Unlocking Space: Exploring Meanwhile Use

10.50am

Welcome & Country Acknowledgement – Shaping the Vision for Meanwhile Housing

10.55am

Session 1: Panel - Meanwhile Use in Practice

Queenie Tran, Head of Programs & Habitat Women, Habitat for Humanity

With over 15 years of experience in the property industry, Queenie started her career in architecture before she found her passion for housing; most recently as Head of Australian Programs at international non-profit, Habitat for Humanity Australia.

Brad Braithwaite, Chief Executive Officer, Hume Community Housing

Brad joined Hume as CEO in May 2023, with 15+ years of executive experience across community housing, health, and education. He previously held senior roles at Anglicare and Argyle Community Housing, and served at the University of Wollongong. Brad holds an MBA in Social Impact from UNSW and is passionate about social equity. He brings strong leadership, commercial focus, and a track record of delivering strategic growth.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Jewish House

Rabbi joined Jewish House as CEO in 2008 and has provided rabbinic leadership in Sydney for nearly 30 years. He is a Rabbinic Fellow of the Great Synagogue, Jewish Chaplain to the NSW Police, and serves on the boards of NCOSS, Ending Street Homelessness, and the National Mental Health Commission. Known for his deep community and welfare expertise, he has helped grow Jewish House into a leader in innovative, best-practice crisis services for the Sydney community.

Simon Furness, Director of Property & Housing, Uniting

Simon is Director of Property and Housing at Uniting and part of its Executive Leadership Team. He oversees a diverse property portfolio supporting aged care, disability, children and family services across NSW and ACT, and leads Uniting’s Housing Services of more than 3,000 units across 90 villages. Throughout his career, Simon has worked with major organisations where infrastructure and property are critical to success, driving transformation that improves business performance and creates spaces where people enjoy living, working and visiting.

11.45am

Session 2: Panel - Planning, Barriers & Council Partnerships

Adrian Harrington, NSW State Chair, Housing All Australians

Adrian Harrington brings over three decades of leadership across funds management, real estate and social and affordable housing sectors. He is currently Chair of Charter Hall Direct, NSW Chair of Housing All Australians, a Non-Executive Director of the ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency and a member of the University of Canberra’s Planning & Development Committee. Formerly, he chaired both the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (now known as Housing Australia) and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI). His extensive career includes senior roles at Charter Hall, Folkestone, Mirvac, Deutsche Asset Management, Paladin Australia, and the Property Council of Australia. In 2024 he was awarded Life Membership of the NSW Division of the Property Council of Australia.

John Engeler, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter NSW

John Engeler has served as Chief Executive Officer of Shelter NSW since early 2020, bringing a wealth of experience in the formation, development and delivery of social, affordable and specialist housing throughout his career. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and has undertaken postgraduate legal studies. With a background spanning private, public and community sectors, John is particularly focused on driving innovative housing responses for those underserved by conventional markets.

Belinda Bentley, Managing Director, 9Springs

Belinda Bentley is Managing Director and co‑founder of Sydney‑based 9Springs, a property investment and advisory group specialising in unlocking development value from underutilised assets. Over a 20‑year career, she’s delivered more than A$2 billion in projects across community housing, health, seniors living, and infrastructure. Belinda also serves as a Non‑Executive Director of Link Wentworth Housing, honorary Adjunct Associate Professor at UTS, and Co‑Chair of the ULI Asia‑Pacific Awards for Excellence Jury. She has earned multiple leadership and alumni awards for her dedication to social impact and inclusive leadership.

12.15pm

Session 3: Homes NSW Strategy

Verity Lomax, Director, Housing, Policy Homes NSW

With over a decade of experience in government, Verity Lomax is Director of Housing, Planning and Homelessness for the NSW Cabinet Office. She has served as Chief of Staff to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Veterans, Volunteering and Youth, and led the Australia-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce to an Asia Pacific award for Responsible Business. Verity is passionate about uniting government, not-for-profit, private and philanthropic sectors to create lasting social impact.

12.45pm

Closing Reflections and Thank you