Message from Andrew Cairns, CEO

Achieving longevity in client outcomes

Message from Andrew Cairns, CEO and Trudi Ray, Deputy CEO and COO

Andrew Cairns CEO Trudi Ray Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer

Last year we reviewed how we’re meeting the expectations of the communities we serve, our partners, and our employees.

This process has prompted us to come together as an organisation to debate and action opportunities to improve our ways of working. We emerge from this period with positive momentum and a willingness to keep questioning how we show up to be the best possible version of ourselves. This year our staff have come together to reflect on how we can do things better as part of co-designing our future state operating model. We understand that if we use our resources more effectively, we can achieve greater outcomes for our clients as they move through their own unique journeys throughout the housing continuum. We know we need to do more for less. We recognise that the rising demand of people seeking support from us means the status quo is the least viable option if we want to have real impact. We have confidence that our new ways of working will not only ensure we commit to our contractual agreements but will also see us achieve longevity in outcomes that meet the complex needs of our clients. For us to have collective impact we also need to work with partners who see beyond industry boundaries and share our purpose and values. This year we’ve strengthened our partnerships strategy and set new standards of collaboration with like-minded organisations to create positive change. Of significance are our partnerships formed with Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corp and Mallee District Aboriginal Services to support selfdetermination and build their capacity and capability to become registered Aboriginal community housing providers. We are developing funding solutions and innovative delivery models that go beyond the needs of today and seek to establish a pipeline of opportunities and outcomes for the Djaara and Mallee communities. This work is truly innovative, highly collaborative and one that is fuelled by purpose and a commitment to outcomes over ownership. When people are seen and heard – when they are met where they are, they feel a strong sense of belonging. This notion underpins our placemaking framework piloted at our New Epping development that will create an activated and connected community. We look forward to seeing this come to life through the formation of a tight-knit and vibrant community as people move into their new homes next year. This year we’ve leveraged our interoffice connections and knowledge to create a replicable framework for tenders and bids, with significant success. This approach sees us mobilise people from across the organisation to respond to funding opportunities by demonstrating how we can achieve the greatest outcomes for communities in highest need. On top of these progressive initiatives borne from deep reflection, we’ve continued to meet our requirements as a registered, regulated and responsible profit-for-purpose organisation. As we make moves to scale up our organisation, we have taken steps to elevate the work of risk and digital services to simplify the complexities and enable a greater focus on our clients. Finally, in a year where we’ve taken significant foundational steps to transform for the future, and housing and cost of living pressures have seen more new clients than ever before, we’ve continued to maintain our focus on getting people into homes – because we understand the effect that a safe, secure and affordable house can have on people’s lives. The deep commitment of our staff and our partners to the people we serve is unwavering. We applaud and thank everyone involved in working with us to try to end homelessness in Victoria.