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Year in Review 2026

Build Hope

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Message from our CEO

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride in what the Regional Housing team have achieved together.

Across regional Queensland, housing affordability pressures, rising living costs and increasing rates of homelessness continue to affect individuals and families from all walks of life. In the face of these challenges, Regional Housing has remained focused on what matters most: providing safe homes, practical support and hope to those who need it most.

At the heart of every statistic, project and service is a person. A young person seeking safety and stability. A family facing financial hardship. An older Queenslander looking for secure housing. A household at risk of losing their home. Every day, our staff work alongside people experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, helping them build stronger and more secure futures.

Over the past year, demand for our services continued to grow. Our specialist teams supported people sleeping rough, households at risk of homelessness and young people accessing assistance through Door42 Youth Centre. We also saw increasing demand for financial counselling, emergency relief and Home Assist Secure services, including employed households seeking support for the first time. These experiences reinforce the importance of early intervention, with practical assistance often helping a household remain safely housed and financially stable.

One of the highlights of the year has been seeing new housing delivered across regional Queensland. Projects were completed or progressed in communities including Mundubbera, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Townsville and Atherton, ensuring more individuals and families have access to safe, affordable and appropriate housing.

The year also brought exciting opportunities for geographic growth when Regional Housing was selected as the preferred proponent for the divestment of community housing assets from Cassowary Coast Regional Council. The proposed first tranche comprises 32 tenancies and establishes a strong foundation for a sustainable presence in Far North Queensland. This milestone opens the door to future investment opportunities in communities such as Innisfail and Atherton and supports our long-term vision of expanding our reach impact throughout regional Queensland.

Alongside this growth, we continued investing in the foundations of a strong and sustainable organisation. The implementation of Zavanti, our integrated enterprise and finance platform, has been one of the most significant organisational projects undertaken in recent years and will provide important benefits as we continue to grow. We also progressed the establishment and registration of BuildHope and associated entities, creating a stronger structure through which future housing development, asset ownership and sustainable growth can be responsibly managed.

Our resilience as an organisation was tested during the Bundaberg flood event earlier this year. I was incredibly proud of the way our team responded. Comprehensive business continuity arrangements were activated, critical services were maintained, organisational assets were protected and staff provided support through the Flood Recovery Centre to assist affected community members. Importantly, no residential properties were impacted, and the organisation was able to return to normal operations quickly. It was a powerful example of our commitment to the people and communities we serve, even during times of crisis.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication, passion and hard work of our people and partners.

I extend my sincere thanks to our staff, volunteers, Board Directors, government and funding partners, local councils, lenders, builders, developers, consultants, contractors and community organisations. Your support, expertise and shared commitment make our work possible and help create lasting change across regional Queensland.

Together, we are doing far more than delivering housing. We are creating opportunities, strengthening communities and helping people build brighter futures.

As we look ahead, the need for affordable housing and support services remains significant. While the challenges are considerable, so too is our determination. With a strong pipeline of future projects, dedicated staff and valued partners by our side, I am confident Regional Housing will continue to grow its impact and work towards our vision that “Every Person has a Home”.

Brett Hanna

Chief Executive Officer

A Year of Delivery, Resilience and Refinement

In 2025/26, Regional Housing strengthened its role as a provider of social and affordable housing across regional Queensland, completing five developments across Bundaberg, North Burnett and South Burnett that delivered 50 new homes.

The Business Development Team also refined project handover processes to ensure a smoother transition from construction completion to tenant occupancy, recognising the importance of efficient delivery as the development program continues to grow.

The year highlighted both achievements and challenges. Notable projects included a mixed social and affordable housing development for women over 55, demonstrating how targeted housing solutions can deliver stronger community and commercial outcomes. While some projects did not proceed due to changing feasibility, market conditions and funding circumstances, these experiences strengthened the organisation’s project evaluation, risk management and due diligence processes, improving resilience and decision-making.

Looking ahead, Regional Housing has 26 additional dwellings under construction across the Wide Bay and Tablelands regions, with further opportunities being explored across regional Queensland. Alongside pipeline growth, the organisation is enhancing design standards, information management and project delivery systems to support sustainable expansion. Despite ongoing economic pressures affecting the housing sector, Regional Housing remains focused on disciplined development, long-term asset retention and increasing access to quality social and affordable housing for regional communities.

Regional Housing at a Glance

*statistics as at August 2026

Housing Locations

Housing Types

tenancies

Torres

8 properties

Hinchinbrook

1 property

Townsville

372 properties

Burdekin

8 properties

Rockhampton

6 properties

Gladstone

35 properties

Bundaberg

351 properties

Hervey Bay

231 properties

North & South Burnett

34 properties

Warwick & Killarney

16 properties

Tenancies

0

Long Term Housing

0

Disability Housing

0

Transitional Housing

0

Crisis Accommodation

0

Affordable Housing

0

Other

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

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

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

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 to access temporary accommodation through brokerage

Customers directly assisted via Mobile Support Case Management

Protecting What Matters:

Strengthening Business Cyber Security

In today’s digital world, protecting personal information is just as important as maintaining safe and secure homes.

As cyber threats continue to grow across Australia, Regional Housing remains committed to safeguarding the information entrusted to us by our tenants, clients, staff, and partners.

This year, Regional Housing strengthened its cyber security program through the implementation of a cyber awareness and training platform designed to help staff identify and respond to online threats. The rollout has provided ongoing training, education and simulated phishing exercises to ensure our team remains vigilant and prepared. 

This industry-leading software has been successfully implemented across Regional Housing and is now a key component of our cyber security framework.

While cyber security is often viewed as a technical issue, many cyber incidents begin with human error. Industry experts consistently identify email scams, credential theft and phishing attacks as some of the most common methods used by cyber criminals. Recent cyber security awareness activities at Regional Housing emphasised the important role people play in protecting organisations from these threats.

For our clients and tenants, this investment means greater confidence that Regional Housing is taking proactive steps to protect sensitive personal and tenancy-related information. By combining staff education with broader cyber security measures, including security monitoring, dark web monitoring and strengthened Microsoft security controls, we are working to reduce risks before they can impact our communities.

Cyber security is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment. As technology continues to evolve, Regional Housing will continue investing in staff awareness, system improvements and security partnerships to protect the information that helps us deliver essential housing services.

Because every secure system, every informed staff member, and every prevented cyber incident helps ensure we can continue focusing on what matters most: supporting our tenants, clients and communities.

Tenant Sustainment

At Regional Housing, tenancy sustainment is at the heart of our service delivery.

We recognise that suitable housing provides the foundation for improved health, wellbeing and community participation, and we work proactively with tenants to help them maintain successful, long-term tenancies.

Our Housing Officers build strong relationships with tenants through regular engagement, early identification of emerging issues and tailored support that responds to individual circumstances. Whether a tenant is experiencing financial hardship, health challenges, changes in family circumstances or difficulties maintaining their tenancy, we work collaboratively to identify practical solutions and connect them with specialist support services where required.

We take an early intervention approach to tenancy management, supporting tenants to resolve concerns before they escalate. This includes developing sustainable repayment arrangements for rent arrears, providing education around tenancy responsibilities, facilitating referrals to community support services and working alongside partner agencies to address underlying issues that may place a tenancy at risk.

By combining compassionate support with clear expectations and consistent tenancy management, Regional Housing helps tenants maintain stable housing, strengthen their independence and reduce avoidable tenancy breakdowns. This approach not only improves outcomes for our tenants but also contributes to stronger, more resilient communities across the regions we serve.

A Foundation for the Future

For Julie and her child, securing social housing has provided more than a place to live. It has created the stability and security needed to focus on the future.

Before receiving housing, Julie experienced ongoing financial hardship and housing uncertainty. Like many people facing these challenges, much of her energy was directed towards meeting immediate needs rather than planning for long-term goals. Becoming a parent strengthened her determination to create new opportunities for her daughter, leading her to pursue a nursing career and further education.

With a safe and affordable home, Julie has been able to focus on her studies, continue building her career, and make plans for the future with confidence. 

Reflecting on the impact, Julie shared:

“For a lot of my life, stable and affordable housing wasn’t something I could take for granted. It can be incredibly difficult to move forward when so much of your energy is spent simply trying to stay afloat. Having a safe, stable and affordable home gives me the security to build a better future for my daughter and myself and to make decisions from a place of stability rather than survival.” Julie says the opportunity has made a real and lasting difference to their lives.

“Thank you for your kindness, your help and for giving us the chance to finally have some stability. I don’t take it for granted. It’s honestly a dream come true.”

Julie’s story highlights how safe, affordable housing can provide the foundation for people and families to build brighter, more secure futures. We are privileged to play a small part in journeys like Julie’s, and stories such as hers remind us why providing safe and affordable homes matters so much.

Housing Snapshot

Housing Developments

Regional Housing has continued to successfully expand our pipeline of developments again this year, partnering 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 26 units of accommodation across regional Queensland, with an additional 50 already completed.

16 New Homes Delivered: A Collaborative Achievement

A significant achievement for Regional Housing in 2026 seen the successful delivery and tenanting of a new 16-unit complex through the culmination of extensive planning, collaboration and commitment across the organisation.

The Business Development Team dedicated considerable time progressing the development, navigating construction timelines and working through delays. Alongside this, extensive planning took place between Regional Housing and the Department of Housing to coordinate allocations and identify suitable candidates for their new homes.

As the properties approached handover, unexpected delays required teams to respond quickly and adapt plans, while maintaining focus on ensuring the homes could be tenanted as quickly as possible.

Tenanting commenced on 21st April with an impressive 13 tenancy sign-up completed by 24th April. Delivering such a large number of new tenancies within just four days required significant coordination across the teams, from allocations to property readiness, through to tenant communication, documentation and sign-ups.

This development highlights the strength of Regional Housing’s collaborative approach. Despite challenges throughout the development and allocation process, teams worked collectively and remained flexible and solution focused, successfully turning a major housing development into 16 new homes for local households.

Sleeping in Peace: Michelle’s Journey Home

At 57, Michelle knows life can change in ways you never expect. In 2023, after a plan to live with her sister fell through, she found herself with nowhere to live.

What followed was a difficult time of unstable housing, domestic violence and trauma. For a time, she lived in a tent, facing theft, physical abuse and constant safety concerns.

“I was basically surviving and trying to overcome my trauma” Michelle reflects.

A Place to Feel Safe

For Michelle, a stable home means peace. “It’s somewhere I can come home and sleep in peace and not worry about other people hurting me.”

At first, she was exhausted and anxious. Slowly, that changed. Today her home means security, independence and freedom to live at her own pace, even baking a cake whenever she feels like it.

Support Makes a Difference

Tenancy and trauma support helped Michelle feel confident she could keep her home and showed her she doesn’t have to face everything alone.

She has learned to budget, pay her bills and save. “I can say NO now,” she says. Those words stand for boundaries, confidence and independence.

Looking Forward

Michelle now plans to find a job, get her driver’s licence and take a holiday on the train.

Her advice to others: “One small step after another. Don’t try to expect everything all at once. Small steps – you will get there.”

She also reminds us that homelessness does not define a person: “You don’t know what someone has been through to become homeless.”

Customer Feedback

“The most amazing and caring people work for this organisation. They are so helpful, respectful and have a can-do attitude that is such a tonic in tough times. “

“My favourite staff was all of you at Door42. I want to thank all of you for giving me the best advice and helping me all the time.”

“Have always been very professional throughout my tenancy.”

100%

of our Home Assist Secure customers were satisfied with work completed in their homes

98%

of customers surveyed felt Regional Housing services and information easily accessible

99%

of customers surveyed felt the service they received was specific to their needs and goals

“Very easy to communicate and deal with.”

“Love it where I am.” 

“Staff were really kind and helpful.”

“If there one above excellent, I would give that. “

“Just a great corporate enterprise that is really helping out Bundaberg people and making Bundaberg community stronger.” 

99%

of customers surveyed felt Regional Housing maintained their privacy and confidentiality

99%

of customers surveyed felt Regional Housing supported them to maintain their tenancy

97%

of customers surveyed were satisfied with the condition on their rental property

95%

of customers surveyed were satisfied with repairs and maintenance of the property

Our Commitment to
Culture Building

Building Hope Starts with Our People

At Regional Housing, building hope is not only about the homes we provide or the services we deliver. It is also about creating a workplace where people feel supported, connected and empowered to do their best work.

Our employees work alongside people experiencing homelessness, housing stress, financial hardship and crisis. While this work is deeply rewarding, it can also be complex and emotionally demanding. Recognising this, Regional Housing continues to invest in a resilient, people-focused culture that prioritises wellbeing, professional growth and employee engagement.

Creating Connection

Throughout the year, employees came together through initiatives including BBQ with the Bosses, the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea, Red Nose Day fundraising, R U OK? Day, Pride Week, NAIDOC Week celebrations, yarning circles, lone-worker morning teas and Board engagement activities. These events provided opportunities to connect, celebrate diversity and strengthen relationships across regions and teams.

For employees working remotely or independently, dedicated connection activities helped maintain engagement and reinforce a sense of belonging to the wider Regional Housing community.

Supporting Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing remained a key focus through initiatives such as the Wellness Committee’s 10,000 Steps Challenge and awareness campaigns addressing topics including digital burnout and healthy workplace habits.

Regional Housing has also strengthened recruitment and onboarding practices to ensure employees are equipped for the unique challenges of housing and homelessness services. This includes a stronger emphasis on resilience, self-care, professional boundaries and recognising when support is needed.

In addition, employees continued to access specialised in house and sector learning opportunities focused on mental health, workplace wellbeing, trauma-informed practice and psychosocial safety.

Listening and Improving

Employee feedback continued to shape organisational improvement through regular surveys, pulse checks and performance review processes.

Feedback remained positive across areas including engagement, communication, leadership, team support, wellbeing and job satisfaction. More importantly, these activities provide valuable insights that help Regional Housing identify emerging issues, strengthen organisational practices and enhance the employee experience.

As Regional Housing continues to grow, our investment in culture remains a priority. Whether through professional development, wellbeing initiatives, flexibility, inclusion or simply supporting meaningful connections between colleagues, we recognise that strong services begin with strong people.

When our people feel valued, supported and connected, they are better equipped to support others. That is how we build strong teams, deliver quality services and continue to Build Hope within the communities we serve.

New Homes Providing a Safe Haven for Mature Women in Need

This year, Regional Housing completed a purpose-built housing development that is now providing a safe and secure home for 19 women aged 55 and over, one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing housing insecurity in Australia.

Developed in response to increasing housing stress across regional Queensland, the project was designed to support wellbeing, independence and ageing in one place. More than a housing development, it created opportunities for stability, connection and renewed confidence for women facing significant challenges later in life.

The boutique estate was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of older single women, many of whom have experienced financial hardship, displacement or trauma. With a strong focus on long-term liveability, the development incorporates features that promote accessibility, safety and community connection, enabling residents to remain independent while feeling supported in their homes.

The completion of the development marked a significant milestone for Regional Housing and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to delivering housing solutions tailored to the needs of vulnerable members of the community. The 19 new homes now provide residents with a secure foundation from which to rebuild their lives and plan for the future.

The project also highlighted a growing social issue, with older women increasingly recognised as being at risk of homelessness. Factors such as lower lifetime earnings, relationship breakdown and limited superannuation continue to contribute to housing stress among women later in life.

By prioritising this cohort, Regional Housing has taken a proactive and compassionate approach to addressing an emerging housing need. The development ensures residents have access to quality housing that not only meets their current needs but also supports their wellbeing and independence into the future.

This initiative stands as a powerful example of how purposeful investment, thoughtful design and a community-focused approach can deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes for those who need them most.

Adopt a Family

The spirit of giving was on full display through Regional Housing’s Adopt a Family 2025 initiative, with local businesses coming together to help make Christmas a little more special for families within our community.

The initiative invited local businesses to ‘adopt’ a family supported by Regional Housing and provide Christmas gifts tailored to their household. Through the generosity of participating businesses, ten families received gifts to enjoy on Christmas morning. The initiative also created an opportunity for us to further connect with the families we support beyond the day-to-day delivery of our housing and support services.

Adopt a Family is a great example of Regional Housing’s commitment to building stronger communities and creating connections that extend beyond housing. By bringing local businesses and families together, the initiative demonstrated what can be achieved through connection, generosity and a shared desire to make a genuine difference.

Financial Counselling

Securing two years of funding through the Financial Counselling Industry Fund (FCIF) has provided stability for the continued delivery of financial counselling services while enabling the expansion of support across a broader geographic region. Throughout the year, we maintained a full-time Financial Counsellor in Hervey Bay and a part-time Financial Counsellor in Kingaroy, offering both face-to-face and telephone-based appointments to ensure people experiencing financial hardship could access timely and flexible support.

The outcomes achieved during this period have delivered significant benefits for participants, improving both financial stability and overall wellbeing. Through personalised advocacy and support, many individuals and families have been assisted to address immediate financial challenges, resulting in more sustainable financial circumstances, reduced financial stress, and increased confidence in managing their finances.

Demand for services continues to reflect increasing levels of complexity. Participants commonly present with multiple creditors, assets at risk, and growing concerns relating to Australian Taxation Office (ATO) debts. Despite these challenges, the service has achieved positive outcomes through successful negotiations with creditors, including debt waivers, reduced repayment arrangements, hardship provisions, and access to appropriate support pathways. These interventions have strengthened financial resilience and helped participants regain control of their financial futures.

Community engagement remains a key priority. Ongoing networking through local interagency meetings, participation in community events, and the delivery of financial literacy workshops has strengthened referral pathways and local partnerships. These activities not only raise awareness of available financial counselling services but also enhance financial capability and empower community members to make informed financial decisions.

Door42 Youth Centre

Building Hope, One Young Person at a Time

For young people facing homelessness, family breakdown or an uncertain future, hope can feel out of reach. At Door42 Youth Centre, hope is built every day through safe accommodation, trusted relationships and practical support that helps young people move forward.

Every young person who arrives at Door42 has a unique story. Some have experienced family conflict; others have been sleeping rough or couch surfing. Many are also facing challenges with education, employment, mental health and social connection.

This year, one young person came to us after their family circumstances changed unexpectedly. With our support, they built practical life skills, secured income support, obtained their learner licence, completed White Card training, accessed mental health support and gained ongoing employment.

Another young person arrived after a family breakdown and emotional abuse. With stable accommodation and tailored support, they secured a job that quickly became full-time, then moved into private shared accommodation.

A young woman experiencing homelessness stayed connected to her education and community. Working with education providers and support services, Door42 met her need for safe accommodation while protecting her learning and wellbeing.

A young person who had been living in a tent moved into private shared accommodation after receiving housing assistance, mental health support and help preparing for work.

Success at Door42 is not measured by housing outcomes alone. It is a first day at work, a completed course, reconnecting with support networks, staying in education, or the confidence to believe in a brighter future.

As demand for youth services grows, Door42 remains committed to helping every young person feel safe, valued, heard and empowered, building stronger futures one young person at a time.

Our Partners

Financial Counselling and Emergency Relief (ER)
are 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

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.