About Regional Housing

Regional Housing is a not-for-profit company managing emergency, transitional and long term social housing as well as a range of complimentary support programs throughout the Central and Northern Queensland Regions.

Our Vision

‘Every person has a home.’

Our Mission

Regional Housing develops, manages and facilitates housing and support for people in need with a range of communities and partners.

Our Values

Every person is unique and of equal value and has the right to be treated with understanding, dignity and respect.

Every person will have a fair share of opportunities and resources and be treated fairly and equitably, despite their age, sex, race, abilities, sexual orientation, and status or income level.

We take responsibility and are accountable for the actions and consequences of our organisation for other people.

We recognise that when people have a sense of personal power, they are more motivated to act responsibly. Therefore we support every person’s right to information to enable participation in decisions that affect them and to have power in shaping their lives.

We strive for a level of excellence through continuous learning and improvement that helps elevate Regional Housing to a leadership role in the community housing sector.

We continually search for creative models of housing management and innovative community development initiatives.

We regularly evaluate the quality of our services and build on past experience to find quality solutions to problems.

Our Company Profile

Geographic Service Area

Regional Housing services the Central and Northern regions of regional Queensland, operating from a head office in Bundaberg, with regional offices in Hervey Bay, Townsville and Gladstone and a satellite service in Kingaroy.

Each funded program delivered by Regional Housing has a specified target area for service delivery and currently these include the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, North Burnett,  South Burnett, Townsville, Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Regions.

Property Portfolio

Regional Housing manages a diverse property portfolio, offering a variety of affordable accommodation options to suite eligible people across the Central and Northern Queensland Regions.

The portfolio is made up of:

  • Long Term Properties
  • Transitional Housing Properties
  • Crisis Accommodation Properties
  • Adaptable or accessible housing

The tenure of the properties includes:

  • Regional Housing owned properties
  • Properties leased from Queensland Government
  • Properties leased from the private rental market

The majority of property management and maintenance is funded through rental income only.

Capability

Regional Housing has well established systems for managing tenancies including integrated property management software, vacancy and arrears management systems, asset management planning and fire safety management. We also deliver efficient responsive and planned property maintenance services through approved contractors.

Our tenants include people with low-medium income, people with disabilities, aged, young people, indigenous, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, single people and large families.  All tenancies are managed in accordance with legislative requirements.

Our company undertakes strategic and business planning as part of our ongoing commitment to fulfilling our Vision and Mission Statement and delivering quality services to our customers.

Partnerships

Regional Housing has, over the past 30 years, formed successful partnerships with a wide range of housing and support agencies throughout the region. These partnerships are established to ensure quality outcomes for our customers to assist them to move through to independence and to maintain satisfying lives.

An important part of our ability to deliver quality outcomes for customers is our commitment to building strong working relationships with other agencies. Regional Housing encourages and commissions all staff to take turns in participating in local, regional, state and national forums, conferences, advisory panels and working groups. Regional Housing regularly attends Housing & Homelessness Area Network Meetings throughout the Central Queensland Region.

Governance

As a company limited by guarantee, Regional Housing is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), subject to the Corporations Act 2001, and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Regional Housing is overseen by a skills-based Board of Directors.

Regional Housing operates in accordance with its Constitution and regularly reviewed Policies and Procedures which provide guidance and direction to all employees of the organisation.

Quality

Regional Housing is committed to the constant improvement of the quality of the services provided to our customers. We constantly develop and implement quality improvement systems that further enhance the quality of our service.

Regional Housing is also subject to triennial accreditation audits against the National Community Housing Standards and the Community Service Standards. The organisation was last accredited in 2011 and is preparing to become registered under the National Regulatory System for Community Housing which commences during 2013.

tenancies

Hinchinbrook

1 property

Townsville

362 properties

Burdekin

8 properties

Rockhampton

2 properties

Gladstone

34 properties

Fraser Coast

228 properties

Bundaberg

311 properties

South Burnett

22 properties

Tenancies

Portfolio Ownership

0

Fraser Coast Regional Council

0

Regional Housing

0

Private
Ownership

0
Dept. of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy

Housing Types

Tenancies by Bedrooms

0

Long Term Housing
(LTCHP)

0

Affordable Housing
(AHP, NRAS)

0

Transitional Housing
(CMSU, CRS, SHDL)

0

Crisis Accommodation (CAP)

0

Disability Housing
(SDA, EPCII, APIRAC)

0
Door42 Accommodation

Tenancies by Bedrooms

1 bed  465 tenancies

  • 48% 48%

2 bed  374 tenancies

  • 39% 39%

3 bed  96 tenancies

  • 10% 10%

4 bed  31 tenancies

  • 3% 3%

5 bed  2 tenancies

  • 0.2% 0.2%

Customer Service Charter

‘Regional Housing provides support, information and advocacy to assist people to maintain stable housing and improve their lifestyle’.

The Regional Housing service charter informs you of the standard of service you can expect from us. It also provides information about your responsibilities as a Regional Housing customer.

It was developed with input from customers, community representatives and Regional Housing staff.

Courtesy and Respect

  • We will treat you with courtesy and respect, and provide a friendly service.
  • Every person is unique and of equal value and has the right to be treated with understanding, dignity and respect.

Fair and Equal Services

  • We will provide services in a fair and equitable way.
  • Our staff are aware of the cultural diversity of our communities.
  • Every person will have a fair share of opportunity and resource and will be treated fairly and equitably despite their age, race, gender, abilities, sexual orientation and status or income level.
  • We will arrange an interpreter when required.

Confidentiality

  • We will treat your personal and confidential information with sensitivity.
  • Please note that in some circumstances we may be legally required to release your information without your consent.

Participation

  • We will encourage you to participate in all decisions shaping your life and to empower you to have a sense of motivation and confidence.
  • We believe in cooperation and participation rather than competition.
  • We actively seek participation from communities and people who access our services in identifying needs and developing solutions.
  • We value the voices of the community and people who access our services.

Responsibility

  • You will be provided with up to date and accurate information.
  • Where we can, our staff will explain the decision making processes, as they impact on you.
  • If we are unable to assist you, we will do our best to refer you to an organisation which can.

Improving our Service

  • We will continually seek feedback from all customers and others regarding the quality of our service, and seek to act on all feedback where possible.
  • We will encourage staff to undertake regular training and skill upgrades to provide excellent services to customers.

Our Partners

Emergency Relief (ER)
is proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services

Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP), Community Managed Studio Units (CMSU), Community Rent Scheme (CRS), Same House Different Landlord (SHDL), Long Term Community Housing Program (LTCHP), and Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) are proudly funded by the Queensland Government
Regional Housing partners with National Affordable Housing Consortium to manage NRAS properties throughout Bundaberg.

Child Safety & Wellbeing

Regional Housing is committed to upholding and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people accessing our services. A child safe culture is embedded throughout the organisation through the development and implementation of the following:

For more information regarding Regional Housing’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing, please contact our office on 1300 642 123.

Company Structure & Incorporation

Regional Housing Limited is registered under the Corporations Act 2001 as a public company limited by guarantee and with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) as a registered charity.

Regional Housing Limited is a public benevolent institution that is income tax and FBT exempt and endorsed as a deductible gift recipient under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

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.