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Be Safe with Your Batteries
Regional Housing
December 23, 2025

What Are Lithium-ion Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that store more energy in less space than traditional batteries. They are lightweight, compact and commonly used in everyday household items like;

  • E-scooters, e-bikes, vapes
  • Mobile phones, laptops, tablets
  • Power tools, cordless vacuum cleaners and other rechargeable appliances

How To Recognise Them?

They come in a range of shapes and sizes, including cylindrical or brick-shaped and are usually labelled with terms such as “lithium-ion”, “Li-ion”, “Li-po”, “lithium-polymer” or “Li+”.

With the festive season upon us and an increase in lithium-ion batteries being in toys and new household items, the chances of battery fires increase. It’s important you can recognise and manage your batteries safely within your home.

Lithium-ion battery safety tips:

  • Only use the charger supplied with the device or a manufacturer-approved charger
  • Do not charge devices overnight or when you are away from home
  • Keep batteries and charging devices away from flammable materials such as bedding, clothing and curtains
  • Avoid charging devices on beds, lounges or soft furnishings
  • Stop using the device if the battery becomes hot, swollen, damaged or emits a burning smell
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight
  • Never place lithium-ion batteries in household rubbish or recycling bins

How to dispose of my battery safely?

Lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of safely at approved battery recycling or drop-off locations. Many local councils, supermarkets and waste facilities offer battery recycling services. Improper disposal can cause fires in homes, rubbish trucks and waste facilities.

For more information on how to dispose of damaged and undamaged lithium-ion batteries, and to learn more about how to live safely with these batteries, check out the Queensland Fire Department website:

Lithium-ion battery safety | Queensland Fire Department

SOURCE: www.fire.qld.gov.au/safety-education/battery-and-charging-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety

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Amelia Pallpratt

Executive Manager SQ

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With more than a decade of senior experience in the community housing sector, Amelia brings deep sector insight and a disciplined approach to performance, governance and operational accountability. She ensures organisational strategy is translated into clear direction, strong oversight and consistent service delivery across geographically dispersed teams.

Recognised for her pragmatic and outcomes-focused leadership, Amelia strengthens organisational capability through clear direction, sound governance and disciplined oversight. She fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring services remain sustainable, credible and responsive to community needs.

Amelia works closely with government and sector partners to advance housing priorities and reinforce Regional Housing’s reputation as a trusted, high-performing provider. She remains committed to delivering sustainable housing solutions that create lasting impact for customers and communities throughout regional Queensland.

Rowan Wallace

Director

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Rowan brings more than 21 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and former Partner of a Chartered Accountancy and business advisory firm. He has extensive experience consulting to for-purpose entities, with particular expertise in strategic planning and Board governance.

Before joining the Board, Rowan provided advisory support to Regional Housing Ltd, contributing to several key strategic initiatives. He has a strong interest in developing sustainable models of affordable and social housing to ensure every family has a home.

Peter McCann

Executive Manager NQ

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Peter McCann is an accomplished Executive Manager with over 20 years of experience in the property and automotive industry. He is new to the Community Housing sector but brings a commitment to providing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for low-income families, individuals, and vulnerable communities. Peter holds a Diploma of Business Management to complement his extensive experience in managing people and processes. His strategic vision will be instrumental in expanding Regional Housing’s portfolio, securing funding partnerships, and implementing innovative support programs that enhance tenant well-being and community engagement. His local network and knowledge of the Townsville and North Queensland region is built around long-term relationships across all sectors of the community.

Throughout his career, Peter has demonstrated a strong passion for social justice, and this will benefit the Executive Management Team into the future . He actively collaborates with government agencies, nonprofit organisations, and community stakeholders to advocate for policy changes and initiatives that address homelessness and improve housing accessibility.

His leadership style fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and solution-oriented environment that empowers his team and the communities they serve. Outside of work, Peter is a qualified state volleyball coach and serves on the Board of the Catholic Diocesan Council in Townsville and surrounding regions . He is dedicated to creating lasting positive impacts in the lives of individuals and families through sustainable housing and supportive services.

James Waters

Chief Financial Officer

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James is currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Regional Housing, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role with an extensive career as a financial and executive leader in both the not-for-profit and public healthcare sectors.

James was the Chief Financial Officer at a prominent not-for-profit private hospital in Bundaberg for many years, followed by a role in the public healthcare sector as a Business Partner for Corporate Services. This diverse experience highlights his versatile skill set, particularly in budgeting, financial reporting, data analytics, and management reporting. A career highlight for James includes financial planning and modelling for a $25 million capital development and healthcare contract negotiations that have brought vital clinical specialties to the region. He is committed to enhancing financial operations across various sectors.

James holds a Bachelor of Business Degree with a major in Accounting and is a Fellow CPA (CPA Australia) and a Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ). His professional journey is marked by a dedication to financial excellence and a passion for supporting the community through his work in the not-for-profit sector.

Lauren Packer

Treasurer

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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 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 Regional Housing where our charity is looking at expanding the capacity of safe secure appropriate housing options for our customers.

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

Sue Camps

Director

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Sue joined the Regional Housing Board as a Director in 2023. Sue has been associated with Regional Housing since 2001. During this time, she has assisted and supported Regional Housing to develop as an organisation. Sue was the founder and secretariat for the Wide Bay Burnett Housing Board of which Regional Housing was a valued member. Sue was appointed to Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing 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 Regional Housing 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

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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

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Rahel joined the Board of Directors at the 2018 Annual General Meeting bringing extensive and invaluable legal experience to Regional Housing. Her vision is for Regional Housing to meet the needs of the community, particularly in relation to affordable housing, in a way which facilitates ongoing growth for the organisation. Rahel founded Miller Street Law and was the Principal Lawyer for eight years.  Additionally, Rahel was the co-founder of the Generator which provides innovative ‘start-up’ services for small businesses. She also volunteered 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

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Grant’s journey with Regional Housing began in 2015 when he joined as both an ordinary member and a member of Regional Housing’s Planning and Development Committee. He was appointed to Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing 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

Secretary

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Cheryl joined Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing team. Cheryl is passionate about ensuring 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

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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

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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

Chair

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Jeff previously served on Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing is for organisational growth so that Regional Housing 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

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Ben was appointed as Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing 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

Director

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Nathan has been a member of Regional Housing’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 Regional Housing 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

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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

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As the Chief Operations Officer for Regional Housing, Hannah exemplifies the principle of ‘leading by example.’ She is transforming Regional Housing’s operations to be progressive, innovative, individually centred, and, most importantly, focused on customer outcomes. Her extensive knowledge and influence across housing and support services, health and safety, asset management, compliance, and risk management foster a culture of excellence through her leadership and guidance.

Hannah holds an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management and brings over 17 years of experience in the social and community housing sector, including a decade of leading and managing teams. She is highly respected among her peers in community housing and at both state and federal government levels, including senior leaders and funding managers.

Hannah inspires the organisation to prioritise customer outcomes at every level, both operationally and strategically. She has been instrumental in uniting other providers and service agencies to drive change, address the cycle of homelessness, and optimise the use of resources—both property and support-based—for the benefit of our customers and communities throughout regional Queensland.

Renae Clayton

Chief Financial Officer

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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

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Commencing with the organisation in 2004, Brett has played an integral role in the restructure, development and growth of Regional Housing 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. 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.

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Acknowledgement of Culture and Inclusivity

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