Vale Wendy Middleton
Wendy Middleton, the CEO of Argyle Housing, passed peacefully on Friday 7 January 2022 after a brief period of ill health.
Argyle Housing would like to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution that Wendy has made to Argyle Housing and the Community Housing sector.
Wendy was always a fierce advocate for the underdog and for people in regional NSW in particular. She genuinely believed that safe, secure housing is the foundation that can make or break a life and give a person an opportunity to achieve better outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities.
When you met Wendy for the first time, it was her striking purple hair and ‘G’day… how are you going?’ that would get you in. But these are not the things that stood her out from the crowd; it was her immediate warmth and inquisitiveness that really demanded your attention. Wendy had this innate ability to work out who you are, play to your strengths and know immediately how you can assist with her crusade to house people in need.
Wendy started work at Argyle Housing as Business Development GM in 2013 and moved into the role of CEO in 2014. Since that date Wendy extended the footprint of Argyle Housing into the ACT (with the management of Ainslie Village and Common Ground Gungahlin), to Albury in the south and about everywhere in between.
Wendy especially valued her friendships with tenants and until her recent illness would always make the time to visit tenants in all locations to sit down with them for a cuppa and a chat.
As the CEO of Argyle Housing, Wendy worked tirelessly to enable social change. This is especially evidenced through her lead on the Tolland Estate Renewal Project in Wagga and the Griffin Green Housing Project in Griffith. However, she also made a real impact through her advocacy across all sections of society for the homeless, the vulnerable, young people, women and children escaping DV and older women in need of housing (just to name a few).
There are so many words that can be used to describe Wendy Middleton; fierce, caring, loyal, selfless, a good listener and tireless in her pursuit of what she believes is right; Wendy was an astute businessperson with a wicked sense of humour and someone who you want on your side in a fight.
Wendy’s door was always open for her Team at Argyle Housing and had always been open for everyone in the wider community. We will all miss the conversations, discussions, arguments, and the laughter.
Thank you Wendy, for all you have done for Argyle Housing, the Community Housing sector and for all those people out there that have a home and a future because of you and your vision of a fair go for all.
Carolyn Doherty appointed CEO
Argyle Housing appoints Carolyn Doherty as the new CEO.
On Friday 1 April 2022, the Chair of Argyle Housing, Donna Anthes was delighted to announce that Carolyn Doherty has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation. As an experienced business leader and having a proven record of accomplishment as a CEO of a Community Housing Provider, Carolyn will succeed the former CEO, Wendy Middleton. Due to ill heath, Wendy passed earlier this year.
Carolyn has more than 25 years’ experience working in the Community Services sector, including over 12 years working in social and affordable housing. Before joining Argyle Housing in 2018, Carolyn worked in management roles for State Government in child protection, out of home care and as CEO of a Community Housing Provider in Queensland. Carolyn is passionate about providing Social and Affordable housing as a foundation for opportunity and in leading the Argyle Housing Team to achieve the best outcomes for our Clients.
Donna Anthes said, “After a comprehensive search process, the Argyle Housing board are confident that Carolyn is the right person for the role. She has the skills and knowledge to continue to grow Argyle Housing.”
“Carolyn’s leadership has provided stability for Argyle Housing during her tenure as Acting CEO. With her passion for Argyle Housing’s Clients, Staff and business knowledge, we are confident in Carolyn’s ability to lead the organisation into the future.”
“I am grateful to the Board for the opportunity to be appointed as the CEO of Argyle Housing,” said Carolyn, “and express my thanks to the Argyle Housing Team and Clients for their support over the past six months which has been a uniquely challenging time following the loss of Wendy Middleton. Together we have set an exciting agenda for the next few years to grow our business and to provide greater opportunities in our communities for safe and affordable housing, and I look forward to leading our Team to meet these objectives.”
Board of Directors
Argyle Housing is governed by a Board of Directors who bring a diverse set of skills, 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.
Qualifications – Bachelor of Arts (Communications) (University of Newcastle); Master of Business Administration (Melbourne Business School); Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Special Responsibilities – Ex-offico Member, Assets, Acquisitions & New Business Committee, Audit & Risk Committee and Nomination, Remuneration & Governance Committee.
Donna is an experienced Company Secretary and Non-Executive Director with proven governance & risk management expertise. She has significant board level experience and leverages her strong record of accomplishment in leading change and resolving complex business issues. Donna’s rich experience, ranging from start-up businesses to large-scale organisations, enables her to engage effectively and credibly with a broad range of stakeholders and provide sound business leadership in changing environments. Donna has executive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including Qantas, Macquarie Bank, and the University of Newcastle, where she has been responsible for achieving operational efficiencies; implementing meaningful change programs; establishing corporate service functions and governance frameworks. A record of accomplishment of business development accompanies Donna’s strong leadership.
Donna was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 January 2016.
Qualifications – BA/LL.M, MPAdmin, GradDipPM, MAICD.
Special Responsibilities – Chair, Nominations, Remuneration & Governance Committee.
Susan is a non-executive director in the not-for-profit sector and previously in the public sector. She has over 30 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer in the private and public sectors including insurance and electricity. Susan has executive experience as General Counsel of Ausgrid and General Counsel and Company Secretary of Royal & Sun Alliance Australia.
Susan was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 January 2016.
Qualifications – Master of Commerce (Valuation), with Distinction; Graduate Diploma in Property Investment; Advanced Certificate in Real Estate; Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Special Responsibilities – Member, Assets, Acquisition & New Business Committee and Member, Audit & Risk Committee.
Christopher has 37 years of broad-ranging experience in the property industry, covering property funds management (both listed and unlisted); property and asset management; property investment (including acquisition and divestment); property development; project management; financing and financial management; marketing; sustainability; and corporate governance and compliance. He has experience both on-shore (Australia) and offshore (as Regional Head of Asset Management for Asia-Pacific, based in Singapore, with LaSalle Investment Management).
During his career, Christopher also has held senior roles with GPT Group, Lendlease, BT Funds Management / Principal Financial Group, Colliers International, Jones Lang Wootton (now JLL) and, early in his career, in the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments. Immediately prior to his retirement from his executive career in 2020, Chris was managing director of Pindari Capital, a funds management company owned by Mulpha Australia.
Chris was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 January 2018.
Qualifications – BBus (Accounting); Master Tax Law; Fellow Chartered Accountant; Certified Tax Advisor; MAICD.
Special Responsibilities – Chair, Audit & Risk Committee and Member, Remuneration & Governance Committee.
Yvette has over 25 years’ experience in public practice as a Chartered Accountant, working with private groups and not-for profit organisations.
Yvette is currently an independent member of the Governance, Audit & Risk Committee for Shellharbour City Council, and was previously a Trustee and Deputy Chair of Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust and a member of NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity. Yvette has extensive experience in financial and risk management, corporate governance, business operations and commercial management.
Yvette was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 January 2018.
Qualifications – Associate Diploma in Business (Valuation); Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Special Responsibilities – Chair, Assets, Acquisitions & New Business Committee; Member Nominations, Remuneration & Governance Committee.
Tracey has over 25 years in the property and finance sectors in strategic property and financial advisory, development and project management as well as asset and property management. Tracey has held senior executive positions in both the public and private sector nationally and internationally this has included Landcom, Royal Bank of Scotland, CRI and Tamaki Regeneration Company.
Throughout this time, Tracey has been involved in a number of large scale social and urban renewal projects including most recently the Tamaki Regeneration Programme in Auckland, New Zealand. This is the largest social regeneration project in New Zealand seeking improve the social and economic well-being of a key area of Auckland.
Tracey’s property and commercial background is coupled with a strong understanding of the social and community housing sector.
Tracey was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 May 2019.
Qualifications – Bachelor of Economics; Chartered Accountant; Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Special Responsibilities – Member, Audit & Risk Committee.
Julian Sawicki has a 25-year career in executive management and membership of boards. This experience covers financial management, strategic planning, risk management, human resources and culture, quality, and compliance with a strong understanding of board governance principles arising from the completion of the Company Directors course via the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Julian’s passion for community services is reflected in his senior and Chief Executive roles with values-based organisations providing a wide range of community and personal support services throughout South Australia. His experience in community housing policy and practice arises from significant involvement with community housing companies such as Westside Housing and Unity Housing. This practical experience coupled with knowledge of government policy adds to his board experience in the superannuation, community services, community housing, and disability services sectors.
Julian believes that access to safe, secure, and affordable housing is essential for a fair community if its members are to participate fully in the life of their community.
Julian was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 May 2019.
Qualifications – B.Bus (Acct/Fin) (UTS); Master of Business Administration (AGSM); Fellow CPA Australia; Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Special Responsibilities – Member, Nominations, Remuneration and Governance.
Robert has over 30 years of senior executive experience in financial services and for purposes sectors nationally and internationally. Initial responsibilities were focused on financial matters and has transitioned towards general management including strategic planning, operational excellence, business development and risk identification and mitigation. Appointments over this period include significant roles at Westpac, Toyota Finance and Uniting.
Robert has been solely responsible for innovative social and financial transactions including the NEWPIN Social Impact Bond and the Foyer Central Youth Accommodation initiative. Robert’s financial services background is complemented by a strong understanding of the social and community housing sector, with regional locations, especially in First Australian communities.
Prior Board appointments have been undertaken in financial services, community housing, disability accommodation, family support and youth services.
Robert was appointed to the Argyle Housing Board on 1 January 2021.
Patron
Trevor Fair
Qualifications – B Bus (Accounting/HRM), CPA
The Board of Argyle Housing is proud to announce the appointment of Trevor Fair as Argyle Housing’s second Patron following the passing of our first Patron, Chris Benton.
“I am honoured to follow Chris Benton, a fellow Rotarian, who was passionate about Community Housing and Argyle Housing in particular. When offered the position of Patron, I felt it both an honour and duty to make sure that the efforts invested by Chris in Argyle Housing are remembered and built on into the future.”
Trevor is a well-known face at Argyle Housing having served on the board for nine years and 11 months before retiring in 2018. Trevor held the position as Chair of the Remuneration Committee on retirement and was responsible for providing the Financial Report to stakeholders at the annual meeting. A quiet achiever, Trevor helped to guide Argyle Housing through a significant period of growth in which Argyle Housing’s portfolio increased from approximately 500 properties to over 2,000 properties. As a member and past president of the Bowral-Mittagong Rotary Club, Trevor is committed to helping bring about positive change in the community and lending a helping hand when required.
“I will continue to provide support and encouragement to the Board and hope to remain an integral part of the Argyle Housing story for many years to come.”
Past Patron
Chris Benton
Qualifications – JP, MAICD
Appointed the first Patron of Argyle Housing in recognition of his significant commitment and contribution over the past 14 years. Chris Benton was a business owner and manager in Bowral who had worked in the banking and finance sector for over 33 years. Past Director and Chairman of the Argyle Housing Board, Chris contributed significantly to the growth of Argyle Housing and to its status as a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider. Together with his dedication to Argyle Housing, Chris was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was also a past president of the Rotary Club Bowral/Mittagong, a volunteer firefighter, and foundation treasurer of the Southern Highlands Renal Appeal. Chris was a part of the Argyle Housing Board from 2001 and acted as Chairman of the Board for many years until January 2014 and most recently as Director until February 2015. Sadly, Chris passed away in early February 2017.
Our Staff
Longevity
Staff 5 Year Tenure Awards
Argyle Housing would like to recognise Bowral, Campbelltown and ACT Staff who have been with us these past 5 years. This year I would like you to please acknowledging the following Staff.
Julie Roberts commenced her employment with Argyle Housing as a Team Leader of Access and Allocations on 17 June 2017 after 22 years years’ experiences at the Department of Communities and Justice known then as FACS.
Julie has been instrumental in developing the start Safely Program for victims of domestic violence and has even worked as a private rental brokerage specialist. Julie has been the sole trainer and mentor for our Tenancy Teams. She is always approachable and has a nurturing nature that builds a safe place for our new starters to learn and develop their skills. Julie works tirelessly to ensure her Team are allocated workloads that are achievable, and she has been the key to having a high performing access and allocations Team.
In July 2022 Argyle Housing undertook a realignment process and the Access and Allocations Team became the Housing Access Team. Julie was appointed as the Lead for the Housing Access Team and she had the biggest role to play in the realignment as a Senior Manager. The Housing Access Team had to endure the largest changes as the restructure took place, with additional Team members added, and additional functions and tasks added to the Team’s day to day work.
Julie has such a big heart and a passion for working with our Clients, and with people in general. We could not state how much we value your experience, input, contributions, and ongoing positive attitude to the realignment of the organisation.
Renetta Miller commenced her employment with Argyle Housing on the 8th February 2017. Renetta started as Tenancy Officer located at the Goulburn office covering Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Yass. Renetta worked tirelessly to provide an exceptional service to our Clients located in these three locations and she maintains many of these close working relationships today.
Argyle Housing has recognised Renetta’s thorough attention to detail, organisational skills, exceptional communication skills and her ability to manage the most challenging and complex situations, independently. Renetta can identify a problem and proactively source solutions to these problems, whilst maintaining great relationships with all stakeholders involved. Renetta was asked to support the ACT Team in Common Ground Canberra and spend a year running this site representing the organisation. During the realignment Renetta took on the biggest project of bringing Bowral under her care, at the same time as managing her original Teams and bringing on a whole new project known as the Market Street Lodge. This has been a very big task to ask of anyone during a time of change and uncertainty.
Judy is an integral part of the Queanbeyan Client Service Team and is the first point of contact for our Clients in many instances. Judy started with Argyle Housing as our Administration Support Officer in March 2017 in a temporary position. By June 2017 Judy secured a permanent position. Judy is focussed, dedicated, hardworking and innovative and has a great repour with many of our Clients and strives to build lifelong relationships with them. As the heart of the Operations Team, the Clients really appreciate the awesome service that she provides with a smile every day. The Staff also appreciate her positive attitude and dedication. Judy is the hub of the Queanbeyan Office with a fountain of knowledge and no task is too large for her. Judy is invested in achieving positive outcomes for Clients and the organisation.
Fiona commenced her Community Housing Career as an Asset’s Administrator in December 2016. After learning the various tasks of the administration role Fiona moved onto the Admin Officer role for the Bowral area in November 2017. Fiona became proficient in this role performing all her functions to a high level. Fiona excelled in the Asset Team and soon expressed interest to move into the operation Team to learn another facet of the business. In 2018 and 2019 Fiona completed 2 secondments with the operations Team as a tenancy officer. Shortly after in 2019 Fiona was promoted to tenancy officer and she has been an integral part of the Team ever since.
Over the past few years Fiona has again excelled in her role continually exceeding expectations as a tenancy officer.
On many occasions Fiona has represented Argyle Community Housing Limited at the NSW Civil administration Tribunal NCAT. She has great outcomes for her Clients and for Argyle Housing and worked very determinedly to achieve them. Among her Team members Fiona is valued as a subject matter expert in Tribunal matters and she has assisted the Team greatly in this space.
Fiona has recently been successful in moving to the transition Team where I am sure she will continue to provide great service for the Team.
Chris Benton Award
The Chris Benton Perpetual Award is in recognition of the many years of guidance and support Chris Benton provided Argyle Housing, first as Argyle Housing’s Chairman of the Board and later as our Patron.
This award is presented each year at Argyle Housing’s Annual General Meeting is recognised as an individual within Argyle Housing that has demonstrated the following qualities throughout their work:
- Diligence in their conduct within and externally to the organisation
- Commitment to Argyle Housing’s purpose
- Demonstrated quite an achievement in their specific area of work
- Demonstrated that they are reliable
- Has shown respect, and has earnt that respect in return from their peers
- Is seen as a “Go-to” person within the organisation
- Has shown determination and does not give up when they meet a challenge
- Demonstrates an analytical approach to their work
Pema Sedon commenced her employment with Argyle Housing on the 22 July 2019, working as the Resident Liaison Officer at Ainslie Village. Prior to her appointment Pema worked at Ainslie Village for One Door Mental Health delivering community and mental health support to residents. Pema was born in Bhutan and moved to Australia in 2012, with a Bachelors of Secondary Education, and completed a Graduate Diploma in Community and Health Development followed by a Masters in Community and Educational Leadership at University of Canberra.
Pema has become the heart and soul of Ainslie Village. Pema is deeply respected by the residents of Ainslie Village, she is passionate about supporting residents to maintain their health, mental and physical wellbeing and to assist them to develop and move them towards their goals.
Over the past 12 months Pema demonstrated true leadership with the Ainslie Team in the support of residents through a long term COVID lockdown following an outbreak in the village. Her knowledge of the residents and their needs was critical to the health and allied services being able to establish an individualised response to residents, to ensure that their complex health, medical and social support needs were met. This was everything from medication, addiction issues, support partners, chemotherapy, and dialysis requirements for residents. Pema undertook much of this work whilst in isolation at home, maintaining phone contact with highly vulnerable residents throughout this time. Argyle Housing received significant praise from the ACT government and health services for the management of this situation and the knowledge and care for these residents, this is testament to Pema and the Ainslie Teams work during this time.
Pema is highly respected by her colleagues at Ainslie Village and within Argyle Housing. She is also highly regarded in the community sector, representing Argyle Housing in sector forums, liaising, and advocating for Clients in her day-to-day work and also in working closely on the intake, ongoing rehousing and government reporting for the Ainslie Lodge. Given Staffing challenges for this program Pema has been fundamental in continuing to support and continue this essential service.
No matter the challenge that Pema faces in her role she always ensures that the needs of our residents are central to everything that she does, she demonstrates Argyle Housing values in every way and is an ambassador for our Client Value Proposition.
Team Member Profile – John Eduard Anzures
John or Eduard (as he prefers to be called) started with Argyle Housing in June 2020 for a two-month contract filling in for Accounts Payable role. He eventually transferred to Accounts Receivable to cover for a Team member who went on parental leave. By the end of 2021, Eduard has transitioned to working full time. This was the first time he has worked in the Housing Industry and for a not-for-profit organisation as his previous experience was with the Hospitality sector for over 15 years.
Working with Argyle Housing has given Eduard a sense of pride and fulfilment. He is pleased to be a part of a Team that works towards making a difference in people’s lives by helping combat homelessness.
Being in the finance Team which primarily performs a support role took a bit of getting used to for Eduard as he has always been at the frontline. He understands however, the importance of his role and how it contributes to the overall delivery of the excellent service that Argyle Housing continuously aims for.
He takes pride in doing his best to be efficient and always exhibits positivity and a can-do attitude. Eduard enjoys working within the Finance Team and coordinating with other departments to ensure that concerns relating to tenant payments, charges, refund requests and/or statements are addressed timely and accurately. He can see himself working with Argyle Housing long term; helping with the company’s growth and at the same time progressing with his career development in the Community Housing arena.
We are really happy that Eduard is part of a Team culture where he feels empowered to take personal accountability within the organisation.
Team member profile – Gabby Hopping
Hi everyone! I am Gabby, you may know me from videos on our social media, I have come onboard as Argyle Housing’s new Projects and Communications Officer. What do I do? Well, my leading role is to create content to communicate across all different platforms to our whole audience (that includes you!). I love meeting people, listening to their stories and being able to share good news with our community. There is not a day that goes by without laughter, I do love to laugh and make others laugh – I think this is enormously important!
I graduated university at the start of 2022 with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Event Management) and I am determined to use my degree for good. We all need to play a part in making our communities a better place, this is not the sole responsibility of one person. So, therefore I joined the Argyle Housing Team, as I believe in this vision to grow and create opportunities for people to have a better, happier future. Having the right housing is such an important part of all our lives, it allows us to then focus on and invest in the people and things that we love.
My dream is to help others through connections and opportunities to grow, to feel safe, to realise their potential and work towards their goals in life.
One of my favourite quotes is by Audrey Hepburn who advocated for children’s rights “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”
If you have a good news story that you would like to share with Argyle Housing and/or our broader community, I would love to hear it! Please reach out to me or your Client Support Specialist and we will organise a time to catch up.
You can reach me via email
In the meantime, stay updated on social media.
Team Member Celebrates Milestone
Congratulations Bernadette!
Today we celebrated Bernadette’s 15th year at Argyle Housing. Bernadette started off small and has worked tirelessly over the years to achieve excellent results for Argyle Housing Clients in need of housing. It is Bernadette’s compassion and empathy that sets her apart and we thank her for all her demanding work and dedication over the 15 years.
Staff Realignment
We are excited to share the new Argyle Housing Realigned Organisation structure.
Earlier this year, identified the need for change within our organisation to build upon the culture of “One Argyle” through Client and Staff feedback. Our Argyle Housing restructure launched in July which has been built around our clients journey with argyle Housing and aligned with our new Client Value Proposition.
This realignment allows us to go beyond, ensuring our Clients receive access to the best services and support from our highly qualified Team.
We have really focused on improving our Client service delivery by changing some of our Staff roles and responsibilities and ensuring that we are accountable to our Clients. Making this change has meant we have been able to grow our partnerships with support networks and provide better assistance for our Clients. Our main goal is our Clients ongoing wellbeing so they can be happy in their home and flourish in within their community.
Client Value Proposition: We provide secure homes for people and together create a foundation for opportunity.
Carolyn Meeting with Steph Cook
Argyle Housing CEO Carolyn Doherty and The CEO of Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) Mark Degotardi met with local Young MP Steph Cooke in Young NSW on the 29 July 2022 to discuss housing in Young and the action needed to help those in the community.
The CEO of Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) and local provider Argyle Housing CEO met today with local MP Steph Cooke to discuss the urgent action needed to house 48 local families on the social housing waitlist.
“Young has an acute social housing crisis. There already more than 100 families on the social housing waitlist in the local area and we know people are waiting for 10 years or more in some cases before they receive social housing,” said Argyle Housing CEO Carolyn Doherty.
“The fact is, there just are not enough social and affordable homes in regional NSW and the waiting list is expected to grow.
“With the vacancy rate for private rentals in Young at 1.5 per cent, the rising cost-of-living and rents increasing, we know local families are going to find it tougher and tougher to keep a roof over their head,” said Ms Doherty.
CHIA NSW says the crisis is not isolated to just Young, with more than 51,000 families on the social housing waitlist across NSW. This number is expected to increase to 68,000 by 2026, according to the State Government’s own Intergeneration Report.
“Families in Young and right across the state are struggling to keep a roof over their head. They are sleeping on couches, in cars and even on the streets,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.
“The time for action is now. We need the State Government to take accountability and invest in more social and affordable housing in Young Shire to get these individuals and families off the waiting list, and into a home,” Mr Degotardi said.
Mr Degotardi said he was grateful for local MP Steph Cooke’s time to meet to discuss how social housing is the key to addressing this escalating crisis.
“Building more social housing would make a huge difference to the lives of families struggling to keep a roof over their head,” said Mr Degotardi.
Community housing providers are not-for-profit organisations, who build homes where they are needed most.
CEO Sleepout
On June 23, 2022, our CEO Carolyn Doherty and Client Services Manager Cherie were sleeping out in Canberra to raise money for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. They are also getting some much-needed praise from a visit of our Board Chair Donna.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event over one of the longest and coldest nights of the year. Hundreds of CEOs, business owners as well as community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness. Each CEO Sleepout participant commits to raising a minimum amount of funds to help Vinnies provide essential services to the people who need them.
This year, thanks to community support the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in the ACT and surrounds beat their target of $800,000, raising over $803,900.
With the funds raised this year Vinnies will:
- Increase the number of Staff in the Street to Home program to be able to support more rough sleepers, plus will add the capability to be able to provide support services outside business hours. Working with the Night Patrol Team, Street to Home will be able to extend their work to the early evenings during the week and at weekends.
- Continue to provide the resources required to provide the Night Patrol service to our local Canberra community, every night of the year and we will replace our current Night Patrol vehicles with two new purpose-built vehicles, with the support of Canberra Toyota. In addition, we will also look to improve the food we provide to include hot and more nutritious food offerings, along with enhanced support services to our companions through these new vehicles.
- Also, we will use some of the funds raised in the development of new service support programs in Regional Hubs at Young and the Far South Coast, expanding our reach to those communities.
Help raise money for homelessness and donate here.
Thank you immensely to everyone who supported our CEO Carolyn Doherty and Client Services Manager Cherie Tizzoni as they did the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Canberra.
We would like recognise the amazing funding results of the Team, together Carolyn and Cherie raised an amount of $6,983 which helps Vinnies NSW provide 21 individual support programs, 57 beds and 232 meals and was a significant contribution to the $794,270 that was raised for the Canberra, ACT event where they joined 138 CEOs who were sleeping out to raise funds to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Your compassion and generosity will go a long way, thank you!
We Are Community
Visit to We Are Community, and would you like to volunteer?
We Are Community delivers food relief through our weekly and monthly programs, made up of Night Patrols and our Community Meal Services. Both programs provide a range of cooked meals, hampers, toiletries, essential items, and other services, provided directly to vulnerable members of the community. Our Night Patrol Program requires people to be referred by other social service agencies and community organisations.
We Are Community offer a variety of food relief services in four areas, across the Macarthur, Liverpool, Camden, and Wollondilly Local Government Areas. Depending on the area, services include free community meals, fresh fruit and vegetable hampers, breakfast packs, a range of hot and frozen meals, and toiletries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFapJ1r4Z4
Due to the demand for volunteers and assistance required with their marketing, Scott Dunstan and Gabby Hopping visited We Are Community at the Campbelltown Hotel to see how we can help them promote their services. We went out on night patrol with them to deliver meals and bread to a range of people in different housing situations. It was an eye-opening experience, learning from Paul and the Team there who are making a difference in the community for those in need – including several Argyle Housing Clients. Due to flooding and other building issues they have been having trouble servicing out of their usual facilities which means that more work is needed to continue to do what they do.
WAC Hampers into offices
Thank you so much to our friends at We Are Community Incorporated who have been delivering food hampers filled with pantry staples to our Argyle Housing offices throughout August 2022.
The hampers have been an enormous help to our Clients and community as people have been struggling with the pressure of increased costs in food and fuel.
Thank you to all the organisations who sponsor the hampers, contributing items to give to those in need. We would also like to recognise the amazing work and guidance that We Are Community does, not only for Argyle Housing Clients but for the greater community.
If you are wanting to know how you can get involved with, We Are Community, get in touch with them here.
Biggest Morning Tea
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is the easiest way to connect people to raise funds that will make a big difference to those impacted by cancer.
Clients and support services were invited to join Argyle Housing Staff for The Biggest Morning Tea, to share some food, have a cuppa and assist in raising awareness and funds for cancer research.
Our Team in Young invited Clients to a morning tea at the Green Ivy Café, whilst Campbelltown and Bowral invited Clients to join Staff and key stakeholders within their offices.
Over $300 dollars was raised for cancer research this year.
NAIDOC Week
This year NAIDOC Week ran from 3 – 10 July 2022
It is an incredibly significant week of celebrations in the Australian calendar. During NAIDOC Week we celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Islander culture that highlights traditions, food, artisanship, and much more!
Despite the winter weather this year, which impacted many NAIDOC Week events from occurring, our offices were still able to celebrate this year’s theme: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
Here’s what we got up to:
Wingecarribee
Today as NAIDOC Week 2022 ends we took a trip to the NAIDOC Exhibition in the Atrium Gallery at the Wingecarribee Shire Council Civic Centre in Moss Vale. On display was a selection of Wingecarribee Shire’s First Nations community member’s artworks including local artists Michelle Gordon and Leeallison Downie. Our Team went to visit the exhibition and support the artists there.
Campbelltown
What a wonderful start to NAIDOC WEEK 2022 celebrations!
Argyle Housing Campbelltown held their own NAIDOC Week event on Dharawal Country on the 4th of July 2022, organised by our amazing cadet Maddy, who had arranged for an Aboriginal artist/stall, NAIDOC Welcome to Country and themed poetry reading and a water cleansing ceremony. It was great to see a variety of community services, Clients and members from the community join our Team in Campbelltown to celebrate.
Featuring special guests Jennifer Newman from Community Housing Industry Association NSW who gave the Acknowledgement of Country and gave a poetry reading to help us reflect on this year’s theme: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! Also, a big thank you to Aunty Kay who performed a traditional water cleansing ritual. We also had the talented Sarah and Ondra from OJ’s Aboriginal Art & Workshops with an Aboriginal art stall at the event.
Thank you to everyone who attended and everyone who contributed to supporting the event in diverse ways and the support services who help us assist our First Nations community every day.
Griffith
On 7th July 2022 Jenny Chapman from the Argyle Housing Griffith office attended the local NAIDOC event in Griffith. The theme this year is encouraging Australians to focus on moving beyond acknowledgement, good intentions, empty words and promises, and hollow commitments. The Family Fun Day event was held at the Leagues Club Oval and included children and adult activities, art and craft, lunch, entertainment, Elder’s tent, local stall holders, Service Expo, health checks and amusement rides.
Argyle Housing had a stand at the event and gave away drink bottles, coffee mugs, pens, note pads and provided fresh fruit for the event. We had a guessing game for people to guess the number of pens in a jar. Deadly Bila Creations were there selling some amazing product such as key rings, badges, bags, earrings, and name plaques.
Wagga Wagga
Lachy and Kristy from our Wagga office attended the Kooringal Community Centre and Mission Australia’s NAIDOC Week Celebrations on Tuesday 5th July.
There were live musical demonstrations, art activities, a BBQ and giveaway of handmade scarves, beanies, and dolls.
NAIDOC Ball
The Wagga Wagga NAIDOC Ball and Awards is a night of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievements of the local Wiradjuri people.
Argyle Housing were honoured to be able to sponsor the Yindyamarra Award at the Wagga NAIDOC 2022 Ball, which was held on the 10th September 2022.
Carolyn Doherty had the privilege of presenting the Yindyamarra Award to Luke Wighton on the night, which recognised his fantastic contribution to the community.
Congratulations to Luke and all the other award recipients and nominees. It was a wonderful night of celebration.
Goulburn
Julia Hogbin from our Goulburn office attended the Women’s Weaving Circle on Saturday 9th July at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
They used sustainably sourced materials to create woven table centre pieces. The workshop was a time to gather, weave, yarn, share stories and music.
NAIDOC Week Mural
NAIDOC Mural Common Ground Gungahlin
Our Team at Common Ground, Gungahlin put together an amazing proposal for the NAIDOC Mural community grant from The National Indigenous Australians Agency.
They received $1,000 to assist in the completion of the NAIDOC mural behind reception at Common Ground on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal People.
The mural was designed and painted by Aboriginal artists Linda Huddleston (Nungingi) and Greg Joseph (Yidinji) for the 2022 NAIDOC theme: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
Inspired by the artist’s homeland, the artwork features waterholes which are healing waters with ripples representing the healing of our communities. Clients and Staff cut out hand stencils which were painted around the water holes, representing hands of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people coming together as one. Eucalyptus leaves were added to cleanse bad energies.
Staff Day May 2022
In May, our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group bought together Argyle Housing Board and Staff on the traditional lands of The Gundungurra people with our wonderful facilitator Alfie Walker to dream and workshop our reconciliation vision and pathway as we build our understanding, listen, learn, connect, and work with First Nation Peoples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtGtvY1UMGQ
This was a great opportunity to get all the staff together to work together towards creating some goals around the RAP.
Staff were place into teams, which were facilitated by the RAP working group members. Each group has a certain topic and Alfie was able to lead the discussion for the teams to brainstorm ideas around key goal for the RAP.
Whilst the group discussions were being had, teams had the opportunity to create yarn sticks – gum tree branches wrapped in colourful wool that create.
National Homelessness Conference
AHURI, in partnership with Homelessness Australia convened the National Homelessness Conference 2022. The Conference returned as a face-to-face event in 2022 – held in Canberra, while also offering a virtual option for delegates unable to travel to the nation’s capital.
The conference was from Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 August at the National Convention Centre Canberra and built on the important lessons learned from the 2018 conference in Melbourne and the 2020 virtual event.
The conference brought together policy makers, practitioners, researchers and those with lived experience of homelessness from across Australia to learn, engage and network.
After two tumultuous years in which the country has faced the pandemic and a series of natural disasters – there have been many repercussions for the homeless, or those at risk of homelessness across the country.
Cherie Tizzoni, Linda Butler and Pema Sedon from Argyle Housing attended the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute – AHURI & Homelessness Australia #HomelessnessConf2022 in Canberra.
Great to hear from all the speakers and the emphasis on the urgent need for more Affordable Housing and the Federal Government’s intent to develop a national plan to end homelessness.
A big shout out to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry who gave a wonderful mention of Ainslie Lodge managed by Argyle Housing, which provides temporary accommodation for homeless men. She also recognised the work of our Late CEO Wendy Middleton and her advocacy for homelessness, to get people off the street and into sustainable housing solutions. Thank you.
Reconciliation
Carolyn Doherty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us00IFxOqXA
Hello, I am Carolyn Doherty, CEO of Argyle Housing. I acknowledge the Gundungurra People the traditional owners of the lands in which I am speaking to you from today and pay respects to their elders both past and present.
Reconciliation is for all Australians, and it is the responsibility of everyone to contribute to a better future for our country and communities. I see an Australia, not too far away where each person is respectful of the land, stories, and heritage of our First Nations Peoples, where Australia is a country that provides justice and equity for all.
This year’s theme for Reconciliation Week is “Be Brave and Make Change.” With only 3% of Australia identifying as First Nations Peoples there is a need for all of us to come together, for non-Indigenous people and organisations to be accomplices who promote the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Recognising and acknowledging country is a meaningful action and so is making a stand against racism but these cannot be solo, one-off actions. It is about learning and talking about Australia’s true history, which means we need to be curious, be brave, be open and honest, embrace culture, connect with country, learn, and share in cultures, histories and celebrate the success of First Nations Peoples. Being brave, accountable for our own actions in everyday life can and will make a change.
At Argyle Housing we have begun our reconciliation journey, developing an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan with the collaboration of our Indigenous community. We will celebrate milestone moments of change towards equity in our organisation with the communities we are connected to. Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to improve services and opportunities for our First Nations People.
To begin National Reconciliation Week today we join Reconciliation Australia, individuals, and other organisations in launching the acknowledgment of country, the land which we work, live, learn and socialise on.
Argyle Housing has a diverse footprint with offices currently in NSW and the ACT. We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we work and pay our respects to their elders both past and present.
Some NRW (National Reconciliation Week) resources that are helpful:
- Find out what land you are on here.
- Find NRW events you can attend in your area.
- Learn more about taking action to make change here.
Carolyn speaks to Graeme Day on Radio 2ST
Our CEO Carolyn Doherty joined Graeme Day on Radio 2ST Highlands yesterday to talk about the current Housing situation in the Southern Highlands region. They talked about the pressure that is on those who cannot only not buy a house but are struggling to afford rent in the current rental market.
“It’s a significant issue in the Southern Highlands community. We have a lot of people that are really struggling and being forced out of the community or being forced into homelessness as a consequence.”
You can listen to the interview here.
Carolyn meets with Natasha Maclaren-Jones and Wendy Tuckerman
Goulburn
On the 30 June 2022, our CEO Carolyn Doherty had the pleasure of meeting with the Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Minster for Family and Community Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones which was a wonderful opportunity to discuss Housing across NSW and talk with the local St Vincent de Paul services.
Natasha was pleased to hear that Argyle Housing have been involved in the recent changes at Market Street Lodge and Carolyn gave her an incredible synopsis of the organisation locally and across the region, as well as our future plans in services and support.
Bowral
On the 30 June 2022, it was great for Argyle Housing Staff member Gabby Hopping, to be present at St Vincent De Paul for an announcement from the Minister for Family and Community Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC with Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, Member for Wollondilly Nathanial Smith and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves and CEO of the St Vincent De Paul Society NSW Jack de Groot.
The Minister announced that the current Rent Choice Start Safely private rental subsidy is being extended to the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and Illawarra which will help to ensure people escaping domestic and family violence find a secure home with the extension of a successful rent support program.
The support includes:
- A rental subsidy of up to 36 months in the private market for people escaping domestic and family violence and other support services to build independence.
- Assistance to help people set up a tenancy through Rentstart Bond Loan and Rent Advance
We are looking forward to working with St Vincent De Paul and the NSW Government to support Clients to access housing assistance.
Registrar Visit
On the 24 June 2022, it was wonderful to have a visit and ‘one on one’ chat with Chris Valacos the NSW Registrar of Community Housing and Shayley Thompson.
Thank you for making the time to have a discussion with the Argyle Housing Management Team about registration and community and social housing legislation. Your insights into how we can be more accountable to the registrar for some of the activities that we do around Client participation were very insightful.
From L to R: Justin Nyholm, Alison Sheer, Shayley Thompson, Chris Valacos, Carolyn Doherty and Andrew Allan
Carolyn talks to Sally Bryant from ABC Radio
Listen to our CEO Carolyn Doherty who joined Sally Bryant on ABC Riverina Breakfast Radio 6 May 2022.
Carolyn talks about the new Griffin Green project and the importance of increasing Affordable Housing in our communities.
“We have worked really closely with council, and we are delivering a partnership with them, 20 townhouses which are all affordable housing, a new park and a community hub”.
Following on from that, we are really closely working with them to also bring 40 new lots of housing back into the market as well to open that back up and some of that will be affordable housing as well.”
CHIA Cadet
Tamara Woodward
Together with the NSW Government, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) NSW is providing new training opportunities connected to jobs in the Community Housing Industry through a Cadetship Program. This exciting program provides an opportunity for cadets to commence studying the CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing and undertake paid employment for 12-months in application/allocation, tenancy and asset development with a designated Community Housing Provider.
This is an amazing opportunity for participants to create more opportunities and great decision-making authority in their working lives.
We are proud for you to meet Argyle Housing’s newest cadet recruit, Tamara
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with CHIA NSW again for the 2022 cadetship program. This 12-month program provides an opportunity for cadets to undertake paid employment and training within Argyle Housing whilst completing a Certificate IV in Housing.
What does the CHIA cadetship offer you in terms of skills and learning new working methods?
The CHIA cadetship offers multiple ways of learning and skills. Not only is there online learning but also face-to-face and onsite training.
There will be a wide range of roles and skills that I learn throughout the cadetship, these include Maintenance and Assets, Tenancy Officer, Housing Applications, Finance and Rent Review, all while studying my Cert IV in Social/Community Housing.
What does this cadetship mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to learn new things, to extend my training/study in the Community Service sector and to understand more of the way Community Housing in particular Argyle Housing is run and managed.
As well as being able to extend this at the end of 12 months with a job in the Community Service area within the Southern Highlands.
In what ways will this cadetship change the way in which you work?
I will have access to learn more skills, whether it be computer/software or face-to-face skills. It will encourage me to reach further with these new skills with confidence
What have been some of the highlights so far?
Meeting new people. Being able to help with even the simplest things such as answering calls to support maintenance or even being an ear when a Client calls and helping them solve any problems they are having.
Being welcomed into Argyle Housing with such warmth and knowing I will have a great supported experience throughout my cadetship.
What has been the most challenging aspects of the role?
Answering the phones and getting enough information to pass on to the maintenance Team. Understanding all the different areas, towns, and levels that all the maintenance calls come under.
And the biggest is getting used to who is who in what department of Argyle Housing to speak to regarding different situations.
How do you find the mix of work and study?
Loving it, as it’s great to be able to study online, face-to-face and also in the industry. This really gives you a hands-on experience of how things work.
What has been the most surprising aspect of the role?
The number of calls that come in asking for maintenance. The lack of funding that is given to Argyle Housing and how much more is needed. That is very surprising and disturbing and makes me angry towards our government for lack of support in this area.
How will this cadetship influence your future employment?
I personally would like it to demonstrate that I have had hands on experience, with great on the job training, as this would help with applying for jobs in the future.
Wear Purple to Work
As a memorial to Wendy Middleton on Friday 26 August 2022 the Staff wore something purple to work as the colour purple was Wendy’s favourite colour and passion. The colour purple is associated with a variety of meanings, and we like to think that the qualities of ambition, wisdom and creativity were certainly some of the characteristics of Wendy’s personality.
R U OK DAY
R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. Every day 8 people take their lives in Australia, it is crucial that we are having meaningful conversations with one another, and help-givers are skilled, confident and motivated to support someone struggling with life. R U OK? Day is a National Day of Action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “are you OK?” and support those struggling with life as a conversation can save a life.
Argyle Housing offices each took some time over a lunch, morning tea or gathering to spend time together and give opportunity for meaningful conversation amongst our team. Workplace wellbeing is very important at Argyle Housing and for staff to know they are supported in their mental health and wellbeing. On R U OK? Day Argyle Housing also shared resources on social media with the community on how they can get involved and start the conversation.
