Facing up to the challenge: Images of social housing people

How does one represent a professional association in a way that does not involve brochures, workshops or annual reports? The Australasian Housing Institute's travelling photographic exhibition is a collection of portraits of our members - housing professionals from around Australia and New Zealand – taken by Brisbane photographer Naomi Mawson. Developed in collaboration with graphic artist Philippa Lawrence, they seek to debunk the myth of ‘faceless bureaucrats’ by capturing the passion and individuality of volunteers, housing workers, public servants, academics and community builders.

“I help people to obtain a basic human right – shelter. I believe that social housing in western societies makes a huge difference to people’s quality of life. Access to subsidised rental housing improves their chances to achieve goals and aspirations for themselves and their family members.”

Yasmina Kovacevic, Acting Registrar, Housing Appeals Committee.

Member of the Australasian Housing Institute since September 2003.

“All people deserve the right to live in safe, clean and decent homes. Disadvantaged members of our communities need social housing infrastructure to be able to meaningfully participate in communities. Social housing organisations provide the glue that binds people and place to communities.”

George Housakos Chief Executive Officer, Kensington Management Company

Member of the Australasian Housing Institute since August 2006

"Without social housing, where would we be? For people in need, where would they be? What would they do? Where would they go? Housing is the bedrock of our society. It affects us all. The diversity of what we do in helping people in need together with the skills that we have demands that social housing is not only seen but also respected as a profession."

Roger Jameson, General Manager, SPM Applications Ltd

Member of the AHI since July 2002.