Program

• Welcome to Country by Dr Elizabeth Hayden
• Welcome from Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director, AHURI

This session will look at the transformative journey of First Nations housing - from historical challenges to a vision to deliver innovations that tackle homelessness, boost home ownership, and create thriving communities.

Speakers:

• Jody Broun
• Shane Hamilton, Aboriginal Hostels Ltd

Faciliatator: Neil Willmett, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

A conversation with Ben Rimmer, Director-General of Housing moderated by Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director, AHURI

Exhibition Precinct

Major Concurrent 1 - Chicken and eggs: major infrastructure and housing projects

This session will spotlight some of Australia's game-changing infrastructure and housing projects and explore their economic, sustainability, and community impacts.

Speakers:

• Helen Browne, Economic Development Queensland 
• Dr Lissa van Camp, Suburban Rail Loop Authority
• Michael Wheatley, Homes NSW

Facilitator: Emma Colombera, Department of Treasury and Finance WA

 Economic enablers 

Major Concurrent 2 - Private landlords: motivators and housing projects

This session explores what drives landlords to invest and stay in the rental market and the pressures they face, from rising interest rates to supply shortages. Broader issues such as social and private mixed tenures and the impacts on workers in the private rental sector will also be examined.

Speakers:

• Dan McLennan, Local
• Chris Trypas, Launch Housing
• Suzanne Brown, Real Estate Institute of Western Australia

Facilitator: Trish Blake, Commissioner for Consumer Protection

 Economic enablers 

Major Concurrent 3 - The burning platform: housing, climate and disaster resilience

Explore strategies for social housing to enhance resilience, improve comfort and reduce emissions. Strategies focus on managing and mitigating environmental risks and increasing energy-efficiency. 

Speakers:

• Jenniy Gregory, RACE for 2030 CRC
• James Henry, Housing Choices Australia
• Dr Alexandra Meek, Department of Housing and Works
• Professor David Sanderson, UNSW

Facilitator: Chris Smith, Foundation Housing

 Quality and performance 

Exhibition Precinct

Concurrent 1 - Collaborative approaches to accessible housing

Explore housing solutions for people with disabilities, focusing on community empowerment, inclusive policies, and accessible, affordable housing.

Speakers:

• Joseph Connellan, Advocate
• Tanya Edmonds, Housing Choices Australia
• Samantha Jenkinson, Advocate
• Rachelle Martin, University of Otago

Facilitator: Kat Johns, People with Disability WA

 Social outcomes 

Concurrent 2 - Time to deliver: Affordable housing for workers

This session will look at solutions for affordable housing for key workers, leveraging innovative financing models, and addressing regional housing challenges.

Speakers:

• Associate Professor Tod Jones, Curtin University
• Sophie Jordan, City of Melbourne
• Jo Taylor, Siddle Family Foundation 

Facilitator: Renee Wirth, Homes NSW

 Economic enablers 

Concurrent 3 - Towards gender-responsive housing: evidence, practice and lived experience

Why is gender-responsive housing important, and what factors should it consider?  This session will address issues of housing precarity, examine policy responses, and propose innovative solutions for inclusive housing outcomes.

Speakers:

• Dr Alison Evans, Centre for Women's Wellbeing & Safety
• Tamika Jarvis, YWCA 
• Wendy Morris,  Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)
• Professor Wendy Stone, Swinburne University of Technology 
• Fiona York, Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)
• Kate Whittle, YWCA

Facilitator: Dr Amity James, Curtin University

 Social outcomes 

Concurrent 4 - Time to deliver: housing responses to support young people

Explore innovative youth housing solutions, focusing on community-led initiatives, support systems, and addressing exploitation and eviction risks.

Speakers:

• Atlas and Lisa Dalla-Zuanna, Melbourne City Mission
• Kate Davis, Murdoch University
• Corin Moffatt and Avie, Foyer Foundation
• Sonia Sheppard and Blake Oster, Junction Australia

Facilitator: Fiona Caniglia, Q Shelter

 Social outcomes 

Concurrent 5 - Neighbourhood planning in an era of densification

As urban areas continue to grow and densify, the role of neighbourhood planning becomes increasingly critical. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when planning for neighbourhoods in an era of densification.

Speakers:

• Leanne Hodyl, Hodyl
• Jesse Taylor, Mission Australia
• Kylie Williams, Economic Development Queensland

Facilitator: Professor Steven Rowley, Curtin University

 Quality and performance 

Think Tank 1 - Building supply of affordable, sustainable homes

Solutions working to supply affordable and sustainable homes, including data-driven housing solutions, climate-resilient social housing, hybrid models, and vertical village designs.

Speakers:

• Emili Fox, Architectus
• Teresa Pereira, Pereira-atelier
• Professor Chris Pettit, UNSW

Session Sponsor

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Exhibition Precinct

Responses to Australia’s housing crisis have focused heavily on supply as the main solution. But have we oversimplified the problem? Leaders of this important public conversation look behind the slogans and discuss whether supply really is Australia’s housing ‘silver bullet’ - and identify what else we might be missing.

Speakers:

• Dr Angela Jackson, Productivity Commission
• Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin University
• David Reynolds PSM, Department for Housing and Urban Development (SA)
• Dr Tim Williams, Grimshaw

Facilitator: Natasha Mitchell, ABC Radio National

Session Sponsor

Attendees will hear from an engaging panel discussing Responding to community housing sector pressures and transformation: how to sustain CHPs for long-term impact

For more information click here.

Speakers:

• Danny Dracic, Community Housing Limited
• Rebecca Oelkers, BHC

Moderator: Kath Snell, Shelter WA

Welcome to the day

Plenary 3 - A different dream: rent as Australia’s dominant housing tenure
As the landscape of housing in Australia evolves, renting is becoming an increasingly prevalent tenure. This session will explore the implications of this shift.

Speakers:

• Trina Jones, NSW Rental Commissioner
• Dr Chris Martin, UNSW

Facilitator: Dr Michael Fotheringham, AHURI

Session Sponsor

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Exhibition precinct

Major Concurrent 4  - City shaping: housing and planning

This session will explore perspectives on a national vision for shaping Australian cities.

Speakers:

• Nicole Bennetts, Planning Institute of Australia
• Justin Cantelo, Housing Plus
• Adam Haddow, Australian Institute of Architects
• Cassandra Winzar, CEDA

Facilitator: Dr Tom Alves, AHURI

 Quality and performance 

Major Concurrent 5 - Innovative partnerships: delivering First Nations housing

This session showcases community-led, cross-sector partnerships in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing, and how they are delivering on accessibility, safety, and economic participation through culturally informed solutions.

Speakers:

• Akira Monaghan, The Fulcrum Agency 
• Terrance Jack, Jamukurnu Yapilukurnu Aboriginal Corporation
• Alisi Tutuila, Aboriginal Housing Company

Facilitator: Monique Wiseman, Birribee Housing

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

Major Concurrent 6 - Social Capital: social housing finance models, risks and learnings

This session will compare various funding models in the housing sector, highlighting their risks and benefits. It will provide insights from implementing these models, preparing community housing providers and investors to navigate funding streams and maximise benefits.

Speakers:

• Scott Langford, Housing Australia
• Lee Monik, Community Housing Limited
• Shaun Whittaker, Hall & Wilcox

Facilitator: Karen Walsh, Karen Walsh Consults

 Economic enablers 

Exhibition precinct

Concurrent 6 -  Government roles in home ownership

Explore government roles in home ownership, focusing on innovative financial solutions, affordable homeownership, and culturally responsive policies.

Speakers:

• Faysal Fassi, Indigenous Business Australia
• Scott Langford, Housing Australia
• Andrew Mills, HomeStart
• Mark Tomasz, Keystart

Facilitator: Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin University

 Economic enablers 

Concurrent 7 - Driving system reforms for better health and housing outcomes

This session explores strategies to drive systemic reforms that integrate health and housing services to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

Speakers:

• Dr Renée Lane, AHURI
• Deborah Pratt, Queensland Mental Health Commission
• Famey Williams, NSW Aboriginal Housing Office
• Shaz McCullough, NSW Aboriginal Housing Office
• Renee Wirth, Homes NSW

Facilitator: Julie-Ann Burgess, South Australian Housing Trust

 Social outcomes 

Concurrent 8 - Power moves: Toward energy efficient social housing

This session will discuss strategies and research for energy-efficient social housing, retrofit programs, and policy frameworks aimed at net-zero emissions and sustainability. 

Speakers:

• Ellis Blaikie, Bridge Housing
• Susanna Savolainen, Homes NSW
• Jacob Wallace, Homes Victoria

Facilitator: Russell Kingdom, City of Fremantle

 Quality and performance 

Session Sponsor

Concurrent 9 - Delivering culturally responsive housing

This session will explore contemporary approaches to delivering culturally responsive housing, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family structures, innovative housing solutions, and investment in self-determined communities.

Speakers:

• Jacek Anderst, The George Institute For Global Health
• Renee Ronan, Kaarla Baabpa
• Dushy Thangiah, Yumba-Meta

Facilitator: Tina Ugle, Noongar Mia Mia

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

Concurrent 10 - Experience. Voice. Impact

This session will explore social impact measurement in community housing, crisis management in the social media age, and empowering resident voices through lived experiences in housing system reforms.

Speakers:

• Margaret Maljkovic, Link Wentworth
• Zoe O'Neill, ThirdStory  
• Brett Goring, St Patrick's Community Support Centre
• Michelle Moss, Queenslanders with Disability Network
• Alison Maclean, Queenslanders with Disability Network
• Stephen Neale, Community Housing Limited

Facilitator: Dr Nicola Brackertz, AHURI

 Social outcomes 

Think Tank 2 - Innovative housing solutions

Alternative housing arrangements and innovative approaches to addressing housing needs and community connection in an environment of housing shortages.

Speakers:

• Mae De Sesto, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
• Stephanie Miller, Common Equity Housing SA
• Emeritus Professor Gavin Wood, RMIT University (presenting a paper co-authored by Professor Susan J. Smith PBA, Hon Emerita University Professor of Social and Economic Geography, University of Cambridge, UK)

Session Sponsor

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Exhibition Precinct

Poor housing quality and design can impact household wellbeing, security, and health, and entails environmental and financial risks. With the race on to deliver more housing and transform our cities through densification, how are we tracking in the delivery of better places and healthier housing? What approaches are working and where are we doing well?

Speakers:

• Dr Jefa Greenaway, Greenaway Architects
• Nicola Middleton, BHC
• Liam Wallis, HIP V. HYPE
• Emma Williamson, Government Architect of Western Australia

Facilitator: Dr Tom Alves, AHURI

The National Housing Conference Networking Breakfast, sponsored by DevelopmentWA, will be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre. Arrival begins from 6.45am to network with sector colleagues while enjoying a delicious sit-down breakfast featuring local produce and native ingredients. Find out more.

The role of social housing in Australia has changed significantly over time. Are we brave enough to lift our gaze from the urgency of today and reimagine the next phase for this critical social infrastructure? Presenting three highly personal visions for social housing in 2050, this session will provoke conversations on how social housing can best support future Australians and help shape our cities and towns.

Speakers:

• Elle Davidson, Zion Engagement and Planning
• Professor Michael Lennon, Adelaide University
• Rob McGauran, MGS Architects

Facilitator: Dr Rachel Trigg, AHURI

Session Sponsor

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Exhibition Precinct

Concurrent 11 - Time to deliver: modern methods of construction

This session will explore the transformative impact of modern methods of construction (MMC) and how it is revolutionising the construction industry by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.

Speakers:

• Jess Berry, PIQUE
• Damien Crough, Prefabaus
• Ash Livingston, Homes NSW
• Peter Nelson, Office of the Queensland Government Architect

Facilitator: Carmel van Ruth, Office of the Government Architect WA

 Quality and performance 

Concurrent 12 -  Disruption and displacement: Addressing homelessness caused by major events

This session will examine the impact of major events on housing and homelessness, focusing on displacement, disruption, and mitigation strategies.

Speakers:

• Humair Ahmad, Homes NSW
• Elly Bird, Resilient Lismore
• Jackson Hills, QShelter

Facilitator: John Engeler, Shelter NSW

 Social outcomes 

Concurrent 13 - Social housing renewal projects: recent lessons

This session will discuss policy frameworks and innovative models for social housing renewal, focusing on ground lease models, regional financing, and design advocacy.

Speakers:

• Mark Black, Architectus
• David Islip, Office of the Victorian Government Architect
• Stephen Land, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
• Andrew McAnulty, Link Wentworth

Facilitator: Dr Rachel Trigg, AHURI

 Quality and performance 

Concurrent 14 - Unlocking the contribution of faith-based organisations

How can faith-based organisations repurpose surplus land for affordable housing? This session explores strategic collaborations, financing models, and innovative planning approaches.

Speakers:

• Kristie Looney, Uniting Vic Tas
• Rebecca McDonald, Firm Foundations
• Rob Stokes, Faith Housing Australia

Facilitator: Mark Glasson, Anglicare WA

 Economic enablers 

Concurrent 15 - Victoria's Big Housing Build in action: responsive housing for diverse needs

This session explores how Victoria’s largest ever social and affordable housing investment is addressing diverse needs – First Nations households, victim survivors of family violence, young people leaving care – through tailored, responsive models that build safer, longer, sustainable tenancies.

Speakers:

• Andrew D’arcy, St Kilda Community Housing
• Alix Rhodes, Homes Victoria
• Darren Smith, Aboriginal Housing Victoria

Facilitator: Harry Smith, ahi: Australasian Housing Institute - A Brighter Future!

Think Tank 3 - Building capacity to maintain tenancies

Practical strategies to prevent homelessness and promote stable housing solutions, including hoarding intervention, rental education, pattern recognition, and organisational collaboration

Speakers:

• Kathryn Blake, Link Wentworth
• Natalie Clark, Homes NSW
• Vanessa Munday, UnitingSA
• Annette Sutherland, Comcare Trust

Session Sponsor

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Exhibition Precinct

This session brings together influential voices to draw on insights from across the conference program for a forward-looking discussion. Speakers will discuss what’s next for tackling the critical challenges and innovative solutions shaping Australia's housing landscape.

Speakers:

• Mary Doctor, Umpi Korumba
• Andrew Hannan, Development WA
• Simon Newport, Homes Victoria
• Helen Waters Silvia, YWCA
• Alison Scotland, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council

Facilitator: Dr Michael Fotheringham

Session Sponsor

Close and wrap up

Bringing it all together.