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Year in Review 2025

Foundations of Change

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Message from our CEO

This year, our focus at Regional Housing has been on strengthening the foundational elements that support our growth and amplify our impact across the communities we serve.

Just as solid foundations are essential to the resilience of any building, our organisation must ensure that our systems, governance, resources, and people are operating at their best.

Key achievements include the relocation of our head office in Bundaberg to a new, purpose-designed space that enhances amenity, security, and team wellbeing. We also commenced the implementation of a new integrated ERP and finance system in partnership with Zavanti. This transformative platform will harness automation and artificial intelligence to deliver significant efficiencies and empower our staff with smarter tools for the future.

To further drive innovation, we launched the Innovation Generator (iGen)—a cross-functional committee dedicated to identifying, testing, and implementing new approaches with a focus on automation, efficiency, and safety. We recognise that AI will be central to our future success, and we are committed to equipping our team to lead this evolution.

Despite our progress, the housing supply crisis continues to place immense pressure on our frontline staff. The number of people presenting as homeless or at risk has doubled in the past year. While we are working tirelessly to expand the supply of social and affordable housing, many households will remain in temporary accommodation for the foreseeable future.

 

I am deeply grateful to our staff for their unwavering dedication and the positive outcomes they continue to deliver.

Our development team has been exceptionally busy, completing six of 17 contracted housing projects in Townsville, Mundubbera, Maryborough, and Kingaroy. With another five projects due before Christmas 2025, we are proud to be delivering homes for regional Queenslanders. I extend sincere thanks to our funding partners—the Queensland Government and Housing Australia—whose support has enabled a $110M development pipeline yielding over 200 dwellings, most of which will be completed within the next 12 months.

A significant structural change this year was the creation of BuildHope, a related company focused solely on new development. The name reflects our mission: to build not just homes but hope for a better future. I am grateful to the RHL Board for their governance, trust, and shared vision of a society where every person has a home.

As I begin my 21st year at Regional Housing, I reflect on the strategic and systemic challenges we face in addressing the housing crisis. Encouragingly, there is growing recognition of the issue and a willingness across politics, industry, and community to collaborate on scalable solutions. No single stakeholder can solve this alone, but together, we can create lasting change.

“…our mission: to build not just homes but hope for a better future.”

Brett Hanna

Chief Executive Officer

A Year of Growth

This year marked another period of strong growth and delivery for Regional Housing, as we continued to turn plans into places and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every person has a home.

Across 2024–25, our development program matured from planning to delivery, with six projects completed and tenanted, adding 33 new dwellings across regional Queensland. Each of these homes represents safety, stability, and a renewed sense of belonging for households who need them most.

At the same time, our contracted pipeline expanded to 177 dwellings across nine projects, with a combined capital value exceeding $100 million. Among these is our largest project to date – an 81 unit social and affordable housing community in Townsville, which is a milestone that reflects our growing capability and scale in the development space.

This progress has been achieved through strong collaboration with government, developers, financiers, and community partners, underpinned by careful planning and a disciplined focus on quality, timeframes, and tenancy readiness. These partnerships continue to strengthen our ability to identify and respond to opportunities that deliver tangible outcomes for regional communities.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on expanding housing options and continuing to grow our development pipeline. With more than 200 new dwellings currently in various stages of delivery, the future is bright.

Each new project represents not just another building, but another opportunity to provide hope, stability, and a place to call home for someone in need.

Regional Housing at a Glance

Housing Locations

Housing Types

tenancies

Cordelia

1 property

Townsville

365 properties

Ayr

8 properties

Rockhampton

6 properties

Hervey Bay

222 properties

Bundaberg

311 properties

Maryborough

7 properties

South Burnett

27 properties

Gladstone

35 properties

North Burnett

2 properties

Thursday Island

8 properties

Warwick

10 properties

Killarney

4 properties

Tenancies

0

Long Term Housing

0

Disability Housing

0

Transitional Housing

0

Crisis Housing

0

Affordable Housing

0

Other

%

of customers surveyed felt our staff treat them with respect and without judgement

%

of tenants surveyed were satisfied with the overall quality of our services

%

of tenants surveyed were satisfied with the overall condition of their rental property

Highlights from our  Customer Support Initiatives

R

Lifted burden, reduced stress, improved mental health, provided hope

R

Provided accurate information

R

Negotiated to achieve affordable payment arrangements

R

Successfully completed hardship applications

R

Completed outreach visits to our rough sleeping community

R

Assisted in negotiations with creditors

customers directly assisted via outreach

times emergency relief assistance was provided to customers unable to pay bills/at imminent risk

individuals supported in Immediate Supported Accommodation (Crisis Accommodation Program)

customers assisted with intensive case management support through the OneHome Wide Bay Program

times financial counselling support funded through Department of Social Services and Social Shift was provided to customers

housing outcomes for customers who were homeless or at risk of homelessness

customers assisted to access temporary accommodation through brokerage

customers directly assisted via Mobile Support Case Management

Building Hope for the Future

In the spirit of this year’s ‘Foundations of Change’ theme, it is both fitting and exciting that Regional Housing unveils our new corporate structure, which includes the creation of a sister-company named BuildHope. 

BuildHope represents the next stage in our journey – one grounded in the same vision that has always guided us: that ‘Every person has a home’.  This vision remains our compass as we continue to grow and adapt to meet the significant housing challenges facing our communities. 

It is planned that over time, BuildHope will take the lead role in developing and holding our building assets. The company will also operate as a registered charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and a registered community housing organisation under the National Regulatory System for Community Housing (NRSCH). BuildHope is the beginning of an even stronger foundation from which to build, adapt and continue delivering more homes for households through Queensland.

When considering a name for this new chapter, we wanted something that truly captured both what we do and why we do it.  BuildHope felt immediately right.  It speaks to the bricks and mortar of our work – the physical homes we create – but just as importantly, it reflects the human spirit at the heart of our mission. Every home we build instils hope: hope for safety, for stability, and for a better future.   BuildHope is therefore more than a name; it is a commitment to the people and communities we serve.

Our Values

RESPECT Ι FAIRNESS & EQUITY Ι RESPONSIBILITY

PARTICIPATION Ι EXCELLENCE Ι INNOVATION Ι QUALITY

Our People

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

We proudly answered the call in support of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month earlier this year.

Each May, communities across Australia come together to raise awareness and take action against domestic and family violence. This year, we contributed by donating a fleet of spare mobile phones — devices that may no longer be needed but still have the power to make a life-changing impact.

A mobile phone can be a vital lifeline for someone escaping violence, helping them connect with support services, reach loved ones, and take steps toward safety and independence.

We’re proud to support DV Safe Phone, an initiative that collects, repairs, and distributes free mobile phones to domestic violence survivors across Australia.

Find out how you can get involved by visiting https://dvsafephone.org/campaigns

Tenant Engagement Event – Staying Safe Online

Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to work with the Commonwealth Bank as a sponsor for our Garden Awards. This year, they kindly offered to host an event in Bundaberg, to speak with our tenants about how they can stay safe online.

The focus of the event was on scam safety, fraud awareness and general cyber security.

This was a really great opporutnity for our tenants to be more aware of how to protect themselves online. They took advantage of our expert hosts by asking some great questions including how their bank may contact them if they are a potential victim of a scam, and how they should go about contacting their bank for support if they think they have been impacted by cyber scams or fraud.

Investing in Our People

This year, we proudly opened expressions of interest for staff to attend two key industry events, the National Housing Conference in Perth and the National Homelessness Conference on the Gold Coast. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with staff submitting thoughtful applications that clearly outlined how attending these conferences would enhance their roles within the organisation.

The quality of submissions made the selection process incredibly challenging. Ultimately, four staff members were chosen to attend, and all have reflected on the experience as professionally enriching. They highlighted the value of the opportunity to broaden their networks, gain fresh perspectives, and deepen their understanding of sector trends and challenges.

We remain committed to supporting our people to grow and thrive, recognising that investing in staff development strengthens not only individual capability but also the organisation as a whole. This initiative is just one example of the meaningful investment we’ve made in our team this year.

Celebrating Our Culture of Commitment and Community

At the heart of our organisation lies a culture built on collaboration, resilience, and purpose. Our organisation has had significant structural changes over the last 12 months that reflect not only our growth but also our commitment to evolving in ways that better serve our communities and prepare for future opportunities.

Our success is driven by the strength of our teams, their dedication, open communication, and shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes. Whether it’s supporting one another through change or celebrating milestones together, our people consistently demonstrate what it means to work with heart.

A shining example of this is our involvement in the Thursday Island property development project, in partnership with the Uniting Church of Australia. Despite the challenges of remote operations, our Regional Housing team rose to the occasion, building local connections, onboarding new systems, and delivering life-changing housing solutions. The smiles of new tenants remind us why we do what we do.

From leadership to frontline teams, we are united by a culture that values impact, celebrates achievements, and embraces the joy of working together, our laughter, the teamwork, and the pride in what we have accomplished and what we plan to accomplish.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to making our organisation not just successful, but truly special.

Staff Spotlight

Name: Rebecca
Role: Team Leader, Housing Services

Leading with Purpose and Impact

This year, we proudly celebrate Rebecca for her remarkable growth and leadership within Regional Housing. Since stepping into the role of Team Leader of Housing Services in April 2024, she has consistently demonstrated initiative, accountability, and steadfast support for her team.

Rebecca leads with calm confidence and a proactive mindset, navigating complex challenges with clarity and purpose. Whether resolving tenant disputes or guiding her team through operational changes, she consistently delivers strong outcomes while cultivating a resilient and collaborative team culture.

Her contributions are both strategic and practical in nature. Rebecca has driven improvements in service delivery, led property allocations, supported tenant engagement initiatives, and managed difficult situations with empathy and professionalism. She’s also played a key role in onboarding new staff, refining internal procedures, and creating tools to enhance consistency across the team.

In recognition of her impact, Rebecca was shortlisted for the AHI Future Leaders Award 2025, a testament to her dedication and emerging influence in the housing sector.  Rebecca was also selected as Regional Housing’s representative and attended the National Housing Conference 2025 in Perth after submitting a compelling application that highlighted the value this opportunity would bring to her professional development and future contributions to the organisation.

Rebecca’s journey this year exemplifies the kind of leadership that builds trust, drives progress, and leaves a lasting mark. We’re proud to acknowledge her achievements and are excited for the continued value she brings to Regional Housing.

Housing Snapshot

Housing Developments

Regional Housing has significantly expanded its pipeline of development again this year. We have partnered with local councils, government and private developers to secure investment in social and affordable housing projects for more regional Queensland communities.

Our current development pipeline includes over 177 units of accommodation across regional Queensland and an additional 33 already completed.

Tenanting Our New Properties

Every development we complete opens the door to a household in need, offering the opportunity for safe, secure, and stable housing. These projects are far more than bricks and mortar; they represent dignity, safety, and a brighter future for individuals and families across our communities.  Our team works tirelessly to ensure new tenancies are allocated to those most in need, carefully matching residents to properties and neighbourhoods where they can thrive.

Thanks to the incredible support of our partners and the dedication of our staff, we are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of the people we serve.  Safe, affordable housing truly changes lives, and we remain committed to expanding access and delivering homes that offer hope and opportunity.

Financial Counselling

When change happens, financial counsellors can help re-establish a firm foundation.

Our financial counselling servics supported 281 people across the Wide Bay region. It was challenging seeing so many people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. However, talking through their situation helped with their overwhelm and we could still assist with other expenses and debts.

We advocated for a wide range of customers in many unique situations. Some trends indicated people were unable to access services due to digital disconnect, lack of confidence and inflexible systems, or when aging workers encounter physical ailments that prevent them from working. We were able to help by:

  • finding relevant information and making calls on their behalf
  • sourcing additional income, e.g. applying for Disability Support Pension or accessing Total and Permanent Disability insurance
  • negotiating affordable repayments or requesting a debt waiver where appropriate
  • maintaining home loans or rentals to prevent homelessness
  • supporting customers through the stress and uncertainty of their change in circumstances.

We worked with a customer over several sessions to automate their payments. They were very grateful for the service and said,

“I’m really happy with [the] help as medical issues make it difficult for me to remember”.

We helped a customer experiencing addiction, talk to the ATO about tax debts they incurred as a resulting of coercion and fraud. They stated our help was,

“friendly and easy to understand helpwith tasks to complete after every appointmen. All my financial concerns were addressed. I also felt genuine compassion for my situation”.

OneHome Wide Bay

Our OneHome Wide Bay program has now wrapped up, and we reflected on what we achieved.

Regional Housing’s OneHome Wide Bay program was established in partnership with the Queensland Government in 2018, focusing on delivering social housing with a reformed, single-program approach.

The program was designed to support vulnerable households by providing them with tailored assistance to maintain stable tenancies, aiming to create secure, affordable homes and end homelessness.

The program’s innovative model sought to address systemic issues by offering intensive flexible case management support to meet the diverse needs within the social housing sector.

This approach supported the local community by providing individualised support plans for those willing to engage, promoting resilience, independence, and empowerment, and enhancing the sustainability of long-term tenancies.

It’s guiding principles were clear:

Person-Centred | Empowerment and Choice |
Holistic Support | Integrated Services

Beyond supporting person-centred outcomes, the program sparked real change; shaping how services are delivered, strengthening connections across the sector, and encouraging fresh and innovative ways of working together.

The program has helped keep people facing vulnerability and housing instability at the centre of what we do.

Even though the program itself has ended, the impact lives on with other initiatives picking up the baton, building on what has been started and continuing to embed inclusive, responsive practice across the broader community sector.

Customer Feedback

“The help I have received is beyond words if it wasn’t for the assistance of staff and Regional Housing, I would have lost our house.”

“Your client support manager, has truly been exceptional with the assistance he has given, and continues to provide to me. I have gone through some very deep, dark periods and he has been there. Ever since I have met him, he has always been there for me. He is the one person that I can rely on. The world would be a better place with more like him in it.”

100%

felt their home safety improved with support

98%

felt support planning met their needs & goals

“I think that as tenants, we each have our own challenges, but the Property Manager treats everyone with kindness, fairness and respect. Knowing that this kind of support is available is a big load off my mind and a credit to Regional Housing.”

“Thank you for your ongoing assistance, support & professional dedication- you are worth your weight in gold and more”

“The appointment with my financial counsellor was motivational and delivered in clear compassionate layman’s terms. It’s a huge help when you felt heard and given guidance in effective ways to make independent decisions. Very empowering.”

95%

were satisfied with the overall condition of their rental property

97%

were satisfied with the services received from Regional Housing

100%

felt staff maintained their privacy and confidentiality

92%

felt they were supported to maintain their tenancy

Door42 Youth Centre

Our Impact

At Door42 Youth Centre, we are proud of the impact we’ve made this year in supporting young people experiencing homelessness.

We provided safe and stable housing young people, offering them a foundation to rebuild and move forward. Of those, 12 successfully transitioned into alternative housing, marking a significant step toward long-term stability.

Our team supported 166 young people through homelessness services, offering guidance and connection during times of crisis. Additionally, we provided direct financial assistance to young people, helping to ease immediate pressures and support their journey toward independence.These numbers reflect more than just outcomes, they represent lives changed, futures brightened and our unwavering commitment to empowering young people in our community. 

Reflections

The Door42 team have worked collaboratively with local stakeholders throughout the year, actively engaging in community events like Youth Week, where the team hosted interactive activities and promoted inclusivity. The team facilitated stalls with free BBQs and games, creating safe spaces for connection and awareness.

These efforts supported young people in building confidence, accessing opportunities and celebrating achievements in employment, education, and housing. Witnessing growth firsthand, whether through social participation or personal milestones, has been deeply rewarding.

The team’s commitment to walking alongside young people, encouraging independence and celebrating progress, reflects the heart of frontline work: consistency, compassion and community-driven support.

Foundations of Change

A young person entered Door42 with complex needs and no stable housing options. Through consistent engagement, staff built rapport and trust, enabling a holistic approach to support the individual’s goals and wellbeing.

Over time, the young person began accepting mental health referrals, developing essential living skills, and navigating personal challenges with staff guidance. Support was provided in a way that encouraged autonomy, allowing space for growth and celebrating both small and significant milestones.

This journey culminated in a successful transition into independent accommodation with access to ongoing case worker support; an outcome that was widely celebrated as a meaningful step forward in the young person’s development.

Career Pathways Inspiring Future Changemakers

“What does having a home mean to you?”

This past year we have been actively engaging with local schools to raise awareness about community housing and homelessness supports. Recently, we delivered interactive talks at three schools, inviting students to reflect on the question, “What does having a home mean to you?” Students shared their responses on post-it notes, highlighting powerful themes of safety, family, belonging, and stability. These conversations encouraged young people to think critically about the importance of secure housing and how it shapes lives.

We also proudly represented Regional Housing at the recent Careers Expo, reaching more than 2,000 students. This was a valuable opportunity to showcase the diverse career pathways available within the community services sector – from frontline support to IT, compliance, management, and beyond. Many students were inspired to learn how their future careers could make a difference in addressing housing challenges and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

By connecting with young people, we encourage engagement, inspire future leaders, and shine a light on the life-changing work of the housing and homelessness sector.

Thursday Island Housing Project

In November 2024, Uniting Church Australia successfully completed its first housing development on Thursday Island, delivering an eight-unit modular housing complex, its most remote project to date. This initiative marked the beginning of a valued collaboration with Regional Housing after we were engaged to manage the tenancies and provide ongoing tenancy support.

Despite the logistical challenges posed by Thursday Island’s remote location, the project was completed ahead of schedule with the grand opening held in March 2025.

The complex includes:

  • Five one-bedroom dwellings
  • Three two-bedroom dwellings

All eight tenants have now settled in and are enjoying their new homes. Tenancy management is overseen by Regional Housing staff based on Horn Island.  This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration can deliver meaningful housing solutions in remote communities.

Advancing Through Innovation

“This transformative platform will harness automation and artificial intelligence to deliver significant efficiencies and empower our staff with smarter tools for the future.”    – Brett Hanna, CEO Regional Housing

Following a thorough and exhaustive tender and evaluation process, Regional Housing has made the important and exciting decision to move to a new integrated, cloud-based software solution for our core and extended business functions.

The selected Zavanti Housing and integrated Business Central finance solution is expected to provide several operational and strategic benefits including more streamlined and intuitive system workflows, greater automation and efficiency, better scalability, and improved interactivity for customers.

These improvements are also expected to significantly reduce our use of paper and printing, further supporting our environmental goals.

A substantial implementation project is well underway with subject matter experts from key business areas directly involved and all teams go live with the new system from 1 July 2026.

Zavanti Housing is fast becoming an industry standard for community housing and we look forward to seeing the benefits of its ongoing improvement for many years to come.

Going Green in Townsville

One of our Strategic Plan goals is to minimise Regional Housing’s environmental impact.

As part of our continued commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, this year we proudly partnered with Eco Power Mowing, in Townsville, the region’s only fully electric landscaping and lawn maintenance contractor.

Led by owner, Matthew Clarke, this partnership reflects our focus on sustainability, innovation and community wellbeing. The team now services 15 of our properties, providing high-quality lawn and garden maintenance powered entirely by electric equipment.

This initiative is delivering tangible benefits, reducing emissions, lowering noise pollution, and enhancing the amenity of our communities. Tenants enjoy a quieter environment, while the planet benefits from cleaner, greener practices.

Our investment in electric mowing services forms part of our broader sustainability agenda, ensuring that the way we maintain and manage our properties aligns with our vision for environmentally responsible, future-focused communities.

The choices we make today, from the partners we engage to the technologies we adopt, are important steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.

Adopt a Family

Regional Housing was proud to continue our Adopt a Family Christmas Appeal in 2024.

For many, the festive season brings joy and celebration, but for families facing homelessness, financial hardship, or housing insecurity, it can be a time of overwhelming pressure. The cost of gifts, food, and festivities often makes the season feel out of reach.

In 2024, thanks to the incredible generosity of four Bundaberg businesses, APEX, Commonwealth Bank, Four Walls Realty, and Tint a Car; six local families received a much-needed boost through our annual Adopt a Family appeal. Each family was gifted food hampers, presents and vouchers to help ease the burden and bring a little magic back into their Christmas.

The Adopt a Family program has supported countless families over the years, and its success is made possible entirely through community donations and sponsorship. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local businesses and individuals come together with compassion and purpose.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing kindness of our partners and supporters. Your contributions don’t just provide material support, they restore hope, dignity, and joy during a time that can otherwise feel isolating.

We look forward to continuing this tradition in 2025 and making an even greater impact.

Cultivating Community 

Garden Awards

This year, Regional Housing proudly partnered with local councils, businesses and community organisations to deliver our ninth annual Garden Awards. Our Garden Awards is an initiative that reflects our commitment to tenant engagement, wellbeing and social connection.

This year’s program was made possible through generous community grants and the support of a wide range of local businesses. The Garden Awards celebrate more than just gardening, they honour the creativity, pride, and resilience of our tenants. Regional Housing recognises the role that green spaces play in fostering community spirit, mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

We received 81 entries, with tenants competing in six categories:

  • Best Children’s Garden
  • Most Colourful Garden
  • Best Communal Garden
  • Best Courtyard Garden
  • Best Edible Garden
  • Best Lawn

We recognised our entrants efforts and achievements with awards and catered events, providing our tenants and community partners opportunities for meaningful connection, recognition and inspiration.

We extend our sincere thanks to the councils, businesses and partners who helped make the 2024 Garden Awards a success. Your support enables us to continue investing in programs that strengthen communities and enrich lives.

Our Partners

Financial Counselling and Emergency Relief (ER)
are proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and Social Shift

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

Amelia Pallpratt

Executive Manager SQ

M

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.