About This Report
Argyle Community Housing Limited (Argyle Housing) is pleased to present the Annual Report for 2021–22.
This report is an overview of our operational and financial performance throughout the 2021–22 financial year. It gives the reader an explanation of how we have delivered services to our Clients and shows how we are striving to make a better future for the communities in which we serve.
This is the first report against our new Argyle Housing Strategic Plan 2022-2024. It describes the businesses performance over the last financial year and highlights the achievements of our Staff and Clients. The report tells us what we have been doing well and the areas in which we need to make improvements in services to our Clients and the broader community.
Visit argylehousing.com.au for more information about who we are, what services we provide and what we are achieving for our client and communities. Also follow us on our social media channels through the #argylehousing for the most up to date information.
We value your feedback on this Annual Report because it helps us make our next report better.
We value your feedback on this Annual Report because it helps us make our next report better.
Email your feedback or questions to info@argylehousing.com.au
Write to us at: Argyle Housing P.O. Box 1026, Bowral NSW 2576
Speak to our Communications and Marketing Officer on +612 4862 9383
ABN 88 002 761 855
ACN 002 761 855
Accountability Theme
Accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions. It implies a willingness to be transparent, allowing others to observe and evaluate one’s performance.
Argyle Housing is accountable for what we do and how we do it. ‘Our mission is to deliver quality housing options and connections to community that provide Clients with the security and confidence to take control of their lives and make decisions about their futures.
Secure housing allows Clients take ownership of situations that their involved in. They see them through and take responsibility for what happens – good or bad. They don’t blame others if things go wrong. Instead, clients do their best to make things right.
Argyle Housing creates a culture where employees feel empowered to take personal accountability within the organisation where the results won’t feel punitive.
Audience
The 2022 Argyle Housing Annual Report is primarily aimed at the following audiences:
- Our Clients, residents, and applicants of housing services
- Federal, state, and local governments
- Support services of Argyle Housing
- Argyle Housing Staff
- Private sector Affordable Housing partners
- Corporate and private sector partners
Acknowledgement of Country
Argyle Housing acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders both past and present. We are committed to our reconciliation journey, because at its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Misson and Values
Client Value Proposition
We provide secure homes for people and together create a foundation for opportunity.
The principles of our Client Value Proposition
- We care
- We work with you
- We believe a safe and affordable home is the foundation for opportunity
- Our goal is your wellbeing
- We listen to understand you
- We discover, develop and foster relationships
- We keep each other accountable
- We deliver our promises
Strategic Plan 2022-2024
Argyle Housing’s 2022-2024 Corporate Strategy sets a clear strategic direction with aspirational goals for the years ahead.
The review and consultation process occurred during the most recent NSW pandemic lockdown. Our focus was on the long-term sustainability of our organisation and to continue to provide high quality community housing service across our footprint.
Our Staff have demonstrated exceptional resilience and perseverance throughout floods, bushfires and the COVID pandemic. Their determination meant we maintained our high standard of Client and property management services. We thank our staff for their efforts during this time.
In 2022/23, new initiatives will be based on insights from industry and stakeholder research whilst maintaining out clients at the centre of our decision making and service delivery.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our consultation process. Their views are valued, and their recommendations will help to build on the community-focus of Argyle Housing. The Argyle Housing Board, Executive and Staff are committed to adapting our organisation to serve evolving community housing needs into the future.
Carolyn Doherty, CEO
Our Services
Argyle Housing is a not-for-profit, Community Housing Provider. Our main objective is to provide and manage secure, Social and Affordable Housing for people on low to moderate incomes who would otherwise struggle to find accommodation.
Argyle Housing is a high performing Tier 1 Community Housing Provider and a Registered not-for-profit that delivers specialised, evidence-based tenancy and support services tailored to local regional and urban contexts across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Argyle Housing currently has approximately 2,500 properties under management that house over 4,500 people from all walks of Australia’s diverse society.
Argyle Housing is also a registered provider with the NDIS Safeguard Commission accredited to provide or facilitate Tenancy Support and Home Modifications to our Clients who live with a disability.
Argyle Housing is working on delivering the Future Directions for Social Housing priorities by providing new, good quality housing that will enable a pathway and opportunity for Social Housing Clients to move through the housing continuum from Social Housing to Affordable Housing and onto the private rental market and home ownership.
Argyle Housing is an ethical organisation committed to increasing the supply of quality Affordable Housing for people in regional NSW. Argyle Housing has been working with local councils and private and/or public stakeholders in regional areas to deliver housing that meets the identified needs of the community. These are exciting major projects that will bring about real change and opportunity in currently disadvantaged communities.
With over 38 years’ experience working in the Community Housing Sector, Argyle Housing manages Social and Affordable homes in the Wingecarribee LGA, Wollondilly LGA, Campbelltown, Goulburn, Leeton, Young, Yass, Temora, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Canberra, and Queanbeyan.
What We Do:
Argyle Housing has a unique, proven Client centred approach to tenancy management delivered by a Team of dedicated, Specialist Staff who support our Clients.
Housing Access Team:
Argyle Housing has a dedicated Housing Access Team that manages applications, assessments and allocations for all social and affordable housing applicants. The Team is responsive to Clients’ needs and supports them through to lease signing and soft hand over to the Client Support Specialist Team.
Client Support Specialist Team:
We have a dedicated Client Support Team who are the main contact point for our Clients throughout their tenancy. We work with Clients to access opportunities in their local community and have a real say in how we deliver our services. Out Client Support Specialists work with Clients and service partners to provide practical support to sustain tenancies and support wellbeing.
Assets Team:
The Assets Team manages a 24/7 maintenance line, focused on ensuring that Clients receive a responsive and high standard outcome to their maintenance needs, working to clear repair timeframes with a proven track record of maintaining properties to a high standard.
Rent Services Team:
The Rent Services Team is a dedicated team specialising in the management of rent and non-rent debt, as well as rent and eligibility asset tenancies.
Transition Team:
The Transition Team specialises in making the end of tenancy and/or transfer experience for Clients as seamless and hassle free as possible. This team finalises all matters relating to an end of tenancy including bond refunds, former tenant categorisation, references and compensation order, This Team are also responsible for the management of all Tribunal matters where this is required.
Our Strategic Focus
The critical factors for our success, set out in Argyle Housing’s Strategic Plan 2022-24, are:
- Meeting affordable housing need by increasing our property portfolio: and
- Delivering quality homes and housing services
We will continue to achieve these success factors by:
- Governing effectively
- Managing the business sustainably
- Supporting our people and improving our workplace
- Enhancing our communication
Our Clients
Argyle Housing Clients come from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We have over 4,000 Clients in our properties and work in partnership with them and partner agencies to:
- Increase opportunities
- Strengthen local community connections
- Support successful tenancies
- Ensure our clients have a real say in how we do things
In the 2021 Tenant Satisfaction Survey Argyle Housing achieved an 85% overall satisfaction rating from its Clients.
Our Approach
Argyle Housing’s Specialist Team approach to tenancy management is informed by:
- Our people-focused value and robust Client service framework
- An ability to develop and apply community housing policies in line with government expectations
- A commitment to transparent, tenant informed decision-making
- Effective arrears management and support for Clients struggling to pay their rent
- Effective allocation and management to ensure the best utilisation of properties
- Flexibility and responsiveness to new opportunities and housing demand; and
- A proven ability to integrate new tenancies into our processes through experience with stock transfers in NSW and successful contracting for new management opportunities including Common Ground and Ainslie Village in the ACT.
Our Board
Argyle Housing is governed by a skills-based Board of Directors which brings a diverse set of experience and knowledge to guide the strategic direction of Argyle Housing, while our Chief Executive Officer and Leadership Team Lead an organisation of dedicated individuals to implement this strategy.
Key Personnel
Carolyn Doherty – CEO
Carolyn has a background in Child Protection and Community Housing, having spent eight years as the CEO of a large housing company in Queensland, prior to returning to NSW. Carolyn is deeply passionate about housing, knowing that it is the foundation of people’s lives. Without long term stable housing, people can face overwhelming barriers to health, education, employment, and most of all personal safety. Carolyn commenced working with Argyle Housing in 2018 and was appointed to the CEO position in April 2022.
Alison Sheer – General Manager, Corporate Services
Alison has recently joined the Argyle Housing Team in late 2021 initially as the GM, People & Culture. Alison has 20 years’ experience as a generalist human resource professional, working in the public, private and not for profit sector. Alison’s role and responsibilities within Argyle Housing include developing recruitment, selection and retention strategies; workforce planning; embedding a learning and development culture; implementing reward and recognition initiatives; and managing employee relations. Alison holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources and Accounting.
Milan Ostojic – General Manager, Operations
Milan has over 18 years of experience in the community housing and real estate sectors, including over 15 years in senior leadership positions. He is skilled in Budgeting, working with Government Team Building and S is a graduate in Project Management. Milan gained experience in managing integrated Teams comprising frontline business operations, tenancy management, support coordination and place-making in SGCH’s operation. Possessing expertise in the areas of project and contract management, assets and compliance, strategic partnership management, consortium building, and community engagement and participation to deliver exceptional customer service, strong operational and compliance results, and outcomes contributing to customer wellbeing.
Sudha Manian – General Manager, Asset Management and Growth
With over 12 years’ experience as a senior executive in the not-for-profit sector (including the community housing industry), Sudha has experience in development management, investment and financial modelling, including preparing robust financial models for new business ventures. She has also managed and reported on the progress of capital funded projects and was heavily involved in internal and external stakeholder management of these projects. Sudha demonstrates sound project management experience and consistently demonstrates the ability to lead, develop and get results.
In her role as GM, Asset Management and Growth, Sudha will be a part of the Executive Team and will be responsible for developing a framework to optimise Argyle Housing’s assets and deliver development projects to increase revenue and improve asset value. A key focus will be on building a property portfolio to create homes for our clients.
In addition to her extensive financial leadership expertise, she is a qualified CPA and is RMIT Certified in Project Management and Digital Delivery.
Cherie Tizzoni – Client Services Manager
Cherie has been with Argyle Housing for three years and prior to this worked in child protection for the NSW Government for two years and has over 10 years management experience in the private sector. Cherie started her career in January 2019 with Community Housing in the ACT as the Team Leader for Argyle Housing ACT and has now been in the Client Services Manager role for more than a year. In this role she manages the Client Services Teams of Argyle Housing across 10 office locations in NSW and the ACT. Cherie holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree, and a Diploma in business management.
Scott Dunstan – Communications and Marketing Manager
Scott has a Bachelor of Education Art and Design, Graphic Design Graduate SAE Institute Australia. Scott has over 25 years’ experience in design and marketing and has extensive knowledge supervising creative development activities and brand management functions for multiple national and local companies covering a wide variety of industries. Scott is a director of his own business, Dunstan Design and has held senior design and consultation roles in both the private sector as well as national member organisations. Scott has coordinated the branding styles, website design, social media presence, logo design, business model development and marketing services for multiple companies spread across various industries. Scott’s extensive design and marketing experience is coupled with a strong understanding of the social and community housing sector after three years of working with Argyle Housing.
Michael Maldonado – Maintenance and Asset Manager
Michael is an experienced corporate facilities and maintenance Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the education, retail and community housing industry. Skilled in negotiation, Operations Management, Facility Management (FM), Team Building, and Operating Budgets, Michael has a strong operations professionalism. Michael leads the asset and maintenance function and Team at Argyle Housing to ensure that its clients receive high quality and timely services.
Our Portfolio
Our History
1997
The Wingecarribee Community Tenancy Scheme and Macarthur Community Tenancy Scheme amalgamate to form Argyle Community Housing Association with a total of 120 properties
1998
Argyle Housing takes over the management of 30 additional properties in Goulburn
2000
Argyle Housing is awarded Class 2 registration as a community housing provider and opens an office in Bradbury.
2001
Argyle Housing is awarded its first 3-year accreditation. In collaboration with the Department of Housing, Argyle Housing introduces the successful Claymore Intensive Management Program. This program transformed Proctor Way into a secure, clean neighbourhood with a growing sense of community pride. The program is extended to the Airds/Bradbury Area in an attempt to reduce vandalism and property damage.
2002
Argyle Housing wins the award for excellence in partnerships at NSW awards for Excellence in Community Housing. The number of properties under management is 524.
2004
644 properties now under management. Argyle is successful in achieving both 3-year accreditation and ongoing registration.
2006
Argyle Housing is a founding member of Powerhousing Australia – a peer network and business alliance of Australian non-profit housing organisations
2007
Amalgamated with Queanbeyan Tenancy Management Scheme. Properties under management increase to 894. The Stock Transfer of 363 HNSW properties to Argyle Housing in the Wingecarribee local government area commences.
2008
Argyle Housing changes its business status from Incorporated to Company Limited by Guarantee. Argyle Housing, along with four other community housing providers, form BlueCHP Ltd. BlueCHP tenders for government funds to purchase or construct new housing in the geographic areas of the five community housing providers. Property numbers increase to 1,152. Argyle Housing builds its first affordable home.
2009
New tenants and Staff in Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton. Property portfolio increases to 1,407 with Argyle Housing taking on the management of an additional 212 properties. The Stock Transfer of 132 properties in the Wollondilly area is completed.
2010
Receives title to 100 properties under Asset Ownership tender and a further 150 properties under Nation Building Economic and Stimulus tender. Housing Pathways introduced to streamline and centralise applications for social housing in NSW. The Stock Transfer of 287 HNSW properties to Argyle in Young, Yass, and Crookwell commences.
2011
Argyle Housing expands into ACT with the management of 53 units in Conder. The number of properties under management now exceeds 2,000.
2012
Argyle Housing is awarded the tender by the Housing and Community Service ACT for the tenancy management of Ainslie Village in Campbell, ACT.
Argyle Housing achieves Class 1 registration in NSW enabling it to pursue development activities and partnerships.
Argyle Housing’s partners with My Gateway and TAFE NSW to construct three affordable housing dwellings in Griffith, NSW – an initiative to assist unemployed indigenous youth in the community.
Argyle Housing refreshes its branding to a contemporary style but retained the logo which is familiar to many.
The number of properties under management on 30th June 2012 exceeds 2,100.
As a sign of confidence in the capabilities of Argyle Housing and the Community Housing Sector in general, the NSW Government transferred the ownership of 159 dwellings from the NSW State Government to Argyle Housing in 2012, as well as a further 69 dwellings to be vested in the near future.
2013
In partnership with the Young Shire Council, Young High School, North Young Primary School and a range of other partners Argyle Housing delivered a major park upgrade for the benefit of Argyle Housing’s Clients and the community generally. With a focus on community engagement and inclusion, the project has succeeded in not only achieving major functional and aesthetic improvements to the park but also the involvement of local community members and High School children in the park works. The number of tenancies under management is just under 2,300.
2014
Argyle Housing is invited to participate in the pilot scheme for the new National Regulatory System for Community Housing Providers and is successful in gaining Tier 1 Registration under the new scheme
2015
Argyle Housing launches a vibrant new logo and brand, website, and social media network
Launch of Argyle Housing’s first Reconciliation Action Plan
Argyle Housing is successful in its bid to manage 40 new units at Common Ground Canberra and 14 units at Eventide in Yanco
Completion of the construction of 16 x one and two-bedroom affordable housing units in the Southern Highlands
Argyle Housing employees take home industry awards including Emerging Leader award (NSW) from the Federation of Housing, and Inspirational Team Member of the Year from the Australasian Housing Institute
Commencement of the Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship program for tenants
The first fully integrated IT system for Argyle Housing, Kypera, is introduced
New outreach offices in Tahmoor, Goulburn and Yass are opened taking the number of Argyle Housing offices to 12
The Tenancy Action Worker role is introduced at Argyle Housing with five specialist workers appointed to support tenants to sustain tenancies and achieve positive social and personal outcomes in their lives
The Six Worthy Weeks program for 14-19 year olds is introduced for a 12-month period to incentivise young people to volunteer in their communities
2,300 properties are now under management spread across 19 LGA’s in NSW and the ACT
In late 2015, Chris Benton, long term Director and Chair of the Argyle Housing Board is appointed as the first Patron of Argyle Housing
2016
Argyle Housing introduces tenant consultations for state-wide policy and legislative change
The Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship continues to grow with 15 tenants assisted and $19,500 awarded towards educational expenses
Tahmoor and Goulburn outreach offices open co-locating with Wollondilly Links in Tahmoor and Grand Pacific Health in Goulburn
Seven Ainslie Village residents take part in Argyle Housing’s applied learning program onsite in Campbell ACT
Susan Bailey and Donna Anthes join the Argyle Housing Board and Argyle Housing now has 76 employees
Argyle Housing takes on its first group of administration trainees as a pilot program in Bowral and Campbelltown
Argyle Housing and SEARMS Aboriginal Corporation partnership is established to assist SEARMS to gain NRSCH Tier 1 or 2 Registration
Argyle Housing purchased 11 properties in 2016 in Campbelltown, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga and Queanbeyan at a cost of $4.1m. Nine of these properties are affordable housing properties
2,437 properties owned or under management by Argyle Housing as of 30 June 2016
2017
2,463 properties are now under management by Argyle Housing with 5,288 household members.
Argyle Housing’s affordable housing portfolio has grown to 80 properties.
Argyle Housing achieves an 86% overall satisfaction rating from its tenants in the biennial Tenant Satisfaction Survey.
A dedicated Access and Allocations Team is established to streamline the housing application process.
Premiere’s Youth Initiative three year partnership with Anglicare NSW commences to support youth exiting Out of Home Care.
The Argyle Tertiary Scholarship program continues to grow with $17,490 in scholarship funding granted to tenant in the 2016/17 FY.
2018
Argyle Housing launches its first Digital Annual Report
The new Strategic Plan 2018/21 is launched
With additional funding provided by private and community sponsors, the Argyle Tertiary Scholarship Program has now provided a total of $57,505 in grants to tenants for educational expenses to 30 June 2018
Argyle Housing partners with Directions Health Services in the ACT to provide an outreach health clinic at Ainslie Village
An Argyle Housing employee survey unanimously endorses Argyle Housing’s stance against domestic and family violence and registration as a White Ribbon Organisation
The Chris Benton Outstanding Employee Award in honour of past Chair and Argyle Housing’s first patron is introduced at the 2018 Annual General Meeting
Raija Purse, Argyle Housing’s Tenancy Officer at Common Ground in the ACT is awarded the REI Canberra’s Community Housing Sector Property Manager of the Year Award
The Campbelltown office relocates to Browne Street in Campbelltown
Older Women in Housing Project - Argyle Housing purchases 8 x 2 bedroom units in Queanbeyan, Wagga and Griffith funded jointly by Argyle Housing and the state government’s Community Housing Innovation and Leverage Fund
Argyle Housing and Challenge Southern Highlands partner to provide tenancy management services for residents in specialised supported disability housing
The purchase of 5x3 bedroom homes in Wagga Wagga completes Argyle Housing’s asset vesting target with the NSW Government. This is the first time Argyle Housing has entered into a debt facility
2,335 properties under management as at 30 June 2018
2019
Trevor Fair, long serving and now retired Board director is appointed Argyle Housing’s second Patron
Argyle Housing achieves 82% overall satisfaction rating from tenants in its biennial Tenancy Satisfaction Survey
The 2018/2019FY is the most successful year so far for the Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship with 31 scholarships awarded
The Orange Sky Laundry and Mobile dental clinic come onsite to Ainslie Village
Argyle Housing is successful in obtaining registration as a Provider with the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission
7 new properties purchased and there are now 379 properties owned by Argyle Housing
2,347 properties owned or under management as at 30 June 2019
2020
In May 2019, Argyle Housing received $1.5m in stimulus finding from the NSW Government for upgrades to over 175 managed properties
Argyle Housing is successful in borrowing $12m in funding from NHFIC to acquire more housing
Griffith City Council and Argyle Housing partner to deliver 20 new affordable dwellings at Griffin Green, incorporating Dave Taylor Park
Argyle Housing commences the development of four new dwellings in Wakaden Street in Griffith
In Wagga Wagga, Argyle Housing commissions the construction of 4 new 2 bedroom villa units
2 x 2 bedroom garden Units are completed in Tahmoor and Moss Vale
35 Argyle Tertiary Scholarships are awarded to tenants with the total scholarship funding awarded since 2015 reaching $141,813
The Winter Lodge, providing temporary accommodation for homeless men during winter opens at Ainslie Village in the ACT with 144 accommodated during the winter months
Argyle Housing secures NSW Government funding through the Together Home Program to house rough sleepers in Western Sydney and the Murrumbidgee regions
Argyle Housing exits the Humanitarian Settlement Program after three successful years of partnership with the Australian Red Cross
In partnership with BlueCHP and the NSWALC Housing, Argyle Housing submits an EOI to Government outlining its vision for the renewal of the Tolland Gardens Housing Estate
A total of 91 affordable dwellings are now managed or owned by Argyle Housing in NSW and the ACT
2021
The Premier’s Youth Initiative Program is extended for a further 3 years to 2024
$3.364m stimulus funding was received from the NSW Government for external improvements to 300 properties managed by Argyle Housing
Successful in Tolland EOI. Consortium prepares Business Case for Government
The Griffin Green Project commences in Griffith NSW
Winter Lodge is funded for another 2 winters at Ainslie Village
Directions Health bring COVID 19 vaccinations onsite at Ainslie Village
Argyle Housing secures funding from NSW Government under the Together Home Program to house 22 people sleeping rough in Murrumbidgee and South West Sydney for up to 2 years with intensive case management in partnership with Uniting and Marathon Health
Claymore Housing Estate accelerated Stage 11 redevelopment by the NSW Government commences which will involve the rehousing of 43 Argyle Housing households over a 9-month period
2,339 properties owned or under management as of 30 June 2021
2022
Wendy Middleton passes peacefully
Argyle Housing appoints Carolyn Doherty as CEO on the 4 April 2022.
Strategic Plan 2022-2024 implemented
Client Value Proposition created
Argyle Housing Rebrand
Argyle Housing Staff Realignment
Acquisition of first Affordable Housing properties in Young
Market Street Lodge in Goulburn opens its door to cater for men and women in need of housing
Argyle Housing starts its journey towards creating an Innovate RAP
Client Portal launched on the 16th September to clients to access their tenancy information online
Good Works Garden Launch on the 20th October at Dirty Janes Canberra.
Argyle Housing is awarded a grant to participate in the Queen's Jubilee Tree Planting program. A tree pergola is planted alongside the Good Works Garden and is officially opened on the 20th October 2022
Our Brand
Argyle Housing launched our rebrand on Monday 8th August 2022.
It’s fresh, welcoming and most importantly a representation of our Clients, Staff, Key Stakeholders and the services we provide to the community in partnership with other community services.
Included in our rebranding is an infographic depicting a Clients’ Journey with Argyle Housing. From initial introduction to Argyle Housing as a Community Housing Provider, securing them into a safe affordable housing option, supporting them through their tenancy with wrap around services and responsive maintenance solutions; connecting them to opportunities through various programs; helping them build relationships with support services and their community and much more. All to create a better future for our communities.
Welcome Donna Anthes
Having worked alongside Wendy Middleton for over six years, I know that her passing in January this year was a great loss to Argyle Housing and the Community Housing sector. I had a deep respect for Wendy. She deeply connected with people. She had an insurmountable drive, energy and passion to make the world a better place. She had a passion for regions and the people living and working in them. She had a vision for brighter communities. These were some of driving forces behind major projects like the Tolland Gardens Renewal and Griffin Green. This commitment to creating a better future for people in communities that we serve was just one of the qualities that I truly admired in Wendy.
I would like to thank management and staff for their ongoing dedication to Argyle Housing Clients throughout the period that Wendy was unwell. It was a difficult time and I admire the way staff continued to focus on Clients and ensure our high standard of service delivery was attained.
This year’s theme revolves around our value of Accountability. Throughout the year I have seen many examples where Argyle Housing has reoriented the way we do business to focus on being accountable to our Clients, key stakeholders and staff. Our Strategic Plan 2022-2024 details key objectives to support the growth of Argyle Housing. The review and consultation process occurred during the most recent NSW pandemic lockdown. Our focus is on sustainability of our organisation to provide high quality community housing across our regional network. Initiatives in 2022 were based on insights from industry and stakeholder research with our Clients at the centre of our decision making and service delivery.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the consultation process that informed our Strategic Plan. Your views are valued, and feedback helps us create a community-focused Argyle Housing. The Board, Executive and Staff are committed to adapting our organisation to serve evolving community needs. To demonstrate how dedicated we were to delivering to our value of Accountability, we created a Client Value Proposition. After testing this with staff and Clients, we put it at the centre of how we operate and then oriented the business around the CVP. As a result, we have found new ways of collaborating to deliver services to our Clients that we know is making a difference in their lives.
Across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory we have seen a significant increase in demand for affordable and social housing. In regional areas, the rental market has seen considerable increases from people in need of housing. Access to good quality, safe, secure, affordable housing is fundamental to wellbeing. Regional rents are now 9 per cent higher than two years ago according to a PowerHousing Australia report1. Argyle Housing is working towards providing new affordable and social housing throughout our regional areas, with current projects in Griffith, Yass and Goulburn.
As the demand for housing increases across Australia we are happy to announce Argyle Housing’s move into regional Victoria to provide housing opportunities through the Victorian Affordable Housing Rental Scheme.
We are part of a consortium that is currently going through an extensive application for registration and tender for the management of affordable rental homes across the State. The consortium aims to deliver the management of up to 2,400 affordable, key worker homes in Victoria.
I would like to acknowledge and thank the Argyle Housing Board who utilise their expertise, motivated by care and a drive to provide safe and secure homes for our Clients as we invest in a sustainable future for our communities. I would especially like to thank our CEO Carolyn Doherty. She has shown extraordinary leadership, strength, and a steady hand throughout some challenging periods over the last 12 months. She is passionate about our Clients and the opportunities that a safe and stable home provides to us all.
Thank you also to the strong Leadership team and every Argyle Housing staff member who lives and expresses the organisational values every single day as we invest in each Client, putting them at the centre of everything we do.
Welcome Carolyn Doherty
As the CEO of Argyle Housing, I am mindful every day that we offer our services on unceded Aboriginal Land. In leading this organisation, and as an individual I hold the responsibility for Argyle Housing’s commitment to reconciliation and our role in the healing of past wounds and injustices. I acknowledge that this is a journey that is shared and accept the invitation extended in the Uluru Statement from The Heart to walk with First Nations people in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
I was privileged to accept the position of CEO of Argyle Housing earlier this year, and to be trusted to build on the legacy that was created for us through the leadership of Wendy Middleton. Wendy was a friend and colleague for many of us and her passion for our Clients was second to none. and I have had cause to remark on many occasions over the past 12 months, that part of her legacy was to leave us with so many commitments to fulfill that we would have little time to grieve – an indulgence that she would not want us to entertain for long.
As such we have had a wonderfully busy year filled with opportunities, change and a renewed commitment on our core purpose – our Clients. The development of our Client Value Proposition has been a key force behind a restructure of our Operations Teams, built around the lifecycle of our Clients’ journey with us. It has seen us deliver on a commitment to our Clients for a Client Portal, the adoption a new value of inclusivity, embracing change and diversity within our workplace, and communities and building a culture of One Argyle. Part of this journey has also been furthering our commitment to reconciliation through the development our of Reconciliation Action Plan which I look forward to launching towards the end of this year.
We have a fresh new brand and look that was widely embraced by our staff and stakeholders during consultations, representing our connections to the lands where we work, the new lives that can be created through safe housing and the connection to our clients and stakeholders through this work.
Thanks to the support and generosity of Jane Crowley owner of ‘Dirty Janes’ we have recently launched in partnership with SVDP the Good Works Garden. This community engagement project will provide opportunities for our clients and the broader community to volunteer their time in building and maintaining this community garden. It will provide fresh produce to the Blue Door which has been providing much-needed meals to Clients in need at Ainslie Village and the wider community for many years. This project offers our volunteers a sense of connection, a place to build relationships, learn new skills and develop a broader understanding of others in the diverse and vibrant Canberra Community.
I am buoyed by the national conversation that is now being had on the need for large scale investment in social and affordable housing as we continue to see each and every day in our work in NSW and the ACT. The incredible burden that individuals and families face in maintaining the most fundamental right – a safe and affordable home in which to live. I am constantly reminding senior leaders, politicians that without this, everything else becomes impossible.
Argyle Housing is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that we hope will come out of this national conversation, particularly in regional areas, not just in delivering new homes but providing safe, sustainable communities that allow our Clients the foundations to build on this opportunity to live their best lives.
This past year has been a rollercoaster filled with tears, memories, laughter, growth and opportunity. I would like to thank Donna and the Board for their support, trust and confidence in me during the past 12 months, to allow me to honour Wendy’s legacy whilst putting my own footsteps forward into Argyle Housing’s future.
I would like to thank each and every staff member, Client and Stakeholder that has trusted my vision for Argyle Housing, and for the patience and understanding during my transition to the role. I would like to give particular thanks to Cherie Tizzoni and Alison Sheer for driving much of the change over the past six months. With the continued support of the Board and my Executive and Senior Management Team (Milan, Alison, Sudha, Cherie and Michael) I look forward to everything that the next 12 months has to offer.
Compliments and Thank you to stakeholders, clients and staff
We would like to thank the Commonwealth, NSW, and ACT Governments; and the organisations, agencies, contractors and local governments that have worked with Argyle Housing throughout 2021/2022. You have all helped us deliver great outcomes for and assisted in creating new opportunities for our Clients and communities.
We also acknowledge and thank our Staff across all locations. We appreciate your effort and commitment throughout the year.
