Facing up to the challenge: Images of social housing people

Simon Roy
Welfare Officer
Curtin University Student Guild

"A belief that access to housing for all as a fundamental human right, has underpinned an extensive social housing career both here in Australia and in the UK.

The delivery of social housing appears at face value to be a simple function, however in practice it requires the harnessing and implementation of skills from a myriad of fields.

This complexity and diversity drives my passion and fuels my interest for working in this arena. Which is fortunate, as I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!"

AHI Member since August 2004

Bronwyn Kitching
Executive Officer
Shelter WA

"After 20 years experience working with people who are struggling in the community, I firmly believe that affordable, appropriate, secure and well-located housing is the pre-requisite to wellbeing, and a fundamental necessity that determines the success of all other services.

To have a start in life, people need housing, and it is only from the base of suitable housing that a person can work on self improvement, participate in the community, achieve an education and contribute to society in all other ways, let alone overcome misfortune and disadvantage."

AHI Member since March 2008

Kaz Sternberg
CEO
Great Southern Community Housing Association

"Every working day for over 12 years, I have watched lives change for the people we give homes to. Through stability, support, respect, opportunities and understanding of a new way forward. Through social and community inclusion, acceptance and a sense of ownership and pride.

The provision of community housing can be one of the most transformative events in someone’s life. We are privileged to be part of that, which in turn enriches our own lives."

AHI Member since October 2001

Miles Hennighan
Assets & Property Services Manager
Access Housing Australia Ltd

"Having been fortunate enough to have worked within the social housing sector since 1991 in England, New Zealand and Australia, I know that my job does make a difference to both individuals and their neighbourhoods.

The work is always challenging but it is always exciting to be part of new innovation and housing management techniques that create safer and more sustainable communities for the future."

AHI Member since January 2010

G Marque Raymond
Principal Policy Officer – Access & Demand, Housing System Reform, Strategy & Policy
Department of Housing WA

"Social housing provides for those who are often forgotten or absent from our thinking about what makes up our society, our various communities of location, of identity, of thought.

Working to improve the availability of social housing and the situation of people and families who live in social housing is rewarding for me, rewarding to those who receive, and most importantly, rewarding to those communities and our society that would be blighted without it."

AHI Member since February 2008

Kendle Smith
A/Manager Housing Services – Albany
Department of Housing WA

"Every day I go to work is an opportunity for me to help at least one person. My work goes far beyond finding someone a house or supporting them in one they already have; every day I provide advice and assistance to people who don’t know who else they can turn to. I meet lots of people who just needed a little help; this is why I love my work in social housing."

AHI Member since November 2009

Tina Merry
Chief Operating Officer
Foundation Housing Ltd

"I am continually inspired by the people I work with – their creativity and tenacity is amazing. Each project we undertake brings together people with diverse skills and experience, who collectively find solutions to problems which sometimes seem insurmountable.

Each house which is built provides a safe place from which people, who often have faced unbelievable hardships, draw on their strengths and resources to build a better future."

AHI Member since May 2010

Anthony Rizzacasa
Development Manager
Access Housing Australia Ltd

"The reasons I do what I do is because it’s my life’s mission. I have a sense of knowing that good development can improve people lives, respects the ecology of our planet and encourages thriving economies & communities. My mission stems from my youth, growing up in public housing I had a perception of missing out, a void. This perception is the driver that makes me love what I do every day. Little did I realise that I was given everything I need to fulfil my mission. It is because of my experiences as a youth, that I am grateful to be able to fulfil my mission on this planet, that is, to fundamentally make a difference in people’s lives, and provide them with one of the necessities of life – shelter."

AHI Member since January 2010

Anna Paris
Executive Manager
Ruah Community Services

"I am really keen to see collaborative and innovative partnerships between social housing providers and community services organisations increase. I believe this is critical, as social housing plays an increasing role in housing men, women and children who experience great disadvantage in our community. It’s through this symbiotic relationship that we can continue to improve shared responses to ensure sustainable housing and lives for people; and help create and connect people to places where they feel valued and included. I think this can start with simple steps… making a commitment to take the time to build relationships with each other, then seeing what is possible…"

AHI Member since April 2010

Sheila Shenton
NRAS Coordinator
Foundation Housing Ltd

"Over the past 20 years I have seen many changes to policies and practices; however the problems many tenants face remain the same. I enjoy working within housing as it gives me a feeling of giving back to the community.

I am currently involved with managing the National Rental Affordability Scheme for Foundation Housing which gives a different view to managing properties and working with tenants and owners."

Richard Newman
Manager
Department of Housing WA

"I love to work as a social housing professional.

My colleagues are hardworking and committed to helping people make positive changes in their lives. Our work is important, albeit occasionally unappreciated.

We are most fortunate to have supporting us an inspired and committed professional association, the Australasian Housing Institute.

AHI Member since October 2007

Jane McGran
Office Manager
Foundation Housing Ltd

"I’ve been working in NFP’s for nearly 20 years and found Foundation Housing delivers on affordable housing promises – the work is very rewarding and the team is great fun too!"

AHI Member since May 2010

Carol Wilson
Administration / Reception
Foundation Housing Ltd

"Working for an organisation that makes a difference to people’s lives is so rewarding. Seeing the development of families who live in community housing makes it all worthwhile."

AHI Member since September 2010

Mary Shivnan
Personal Assistant to CEO
Foundation Housing Ltd

"Foundation Housing’s motto, “Our house your home”, encapsulates the very basic human need to have a place to call home.

I am proud to work alongside my colleagues who every day strive to turn this dream for some in the present into a reality for them in the future."

AHI Member since May 2010

Leah Vanlith
Foundation Housing Ltd

Mira Papic
Foundation Housing Ltd

Jeff Logan
Foundation Housing Ltd

Peter Hamer
Foundation Housing Ltd

Hans Gerritson
Foundation Housing Ltd

Shane Edmonds
Department of Housing WA