choices has been exceptional, as has his contribution to the broader Australian community housing sector. We are fortunate to be able to transition our executive leadership from one capable and inspiring pair of hands to another. David brings extensive executive experience with leading community housing providers in the UK and NSW, commercial and business transformation expertise, strong focus on customer service and is driven by a lifelong passion for social justice and housing. At Board level, we farewelled Sean Nunan and welcomed Amanda Heyworth, an experienced company director with a background in treasury, property and innovation. We undertook governance and group structure reforms to ensure we remain fit for purpose as we look to the future. We progressed significant business transformation planning this year and laid the foundations for our Innovate Reconciliation Plan and a new strategic plan that will be driven by resident impact, our organisational values and framed by the Sustainable Development Goals.
In a year of notable growth and change, we acknowledge with thanks and gratitude the
extraordinary impact of past and present individuals on Housing Choices’ journey towards the ultimate goal - a better and fairer future for people in need of safe and a ordable homes.
Heather McCallum
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Housing Choices is underpinned by core business pillars: Organisational Resilience, Transforming Resident Experience, Increasing Social Housing Impact, Leading Innovation and Providing Choice to Specialist Disability participants. In reviewing this past year, we have achieved so much in all of these areas: from our business transformation projects and internal capability building, to greater levels of engagement with our residents through community engagement activities, advisory roles, resident procurement and co-design projects of new homes with specialist disability residents; to developing more well-designed, well-located, energy e cient housing across the country. We are also leading innovation in the sector: creating the first Build to Rent project incorporating social housing in Australia and the first LGBTQI+ supported social housing model (see page 33). As I continue to learn about this great organisation, I’m constantly inspired by our residents, many of whom have permitted us to share their stories and extraordinary talents across the pages of this year’s Report, including Bill from Tasmania whose vibrant landscape paintings are featured throughout. The resident stories in this Report, remind us how fortunate we are to live in this country but also how important it is that we work together to make it more equitable, starting with the provision of safe and a ordable homes for all.
It is a privilege to provide an introduction to the Housing Choices Australia 2023 Annual Report, highlighting the achievements and impact that the organisation has had during the year. Having begun my appointment as Chief Executive O cer in June 2023, I would like to recognise the commitment and e orts of my colleagues and partners of Housing Choices who have all contributed to the successes captured in this Report. I would also like to acknowledge the great work of my predecessor Michael Lennon and thank him for his leadership of the organisation and his personal support. Housing Choices Australia is a national community housing provider and recognises the responsibilities it has, to meet the needs of its residents and key stakeholders. This Report summarises some of the innovative work that the organisation has achieved to meet their expectations and our vision. Since joining the organisation, I have found Housing Choices to be wholly focused on its customers and addressing the housing crisis faced by many communities across Australia. It is leading in developing new models of investment and delivery of much needed a ordable homes and is dedicated to building its capability - of its people and wider organisation to achieve greater impact on improving the lives of its customers. My task is to ensure that our people are supported to continue in the delivering of housing and services to the highest standards; to create new housing supply wherever the right opportunity presents and above all, to ensure our residents live in good homes, in the right locations, with all the supports they need to live well.
David Fisher
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Annual Report 2022-23
Board of Directors
03 David Lantzke
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David is the CEO of the Ardross Group of Companies, a privately owned property and land development group. He is a Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of Leadership Western Australia, has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and has over three decades of experience in infrastructure planning, project facilitation, asset management, town planning and property development. Former Board Chair of Access Housing Limited (now Housing Choices WA), David is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the Executive of the Jurien Bay Chamber of Commerce. 04 Drew Beswick Drew is Chief Executive O cer of Possability Group, one of Australia’s leading disability services providers. He previously served as Chief Operating O cer of Possability during a period of significant transition for the disability services sector under the NDIS, including involvement in a successful merger and the expansion and development of the Group’s services nationally. Drew has held board positions with various community sector organisations and the Australian Institute of Public Administration, Tasmania. He is currently the public o cer of a Tasmanian organisation involved in the promotion of men’s health issues and has a strong interest in advocating for access to suitable housing for people living with disability. 05 Chris Leishman Chris is an internationally leading housing economist and academic. He is currently University of South Australia Professor of Property and Housing Economics, University of Adelaide Adjunct Professor, Visiting Professor at the University of She eld, and Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He is an editor for the Urban Studies Journal and was previously Editor-In-Chief of the Housing Studies Journal.
01 Heather McCallum Board Chair
Heather is a Chartered Accountant, experienced board director and senior executive with experience operating in complex environments across a diverse range of organisations and sectors. She joined the Board of Housing Choices in 2014 and was Deputy Chair of the Board and Chair of the AARC until her appointment as Board Chair in 2019. Heather is also a non-executive Director of Australian Sailing, Risk and Audit Committee member of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Chair of TADTas, an organisation dedicated to improving the independence and quality of life for people living with a disability. Heather has more than 25 years’ experience spanning audit and corporate advisory (including with EY’s banking & finance division), private enterprise, start-ups, and for purpose organisations, having held both General Manager and Chief Financial O cer senior leadership positions. 02 Fabienne Michaux Deputy Chair Fabienne is the Director, SDG Impact – a United Nations Development Program flagship initiative in its Sustainable Finance Hub created to accelerate the mobilisation of private capital towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 through the development of market intelligence tools, management standards, training and market building activities. Fabienne is an experienced non-executive director who has held numerous board positions in the housing, education, financial and arts sectors. Fabienne previously enjoyed a 30-year executive career, including 22 years with S&P Global in the Global Ratings division where in her final role she was the Head of Developed Markets Asia-Pacific.
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Company Secretary: Danae Benjamin
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Housing Choices Australia Group
11 Welcoming new CEO, David Fisher Appointed 30 June 2023
He was the inaugural Chief Executive O cer of Housing Choices Australia when it was founded in 2008 to 2012 and in 2014, returned as Managing Director. Under his stewardship Housing Choices expanded to be one of the largest housing associations in Australia. In the mid-2000s Michael led the establishment of the Glasgow Housing Association - the largest transferral of public housing stock in Europe. He was Chief Executive O cer of the Housing New Zealand Corporation and served Chair and Executive Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI). From 2016 to 2019, he chaired and led the development of the Community Housing Industry Association’s National Plan for A ordable Housing, delivered in 2018. He is an experienced board director and has held numerous academic positions including his current role as the University of South Australia’s first Chair in regional housing and planning. 10 Sean Nunan Resigned 4 August 2022 Sean has spent his career structuring and investing in social-infrastructure, renewable energy and housing projects and currently holds the position of Principal at Cloverleaf Impact Investors, where he is responsible for investing in community housing and energy transition projects. Prior to Cloverleaf, Sean was a Director at John Laing and a Managing Director with Macquarie Group based in New York and London. With over 25 years’ experience as an investment executive across Australia, Europe, North America and the UK, Sean has proven leadership, management and financial skills. Helping to balance his financial experience, Sean also previously held the role of Head of Training for a refugee NGO for which he volunteered, reflecting his empathy and sense of social justice. Sean holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce and Economics from the University of Melbourne.
She co-chairs the steering committee for the Blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific homelessness system and leads the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee at Women’s Housing Limited. Jenny also consults in the government and not-for-profit sectors. Previously, she served as CEO of Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV), guiding the organisation to Housing Association status, an unprecedented achievement for an Aboriginal organisation. She successfully orchestrated the transfer of ownership for nearly 1500 DHHS properties managed by AHV. With almost 40 years of professional experience in Commonwealth and Victorian public services, Jenny has held senior executive roles at Deputy Secretary and Executive Director level prioritising improved social, educational, and employment opportunities for all Victorians. 08 Amanda Heyworth Appointed 14 October 2022 Amanda is a professional company director with strengths in developing and executing growth strategies and digital transformation. She has served on a range of listed and unlisted boards in the property, finance and research sectors. Previously she ran a venture capital fund and held roles in investment banking and the Federal Treasury. She has worked with a number of not-for-profits in board and board advisory roles most notably chairing the business advisory board of Vinnies SA and serving on the board of a large Australian disability employer. Amanda currently serves on the boards of Ingenia Communities Group Ltd Heritage and People’s Choice Credit Union and chairs UniSA Ventures Pty Ltd and the Centennial Park Cemetery Authority. 09 Michael Lennon Resigned 12 May 2023 Michael is a leading figure and advocate for reform in the Australian social and a ordable housing sector, with more than three decades’ experience in both private and public sectors, in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Focusing on the economics of the housing market, Chris’s work has helped inform and shape government policy on housing supply and a ordability. Chris has undertaken numerous studies for a variety of government departments and entities in several countries, third sector organisations, and a range of academic funders including the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK. Most recently, he has led projects on Australia’s housing policy responses to COVID (AHURI), and contributed to policy development work funded by the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA), Shelter and the Community Housing Council. 06 Matt Raison Matt has over 20 years’ experience in property development and project management. Matt has worked for property developers Peet on various master planned projects and Mirvac, where he was responsible for master planned communities and was Head of New Business (WA). During his time at Mirvac, Matt oversaw the acquisition and project establishment of a wide range of projects and played a key role in establishing Mirvac’s first residential development fund in Western Australia. In 2007 Matt established Generation Projects, a boutique project management and property development consultancy, involved in a wide range of residential, commercial, mixed use, retail and industrial projects. In 2012 Generation Projects joined with Modus Project Management to form GMPM Consulting, one of Perth’s leading project management and strategic advisory consultants in the property development industry. Most recently, Matt has been WA Commercial Lead for Johnsta , a national consultancy specialising in social infrastructure. 07 Jenny Samms Jenny holds roles across various institutions, including Monash University Council, SiS (Support information Strength) Tasmania’s advisory group,
We are delighted to announce David Fisher as the new CEO of Housing Choices Australia. Appointed in June, David's vast experience in the housing sector and his proven leadership across multiple countries brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to our organisation. His commitment to enhancing social impact and his dedication to growth and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission and vision. We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to the impactful contributions he will make in shaping the future of Housing Choices Australia. David has a career in the provision of property development delivery including urban renewal; public/private and joint venture partnerships; social and a ordable housing; and mixed tenure developments in the UK and Australia including large scale urban renewal programs in Glasgow and Manchester. As an experienced CEO with financial, governance and compliance experience, David has proven leadership abilities spanning di erent countries and jurisdictions. He has consistently worked for organisations seeking to increase their social impact through growth and expansion into new markets, improvements in operational e ectiveness and developing new models of service. David is currently on the Board of the Suburban Land Agency ACT, the Chair of Homelessness NSW and former President of NSW Council of Social Services.
and Victoria’s Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness governance structures.
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Annual Report 2022-23
Meetings of Directors Board of Directors Eligible
Attended
Heather McCallum (Chair)
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Fabienne Michaux
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David Lantzke
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Drew Beswick
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Chris Leishman
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Matt Raison
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Amanda Heyworth
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Michael Lennon
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Sean Nunan
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1
Jenny Samms
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Board Committees
Audit, Assurance and Risk (AARC)
Eligible
Attended
Heather McCallum (Chair)
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5
Fabienne Michaux
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Chris Leishman
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Matt Raison
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5
Amanda Heyworth
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Michael Lennon
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Sean Nunan
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Governance, Appointments and Remuneration (GARC)
Eligible
Attended
Heather McCallum (Chair)
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David Lantzke
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Drew Beswick
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Michael Lennon
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Jenny Samms
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Smoking ceremony at Nightingale Bowden, Adelaide.
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Our pathway to reconciliation
Housing Choices commenced its reconciliation journey in May 2021 with the formation of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee. In September 2021, our Reflect RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and we commenced working in earnest to embed reconciliation into our day-to-day work.
Two years on, Housing Choices is pleased to announce that we are working with Reconciliation Australia on the endorsement of our Innovate RAP. Through our Innovate RAP Housing Choices has made a commitment to building on the foundations of our Reflect RAP and delivering actions to achieve a more equitable society for First Nations people. Already our RAP journey has enabled sta right across the organisation to engage in opportunities and activities to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, belief systems, truth telling and acknowledgement. We have developed new ways to engage with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and developed or deepened relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal-owned businesses. Since the launch of our Reflect RAP, the RAP Committee has actioned a range of deliverables and our Innovate RAP will further these commitments to develop, test and embed our approach to reconciliation. We have marked and celebrated significant First Nations’ milestones including Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC, National Sorry Day, and Mabo Day and provided our sta across the nation with the choice to continue to work or to celebrate the 26th January public holiday in a way that they feel comfortable. During National Reconciliation Week RAP members led and attended a range of local events, including marches, cultural walks, and film viewings. All our sta heard from a range of passionate and informative speakers across the country who spoke about the need for a First Nations Voice to Parliament and encouraged us all to think about how our vote might bring about positive change.
During NAIDOC Week RAP members and sta attended events including concerts, art shows and marches, while marketing materials and information were shared with sta across the organisation. True to one of Housing Choices’ core values of having residents at the centre of our work, residents were invited to get involved in all activities via social media posts and through resident newsletters. They joined us in a range of activities held across the states, including in South Australia, where more than 30 residents attended a basket weaving workshop with Marra Dreaming during NAIDOC Week. First Nations residents shared their stories via Housing Choices platforms and First Nations residents’ artworks were purchased for local o ces and imagery was used throughout communications. Practical solutions to Closing the Gap around employment-related targets were shared when sta joined First Nations corporate leaders and entrepreneurs for the 2023 First Nations Employment and Leadership Forum. The event explored ways to create a safe, supportive and engaging space for First Nations people and to deepen understanding of First Nations culture. It looked at ways to build adaptable, cross-industry tools to improve recruitment and retention of First Nations sta . We are committed to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who work in or with our organisation, or who are seeking housing or living in Housing Choices’ homes, feel welcome and are confident that our services are culturally safe.
Painting by artist and Housing Choices WA Tenancy Assistant, Sarah Stack: “this represents my mother’s country, where she is from, her roots, the southwest. Sadly my mother has passed and I painted this piece as a tribute to her and her connection to her country and culture.” .
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Annual Report 2022-23
Housing Choices at a glance AS AT 30 JUNE, 2023
7,457 Total
12,352 People Housed
Properties *
1,846
1,122
34
2,267
Household Composition
2,188
63.1% SINGLE PERSON
SINGLE PARENT FAMILY 14.1%
COUPLE WITH CHILDREN 13.1%
COUPLE ONLY 6.4%
NOT STATED 3.3%
* Urban Choices Property and Catherine House are only included in total people housed and total property numbers
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Resident income by type:
92% Tenancies sustained
6.2%
13.5%
96% On-time urgent repairs
0.7%
79.6%
79.6% Statutory income
87% Complaints resolved <30 days
13.5% Combination of income types
6.2% Salary only
1.1% Rent arrears
0.7% Other income
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Annual Report 2022-23
National survey results for 2022/23
Each year Housing Choices engages independent consultants to survey resident satisfaction with our services. This year, we moved to using a national survey provider across all states and added further questions into the survey to better inform our services, and while the response rate dropped slightly, it was still high at 35.2% Housing Choices consistently achieves results exceeding the industry benchmark of 75%, and this year was no exception with an overall satisfaction rate of 84%. The results of the survey are a critical part of our resident feedback framework that informs our business decisions from what services we provide, to how we interact with residents on a day-to-day basis. From the survey results, we identify where we can improve our service delivery, and develop action plans that are guided by our Resident Committees in each state. Housing Choices would like to thank all residents who took the time to respond to the survey and those residents who are part of local focus groups for making sure that we are transparent and responsive to our residents' views.
84%
83%
Resident satisfaction with Housing Choices upholding their rights and responsibilities with our services.
Overall resident satisfaction with our services.
88%
86%
Resident satisfaction with the suitability of their home.
Resident satisfaction with the safety of their home.
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Creating pathways for residents
Painting by Bill Cox
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Annual Report 2022-23
Operations overview
Natalie Sangalli ACTING CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
A wonderful example of connection has been the new Housing Choices ‘Wauwi Inparrila’ community space in the Adelaide CBD launched in June, following a community-led, co-design process with Housing Choices residents but embraced by the entire neighbourhood surrounding Light Square in Adelaide’s CBD. There have been so many other occasions and programs throughout the year, from community winter feasts and food donation drives in Tasmania to amazing tenant art shows in WA and joyous post-COVID resident events and celebrations in Victoria. For our Housing Choices sta , the work we do connects us to positive social outcomes and being able to influence housing policy at a local, state and national level – all of which we hope constitutes a pathway to a better housing system. One program tackling homelessness at the grass roots level is our Djuripiny Mia Program in Western Australia, where Housing Choices has been funded to be at the forefront of solving homelessness in the state, providing 100 homes for people experiencing chronic rough sleeping. In South Australia, Catherine House continues to be stalwart in e orts to provide respite for women and children escaping family and domestic violence, with dedicated sta running a fundraising program that continues to inspire the community to give generously. The pursuit of many of our initiatives can be attributed to our former Chief Operating O cer, Roberta Buchanan, a passionate advocate for resident-centred services at Housing Choices for the past nine years. We are grateful to Roberta for her significant contribution and look forward to advancing and elevating our resident voice to new heights in the year ahead.
The Greek philosopher Socrates said that nature has given us two ears, two eyes, but one tongue—so that we should hear and see more than we speak, and this year at Housing Choices we have been focused on a more structured approach to listening and responding to what our residents are saying they want from our services. After operating in a COVID environment for the past three years, we are now in a position to turn our attention back to embedding resident voices in our service design and delivery, including the development of a feedback framework, a review of our Complaints Management System and processes and an integrated national approach to resident surveys.
“Looking back over the many inspiring resident stories and projects of the past year, the theme of ‘pathways’ emerged for this Annual Report.”
Safe and secure housing is a pathway to so many positive outcomes: we have seen residents leaning into education and new employment; getting involved in activities that promote better physical and mental health and connecting in a whole range of ways with their community.
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Welcome space for the community
“Building houses is not enough, we need to build community” were the powerful words spoken by Adelaide City Councillor Janet Giles at the opening of a bright new community space in Housing Choices South Australia Common Ground building in Adelaide CBD. During the o cial opening of our new community space, attended by the Housing Choices team, Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax Smith, councillors and Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood MP, a range of speakers took the floor including Maureen and Naomi from Spirit in Unity, who conducted a smoking ceremony and performed an original song as part of their Welcome to Country.
Named ‘Wauwi Inparrila’ the multi-purpose space was made possible through an O ce for Ageing Well SA Health Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant, as well as mentoring support from The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) with community art engagement facilitated by Claire Harris of The Art Bus. ‘Wauwi’ was the wife of Kadlitpina, a prominent Kaurna Elder who worked with the early colonists and ‘Inparrila’ is the Kaurna word for ‘meeting place’ - a name that honours the truth, history and hopes for the space.
Around the country South Australia
Many initiatives were delivered by Housing Choices South Australia over the past year as part of our housing programs in collaboration with partners and following community-led, co-design processes with residents. Highlights included Neighbourhood Day, NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week activities, our resident-led mobile bu et breakfast and the launch of our new sustainable and a ordable housing in Bowden.
Nightingale Bowden, Adelaide
Housing Choices Board members on-site with SA Premier, Peter Malinauskas, Nightingale Housing, Renewal SA.
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Annual Report 2022-23
SA resident Keith with Maureen from Spirit in Unity
DJ Erin pictured with SA resident Rebeccah
Good neighbours make good connections
Neighbour Day was marked with events in Marden and the Mellor St community space thanks to the SA Inclusive Communities team. Neighbour Day is Australia's annual celebration of community and the 2023 theme was to ‘create belonging’. It was a nice reminder that it can take time and e ort to create a sense of belonging in our community. Over the past year, our plant-filled space in the Spence on Light building has been transformed once a week into a community café of sorts, thanks to two of the building’s residents – Michael and Kenneth. For Michael and Kenneth, community and connection make life worth living. When they moved into the high-density Spence on Light building as private owners in 2022, they felt there was a lack of community connection amongst the residents.
Spence on Light is home to people from all walks of life, with some apartments privately owned, some with services provided by ACH Group and others managed by Housing Choices South Australia. Using a single power point, a tap and a load of leftover bread, Michael and Kenneth set up a mobile breakfast bu et of French Toast – with an open invite to the local community. From 16 people at the first Sunday brunch to more than 500 attendees in eight months, the weekly pop-up eatery has become affectionately known as the ‘vertical village’.
SA residents Michael and Kenneth serve community brunch
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Catherine House Celebrates 35 years In May, Catherine House celebrated its 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre with 530 guests. The largest fundraising event Catherine House has held, it was a wonderful opportunity to honour the journey of so many women who have so bravely walked through our doors throughout that time. Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas MP and Foreign A airs Minister, Penny Wong attended and gave their thanks for all the work done to support women experiencing homelessness. Hundreds of generous individuals and businesses made this night possible, through corporate sponsorship, donating items to the auction and rae, or volunteering their time and services. The Gala Dinner raised an incredible $288,000 – all of which directly supports the Catherine House Crisis Accommodation Service, which is currently facing record demand.
Sandra’s voice of experience
About Catherine House Catherine House joined the Housing Choices group in 2021, combining decades of experience transitioning women out of homelessness to a life of recovery, stability, and independence with access to a national, not-for-profit community housing provider, that could assist with long-term housing. Sandra is one of the women who has benefited from this merger. Following a stay at Catherine House, Sandra was able to secure a stable, long-term home through Housing Choices.
Housing Choices resident Sandra lives with her cat Savannah in a cheerfully decorated apartment overlooking the Adelaide CBD.
Sandra experienced homelessness and was supported by crisis accommodation service Catherine House. “I count my blessings that I was accepted into Catherine House. The support and guidance o ered at a very vulnerable time was immensely appreciated. I made some dear friends whilst with them and felt supported in everything I needed and wanted to achieve,” Sandra said. Sandra then found her ‘forever home’ with Housing Choices, a brand-new apartment close to all the things she holds dear – including her son, grandchildren and the close-knit community she has built through her connections to both Housing Choices and Catherine House. Sandra is now giving back in a unique way – having spent the past six months drawing on her lived experience of homelessness as a member of the South Australian Government’s Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.
Sandra is part of a diverse group of women with lived experience, expertise, networks and community to create meaningful change. They are using their own personal insights with homelessness to co-design an action plan and innovative recommendations to address this concerning issue. Final recommendations are expected to be completed in the next few months. “We all have the same goal in mind and that’s getting to the crux of the issues that aren’t working,” she said. “I’ve seen so much progress in our Taskforce meetings. It’s exhilarating to know we can actually make a difference.”
Federal Foreign A airs Minister, Penny Wong
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Annual Report 2022-23
Federal funding news In 2022, we secured financing via the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC), allowing us to substantially increase our housing supply to Tasmanians locked out of home ownership and private rental. At our new development site in Shorewell Park, we were joined by NHFIC CEO Nathan Dal Bon, Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins and key stakeholders for the announcement of $33 million in financing to help us deliver up to 181 new social homes in Tasmania. The loan supported Housing Choices Tasmania’s contribution to the Tasmanian Government’s Community Housing Growth Program – New Social Housing Supply program (CHGP), target to construct 1500 social housing dwellings by the end of 2023.
Under this program, the state government is also making a significant funding contribution to assist in delivering the growth agenda. The tripartite agreement, covering projects worth approximately $60 million, will increase the supply of much needed social housing. NHFIC is providing up to $31 million in loans and $1.92 million in infrastructure grants. Under the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) $8 million of the funding will support services infrastructure across eight development sites.
(L to R) Michael Lennon, Federal Minister for Housing, Julie Collins, Housing Choices Tasmania GM, Kim Bomford and NHFIC CEO, Nathan Dal Bon
From launching two new social and a ordable developments across Tasmania with Hobartian and Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, the Honorable Julie Collins, to raising awareness around child poverty through community events, it has been another busy year for the Housing Choices Tasmania team. Importantly, Housing Choices Tasmania was one of the key stakeholders in developing a new Tasmanian Housing Strategy via the Tasmanian Minister’s Housing Reference Group. The exposure draft sets the housing agenda for the next 20 years, aiming to develop a housing system across the state that is a ordable, responsive to the needs of the communities and provides safe, secure and a ordable housing for all Tasmanians. Around the country Tasmania
Tasmanian Housing Minister, Guy Barnett with resident Marko
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Housing Choices Australia Group
Growing our portfolio Minister Collins joined us in August 2022 to o cially launch the Marys Hope Rd project in Rosetta just outside of Hobart. Completed during COVID, it was a belated celebration of a joint project between Housing Choices Tasmania and the Federal Department of Social Services. Joined by residents, the Minister planted a native tree in the communal garden at the property that provides a place to call home for 26 households unable to access private rental or homeownership, including people experiencing a range of complex needs and those living with disability. Designed by Starbox Architecture with Oliver Kelly construction, the homes, which overlook the Derwent River and Mt Direction were made possible through a federal grant under the Hobart City Deals with investment by Housing Choices Tasmania.
Wendy reads a story to Quade at the Anti-Poverty Week event at the Burnie Child and Learning Centre
(L to R) Housing Choices Tasmania GM, Kim Bomford, Housing O cer, Karen Marshall and Managing Director, Michael Lennon
Big table. Big hearts. In October 2022, we marked Anti-Poverty Week with a series of sta and community events. The week kicked o with sta signing a pledge to support the theme of ‘join our call to halve child poverty by 2030’ while community activities began with ‘Story Time’ morning tea at the Burnie Child and Family Centre. Giveaways included free reusable school lunchboxes filled with fruit and nutritious treats and healthy, a ordable lunchbox ideas. Throughout Anti-Poverty Week we co-hosted the annual The Big Table Community Lunch with our longstanding partners East Devonport Neighbourhood House. Over 90 lunches were served at the event which was attended by residents, sta , volunteers and local support services. Housing Choices residents were among 100 families who attended the Ulverstone Neighbourhood House ‘Block Party’ with a pop-up opshop, facepainting and barbeque, while a second community barbeque with the Wedge Street Community House and partners (Save the Children, Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation and Vinnies) wrapped up the week.
State Summit returns Following a long stretch of COVID lockdowns and limited travel, we were able to meet our colleagues from across the state and nation and get inspired about the future of housing as part of our 2022 Tasmanian Sta Summit. Held at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport, sta from our three Tasmanian o ces - Shorewell, Devonport and Hobart - got together with former Managing Director Michael Lennon, who shared some of the big national initiatives underway, and Tasmanian General Manager Kim Bomford, who took the opportunity to celebrate recent achievements and highlight the state’s priorities and goals. Housing Choices Strategic Communications GM, Emma Duncan spoke about the importance of communications in connecting with residents and sta , while Information Technology GM, Fang Stevenson, shared some of the innovative projects underway.
Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins at Rosetta launch
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Annual Report 2022-23
Josh spurred on by next steps
Sixteen-year-old Army Cadet, Josh, lives in a Housing Choices property in Southern Tasmania, with his dad Julian. When a brand-new unit became available after a period of housing insecurity, they jumped at the opportunity.
Their home tells the tale of their strong military history. Josh’s grandfather and dad were both members of the Australian Army, as well as 15 other family members who served in World War One. When Josh finishes school, he hopes to continue the family legacy and join the Australian Army as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic or Infantryman. He’s taking part in a course at his local college which focuses on restoring vehicles for students to use once they get their P plates. Housing Choices Tasmania has supported Josh to take part in the course through the Next Steps Incentive by supplying essential tools. The positive e ects go beyond the practical skills learnt said his dad, Julian: “Joshua’s health and wellbeing is at its best when he has structure and is kept busy and engaged. The college provides smaller classes, with one-on-one support. To enjoy his time as a student this is really important… It will keep him engaged in learning.
“I hope other families know about this program, so that they can get this support too.”
The Next Steps Incentive is o ered to Housing Choices Tasmania residents aged between 15 and 25 and assists young residents taking the next steps in their lives by providing support for further education or training to build job skills. Up to $1000 is available for out-of-pocket expenses such as uniforms, equipment, textbooks, tutoring or extra learning activities. In 2022-23, Josh was one of five residents selected to participate in the Next Steps Incentive, with support ranging from an iPad with assistive technology to laptops for university study.
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Housing Choices Australia Group
First Big Housing Build complete We celebrated a range of development milestones in collaboration with partners as part of the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build. In Preston, Victorian Minister for Housing, Colin Brooks MP, had a sneak peak of our Big Housing Build residential development comprising of 39 apartments. Accompanied by local member Nathan Lambert MP and Housing Choices’ Chief Commercial O cer Brian Motz, the Minister was impressed by the generously sized, light-filled apartments, graced with great views of gumtrees, the city and downtown Preston. Designed by award-winning architects, Six Degrees, the development is the product of a unique cross-sectoral partnership with Homes Victoria, Darebin City Council, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and service provider, Thorne Harbour Health.
Around the country Victoria
With new opportunities for residents to participate and be heard, innovative cross collaborations with a range of exceptional partners and the ability to meet face-to-face following COVID lockdowns, it was another very successful year for the Victorian Housing Choices team. As well as developing properties, celebrating milestones and fostering community, we also explored ideas around social housing with our flagship sector event, the Oswald Barnett Oration. Staff celebrate together For the first time since 2019, 90 Victorian Housing Choices sta were able to get together for the annual State Summit - and the energy in the room was palpable! Located at Melbourne City Bowling Club in the gorgeous Flagsta Gardens and opposite our QVM development, the event was led by Victorian General Manager Melissa Palframan. Melissa shared inspiring examples of how Housing Choices had positively impacted residents’ lives during a highly challenging year, and touching reflections from sta about why they came to work - emphasising the e orts of all sta in achieving positive outcomes for residents. Former Managing Director Michael Lennon thanked sta for their commitment and resilience in helping so many residents into safe, secure and a ordable housing, despite the challenges of COVID. General Manager of Property Development, James Henry, spoke about the impressive pipeline of new properties the organisation has achieved and is working toward. Deb Pask, Housing Team Leader, was recognised for her incredible 20-year career with Housing Choices. Deb said she continues to be inspired and motivated by the residents she meets and the colleagues she works alongside.
Victorian sta enjoying the annual State Summit in Flagsta Gardens.
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Annual Report 2022-23
Design for women, by women. Celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) and encouraging all women to participate in the design and delivery of architecture and housing was the focus of the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects IWD Victorian Chapter Breakfast held at the State Library in Melbourne. Housing Choices Acting Chief Operating O cer at the time, Julie Duncan, was a panellist at the event and spoke to the crucial importance of applying a gender lens to the provision of social and a ordable housing. Julie joined an impressive line-up of architectural professionals including Jocelyn Chiew, Director City Design for City of Melbourne, Kerstin Thompson, Director and Principal of Kerstin Thompson Architects and Hilary Du of Kennedy Nolan Architects.
Housing Choices Acting COO Julie Duncan at the International Women's Day event.
Resident party cheer In December 2022, we held our annual resident Christmas party for the first time following COVID-19 lockdowns. More than 250 residents from across Victoria made their way to the Drill Hall in Melbourne’s CBD for the lunch. MCed by Rockwiz’s Brian Nankervis, Housing Choices sta and residents were joined by Lord Mayor of City of Melbourne Sally Capp and Housing Choices Deputy Chair Fabienne Michaux. The afternoon featured the Good Neighbour Awards presentation, music by Angela Grasso and Christmas Carols from the talented Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir. Plenty of pictures were taken in the photo booth, while children enjoyed circus workshops before Santa distributed presents. It was wonderful to have so many of our resident community under one roof. The celebration was made possible thanks to a working group of Housing Choices sta and a member of Victoria’s Resident Advisory Committee, who put months of planning into making the event a success.
Housing Choices sta Bonnie-Lea Plumridge, Kathleen Close and Mona Chatskin helped ensure the Christmas party went o without a hitch.
Santa made an appearance at the resident Christmas party
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Housing Choices Australia Group
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