Our Regional Support Services

Our aim is to assist the most vulnerable within our community to improve their lifestyle by provided quality, compassionate support services which empower our customers. Empowering our communities so they can make choices, provide opportunities for communities.

Housing, wellbeing and financial crisis supports

Regional Housing manages a range of support services with a common aim to assist customers experiencing housing, wellbeing and financial crisis. Support is accessed through the provision of general information and individual, flexible and holistic assessment of need to assist identifying personal strengths, barriers, and potential referral pathways while working towards achieving personal goals and improved whole of life outcomes.

In the event we may not be the most appropriate service to meet your needs, our skilled and professional staff will work with you to identify alternative supports pathway and connect you with services through the referral process that works best for you.

Current State and Federally Funded programs managed by Regional Housing include Emergency Relief, Financial Counselling, Specialist Homelessness Services, Intensive Case Management Support and Home Assist Secure.

All support services are free and confidential to access.

We welcome customer self-referrals as well as external agency or service referrals. Referrals can be made by presenting in person to one of our offices or through contact via phone, email, or website.

As a Child Safe Organisation, Regional Housing is committed to upholding and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people accessing our services.

If you would like to know more about our support services, and how we can assist you meet your personal needs, please contact our office to speak to our front-line staff members who will provide more in-depth information regarding specific program eligibility criteria and capacity for service appointment timeframes.

Our Financial Support Services

Financial counselling

Financial counselling helps eligible people address their financial problems through the provision of information, advocacy and/or negotiation on behalf of the customer. It also aims to help people build longer term budgeting capabilities, better manage their money and make informed financial decisions. Eligibility is restricted to people unable to pay their bills or at imminent risk of not being able to do so.

Emergency relief

Emergency relief may be able to assist you if you are unable to pay your bills or are at imminent risk of not being able to do so.

Assistance can range from advice and referral to appropriate services through to financial assistance including supermarket and petrol vouchers. Individual circumstances are considered at the time of your appointment.

Our Wellbeing Support Services

Housing and homelessness support

This service aims to assist households or individuals to obtain or maintain housing and encourage capacity for self-resilience, independence and community connection. The program also provides case management support to individuals or families residing in Regional Housing’s crisis accommodation, with the ultimate goal of addressing preventative barriers and facilitating the transition to independent living.

Case management

We can provide intensive case management support to vulnerable individuals or households who have identified support needs, with no current co-ordinated support in place and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our primary focus is to support individuals to gain or sustain housing stability and improved whole of life outcomes. We also place emphasis on the importance of the household staying in the same home, to build upon connectedness to community and independence.

Mobile support

If you are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, the mobile support service offers advice, referral and support to overcome barriers such as housing, health, education, living skills, budgeting and relationships.

Home maintenance

Regional Housing can provide information, referrals and subsidised assistance to eligible people who are unable to undertake critical maintenance in their own homes, to help them remain living independently in their home.

Regional Housing is a Home Assist Secure Provider. 

Find a Home Assist Secure service

Door42 Youth Centre

The Door42 Youth Centre provides secure crisis accommodation and 24/7 support to young people who are at risk of, or are currently experiencing homelessness.

We are committed to our young people and their community. We foster a culture of ambition, self worth and resilience to help you be the best you can be, while assisting you to identify options and connecting you with support to overcome any barriers holding you back.

How we can help you

We offer safe and secure crisis accommodation for individual young people aged between 16 and 21 years.

Crisis and long term housing options are also available for young people with disability or young families aged between 16 and 25 years.

Our team will assist you in your search for long term, appropriate housing.

Youth Workers take time to understand your individual needs and circumstances while offering support to help you rebuild and take control of you life.

We will help you to build leadership skills and encourage you in your educational, career and life goals.

By teaching life skills we can assist you to be ready for successful independent living, fostering work readiness, employment, education and training.

Youth Workers offer intensive support where needed connecting you with specialist support providers.

What you need to know

  • You must be aged between 16 and 25 years to be eligible for support from Door42 Youth Centre.
  • You must be at immediate risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness.
  • There is a small charge for rent depending on your income.
  • You must be willing to engage with our Youth Workers and participate in Case Management.
  • Whilst a resident of the Door42 Youth Centre you must accept shelter instructions and procedures put in place for the safety and well being of all residents.

Contact Door42 Youth Centre

Address: 42 Taylor Street, Pialba QLD 4655
Phone: 1300 642 123
After Hours: 0412 699 087
Email: door42@regionalhousing.org.au

Queenslanders in need

Queenslanders in urgent need can get help from the department with:
• help to pay their rent, or
• emergency accommodation is available to those who do not have somewhere to live.

The Homeless Hotline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 474 753.

People in need of housing support and advice can contact the Department of Housing to find out what they are eligible for and how to apply. Housing advice and help is available on the website: qld.gov.au/housinghelp, or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Regards,
The Department of Housing

What does the support application process look like?

Our friendly team are here to help you every step of the way with your support application.

Step 1: Contact us

Contact the Regional Housing team to start your application process. You can use the contact form on this page, or one of the other ways of contacting us outlined on our Contact page.

Step 2: Meet with us

You might need to visit one of our offices in person to meet with one of our friendly team members. If you are visiting us for the first time and are unsure of what to expect, you can read our social stories to learn more.

Step 3: Discuss your needs

One of our Support Officers will speak with you to understand your individual needs and goals and see where we can assist you.

Step 4: Assistance

Based on your individual support needs, Regional Housing will either help you by providing support to you directly or we will assist you with the registration process to receive support through another provider.

Contact us for support assistance

Please submit the below form to contact our team. You can expect to hear from us within 24 hours.

Support contact form
What is your preferred method of communication?
What type of support are you looking for?

If your need is urgent, you can contact us on 0412 699 087.

If you’re feeling at risk, dial 000 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Support FAQs

The Regional Housing team have compiled a list of questions that we frequently get asked about our support services. 
Have a question that’s not listed here? Contact us and our friendly team will be able to help.

Yes! If you are having trouble paying your bills or you are at risk of not being able to pay your bills.

Yes, staff may request evidence of household income and bills, or what has impacted your ability to pay your bill.
If you are unable to provide requested information, please discuss this with staff to support your request.

Regional Housing does not manage a register or waitlist. Assessments completed via the Queensland Homeless Information Platform (QHIP) support identifying short term housing and support needs and potential referral pathways. An outcome of short-term housing cannot be guaranteed however the team can discuss case management support pathways to further assist.

To explore eligibility for social housing customers must complete a housing application with the Department of Housing.

Door42 Youth Centre FAQs

Unfortunately, you are not able to have a pet on site at the Door42 Youth Centre, however our staff can work with you to identify and support you in finding safe and stable options for your pet while you are participating in the program.

Any overnight stays are planned in consultation with your case manager to ensure that you are safe and that you are supported while you are not at Door42 Youth Centre.

Yes! This is a super important part of maintaining and building friendships and relationships and Door42 Youth Centre staff will support you as much as we can through case planning to ensure that your goals are identified and worked towards in this area.

At Door42 Youth Centre there is a small financial contribution required that is calculated based on your income. This contribution covers your food, water, electricity etc.

Emergency Accommodation short-term supported accommodation for a duration of identified need.
Crisis accommodation is not a long-term housing outcome.

Lauren Packer

Director

Lauren joined the board of directors at the beginning of 2024, and has a wealth of financial management accounting knowledge as a qualified CPA with over 20 years’ experience. Experienced in non-for-profit (local government) and commercial accounting roles, Lauren is a Senior Commercial Analyst for Townsville City Council and part owner of a national technology business GP One Consulting.
Lauren is passionate about ensuring that those that are less fortunate have a safe place to live in their community, and she is looking forward to an exciting new growth phase at RHL where our charity is looking at expanding the capacity of safe secure appropriate housing options for our clients.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
  • Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) 15+

Sue Camps

Director

Sue has joined the Regional Housing Limited (RHL) Board as a Director in 2023. Sue has been associated with RHL since 2001. During this time she has assisted and supported RHL to develop as an organisation. Sue was the founder and secretariat for the Wide Bay Burnett Housing Board of which RHL was a valued member. Sue was appointed to RHL’s Risk Management Committee from 2014 until 2018. Sue has a proven reputation for working to professional standards in high pressure work environments to achieve work priorities and meet deadlines, while also promoting and adopting a positive and balanced approach. Sue brings a broad range of proven skills and extensive history of successfully initiating, implementing, and delivering funded and non-funded programs and projects addressing a diverse range of issues in both the community and government sectors. Sue’s experience includes participating in numerous, diverse programs, capital and infrastructure projects, within mental health, housing, recreation, employment, seniors, and disability sectors, in urban and regional areas, and at both service provision and management levels.
Sue has watched RHL go from strength to strength while never losing sight of the importance of supporting their clients, community and staff. Sue is looking forward to moving into a new and exciting era as a director with RHL at a time when government and community are committed to ensuring better outcomes for people requiring a safe secure appropriate housing option.

  • Certificate IV Procurement
  • Master of Professional Studies (Project Management)
  • Train the Trainer Preparedness - Community Recovery
  • Train the Trainer Psychological First Aid – Community Recovery
  • Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements
  • PRINCE 2 Project Management
  • Diploma of Training and Assessment
  • Certificate IV Corporate Governance
  • Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Supervision
  • Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies

Jeremy Audas

Director

Jeremy has over 40 years’ experience working in human and community services within the state government and not for profit sector in Townsville where he has gained an appreciation of the importance of high-quality community based services in addressing the needs of people who find themselves in challenging circumstances. Of particular interest is how services can be effectively delivered in regional and rural Queensland. Based in Townsville, Jeremy joined the Board of Directors in October 2022 and is currently employed as Executive Manager North Qld for Richmond Fellowship Queensland. Previous Board experience includes:

  • Past president and life member of Townsville Community Law
  • Board Chair for the Townsville Intercultural Centre
  • Board member of the Qld Alliance for Mental Health
  • Independent Chair for the Townsville Headspace Consortium

Rahel Clarke

Director

Rahel joined the Board of Directors at the 2018 Annual General Meeting bringing extensive and invaluable legal experience to RHL. Her vision is for RHL to meet the needs of the community, particularly in relation to affordable housing, in a way which facilitates ongoing growth for the organisation. Rahel is the Principal Lawyer and owner of Miller Street Law and co-founder of the Generator which provides innovative ‘start-up’ services for small businesses. She also volunteers at the Taylor Street Community Legal Centre and is a qualified yoga instructor.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Master of Laws.

Grant Davies

Director

Grant’s journey with RHL began in 2015 when he joined as both an ordinary member and a member of RHL’s Planning and Development Committee. He was appointed to RHL’s Board of Directors in 2018 where his experience in the real estate and development sectors, negotiation skills and passion for community advocacy are welcome additions. Grant believes there is a growing need for social and affordable housing in our region and across the State, presenting opportunities for RHL to expand well into the future. As a Real Estate Agent with interests and experience in residential sub-division development, Grant is passionate about projects and services that benefit regional communities and assist them to grow. Grant is an advocate for sustainable development and understands both the social impacts of residential living design for end users and its impact on the environment.

  • Licenced Real Estate Agent
  • Active member of the Urban Developers Institute of Australia (UDIA)
  • Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade member (National Service Medal – 20 Years)
  • Chief Flying Instructor and President of the Bundaberg Gliding Club
  • Certificate IV in Graphic Design

Cheryl Barrett

Director

Cheryl joined RHL’s Board of Directors in June 2016 bringing approximately 30 years of experience from the community housing industry, Local and State Government and private business. Her knowledge of the housing and community sector combined with her skills in leadership and previous experience as Secretary for a not-for-profit board, makes Cheryl a valuable addition to the RHL team. Cheryl is passionate about ensuring that those less fortunate can access safe and affordable housing in their own community. Cheryl is currently working as the Chief Executive Officer of The Blue Network (Southern Cross Support Services), a group of companies in the community services sector. She is a skilled strategist and change manager with a strong focus on culture and people development and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders.

  • AICD Company Directors Course
  • Graduate Certificate of Social Science in Housing Management & Policy
  • Graduate Diploma Strategic Leadership
  • Diploma of Management
  • Diploma of Population Health
  • Ai Group Queensland State Advisory Group – Councilor

Brian Hayhurst

Director

Brian was appointed to RHL’s Board of Directors in March 2017. His vision is that all people have the opportunity to make choices that can create positive outcomes in their lives. He intends to use his skills to educate others and to support avenues that create opportunities to assist the disadvantaged. Brian brings a wealth of experience to RHL’s Board, having already served as a Director for three other not-for-profit organisations. He also understands the frontline challenges of community housing better than most, having previously worked as a Tenancy Manager for Bundaberg Housing Services Inc.

  • Bachelor of Social Work (MAASW)
  • Justice of the Peace Qualified
  • Authorised Mental Health Practitioner
  • Qualified Mental Health Instructor

Sandra Holebrook

Treasurer

Sandra is a business professional with over 25 years of commercial experience in business management, business development, and project management spanning the retail, distribution, wholesaling and manufacturing sectors. She has a track record of successfully deploying complex solutions and business change with an absolute focus on the realisation of tangible business benefits. She is a strategic thinker with effective implementation skills and understands the importance of stakeholder management. Holding a number of Board positions has provided Sandra with the opportunity to utilise her diverse portfolio of skills and experience at a governance level. Formerly the Secretary of Youthcare Hervey Bay Inc., Sandra joined RHL’s Board of Directors in October 2014 during the successful merger of Youthcare and RHL.

  • Qualified Chartered Accountant
  • Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management
  • Licensed Real Estate Agent

Jeffrey Kirchner

Secretary

Jeff previously served on RHL’s Board of Directors as Treasurer since its inception in 2009 to when he retired in 2018. After a 12-month break Jeff was reappointed to the Board in October 2019. Jeff’s vision for RHL is for organisational growth so that RHL will become a significant and efficient provider of housing services in the community.

  • Financial expertise
  • Experience working with State Government Departments
  • Bachelor of Business Accounting with Distinction
  • Certified Practising Accountant
  • Past Branch Chair and Treasurer of CPA Australia – Bundaberg

Benjamin Brown

Vice Chair

Ben was appointed as RHL’s first Youth Intern to the Board of Directors in September 2017, joined the Board as a Director in October 2018 and was elected as Vice Chairperson in May 2019. Ben brings to RHL a background in Project Management and Engineering specialising in residential and land development. He also has experience as a member of a regional University Council and committees. Ben is passionate about strategic planning and helping to further his local community.

  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons)
  • Member of Engineers Australia
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Chartered Engineer

Nathan Freeman

Chair

Nathan has been a member of RHL’s Planning and Development Committee since 2014 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in March 2017. Nathan brings to the Board his knowledge and skills as a qualified Town Planner along with a wealth of experience from his involvement in a number of not-for-profit organisations and committees within the greater Wide Bay community. Nathan’s vision for RHL is to see the organisation grow and expand sustainably while gaining a better understanding of the issues facing our youth, those who are socially disadvantaged and persons living with disability in our community.

  • Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning (Hons)
  • Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia
  • Member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia
  • Auxiliary Firefighter with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
  • Director of Across the Waves Group Limited

Cherie McLaughlin

Executive Manager North Queensland

Cherie joined RHL in 2022 as the Executive Manager NQ to oversee housing development and growth in the North Queensland region. Cherie has a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and almost 10 years’ experience working in the community services sector.

Cherie brings a strong background in office management, governance and system development and implementation. Cherie drives organisational success through developing and implementing effective solutions for the operational team. She embodies Regional Housing Limited’s values of fostering a collaborative and positive work culture to establish a high-performing team that strives for positive customer outcomes.

Hannah Scott

Chief Operations Officer

With an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management, Hannah has over 17 years experience working in the social and community housing sector, ten of those leading and managing teams. Hannah is well respected amongst her peers within community housing, and at a state and federal government level, including senior leaders and funding managers.

As Chief Operations Officer for Regional Housing Limited (RHL), Hannah epitomizes the adage of ‘leading by example’ and is shaping the operations of RHL to be progressive, innovative, individually-centered and importantly, customer outcome-focused. Hannah’s influence and knowledge across housing and support services, health and safety, asset management, compliance and risk, compels a culture of excellence through her leadership and guidance of a team of managers.

Hannah inspires the organisation to focus on customer outcomes at every level, operationally and strategically, and has been instrumental in bringing together other providers and service agencies to invoke change, address the cycle of homelessness and best utilise resources, both property and support based, for the betterment of our customers but also our communities throughout regional Queensland.

Renae Clayton

Chief Financial Officer

Renae is a qualified CPA with over 25 years’ experience in commercial, health, and not-for-profit accounting roles.

In her current role as the Chief Financial Officer for one of Queensland’s most respected and innovative community housing providers, Renae consistently balances strategic planning with the management of complex operational matters in order to ensure quality outcomes for the organisation, its clients and stakeholders.

Renae brings a varied and valuable skillset with specific experience in the areas of finance, asset management, quality management, governance and Information Technology, as well as a strong knowledge of government policy and processes.

With almost 10 years of experience in the community housing sector, Renae has developed a deep understanding of the complex operational requirements, and key strategic challenges faced by not-for-profits when delivering services and support to those most in need.

Brett Hanna

Chief Executive Officer

Commencing with the organisation in 2004, Brett has played an integral role in the restructure, development and growth of Regional Housing Limited into one of the leaders of Community Housing in Regional Queensland.

Brett has an extensive history in management roles in the construction and human services industries.

With a background of building, developing, and supervising large commercial developments on the Gold Coast, as well as managing resorts and asset maintenance companies, Brett’s distinctly different career paths have come together as the social housing sector has evolved in recent years.

Brett has worked for over 20 years in frontline homeless services in management roles in large youth organisations both on the Gold Coast and in Bundaberg.

He has a Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Housing Management & Policy) as well as a number of relevant certificate qualifications in management and community services fields.

Brett is also heavily involved in a number of regional, state, and national networks and has a vast history spanning over 25 years of volunteering his time to homelessness services.

Brett’s vision, ‘Every Person has a Home’, also became the vision for Regional Housing Limited. With Social Housing becoming much more commercially oriented, Brett is excited about the future direction for the sector and is looking forward to combining his development experience with his deep knowledge of housing & homelessness to result in quality housing outcomes for people in need.

Acknowledgement of Culture and Inclusivity

Our organisation is made up of many cultures, beliefs and abilities and we welcome yours.