Community Housing Explained

Build sector knowledge. Understand housing need. Strengthen the foundations of housing practice.

Overview

This workshop provides a practical introduction to Australia’s community housing sector and the important role it plays in addressing housing need. Participants will explore how the housing system has evolved, the factors driving housing insecurity and homelessness, and the differences between public, community and affordable housing. The workshop also examines the values and principles that underpin community housing practice, helping participants understand the broader social purpose, impact and responsibilities of housing work across the sector.

Why this course matters

• Build a shared understanding of the purpose and role of community housing

• Strengthen awareness of the social, economic and policy factors driving housing need

• Improve understanding of housing insecurity and homelessness in contemporary Australia

• Support consistent, values-based practice across organisations and teams

• Increase confidence when engaging with housing sector stakeholders and partners

• Reinforce the importance of tenant-centred and trauma-informed approaches

What will participants learn

• The role of community housing within Australia's housing system

• Key historical developments that have shaped housing policy and social housing provision

• Drivers of housing insecurity, housing affordability challenges and homelessness

• Differences between public housing, community housing and affordable housing

• The impact of housing instability on individuals, families and communities

• Principles of tenant-centred, trauma-informed and values-based housing practice

• The range of workforce roles that contribute to successful housing outcomes

• Reflection on the social purpose and human impact of housing work

Who should attend

• New starters entering the community housing sector

• Community housing staff transitioning into new roles

• Corporate services and business support staff

• Board members and governance representatives

• Government and sector stakeholders

• External partners working alongside housing organisations

• Community services professionals seeking housing sector knowledge

Organisational benefits

• Establishes a consistent foundation of sector knowledge across the workforce

• Supports stronger alignment with community housing values and principles

• Improves cross-functional understanding of housing practice and outcomes

• Strengthens engagement with tenants, partners and stakeholders

• Builds workforce capability and sector confidence from the outset

What participants receive

• Practical learning materials and workshop resources

• Guided reflection activities to support ongoing learning

• A clearer understanding of the community housing sector and housing system

• Opportunities for discussion and shared learning with peers

Facilitator - Brett Wake

Brett has extensive experience in Community, Social and Affordable housing across the nonprofit sector and Government. He is a past CEO of the Community Housing Federation of Victoria and founding board member of CHIA (Vic). Brett was an executive manager with Community Housing Limited and more recently worked with Homes Victoria as Director Community Housing.