A Memorable Week in Canberra: Discussing Housing Solutions with National Leaders

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP with our Founder and Managing Director Stephen Woodlands

This week, our Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Woodlands, had the incredible opportunity to visit Canberra to discuss the release of our Annual Report and the disrupting impact Head Start Homes is having across Australia. The highlight of the trip was meeting with The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, where Stephen shared his personal experience of growing up in social housing, a background he shares with the Prime Minister. This heartfelt conversation underscored the importance of our mission and the shared commitment to increasing social and affordable housing with equal access to home ownership.

During the visit, Stephen also had the privilege of meeting with Alison Byrnes MP, the Member for Cunningham, and Fiona Phillips MP, the Federal Member for Gilmore. These discussions were pivotal in highlighting the positive outcomes of our initiatives and exploring further collaborations to enhance housing support within the Illawarra region.

A special moment of the trip was being invited by The Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, to watch Question Time and attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Bob Katter's tenure in Australian Parliaments. Bob Katter, represents the electorate of Kennedy, which is the electorate for our successful Burketown solution. Watching housing policy being discussed and debated during Question Time was both insightful and inspiring, reinforcing our dedication to advocating for better housing policies.

Stephen expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who made this experience memorable, especially Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his office, Speaker Milton Dick, and the Federal MPs.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all involved for their warm hospitality and for making this visit an unforgettable experience. Together, we continue to strive for a future where all Australians have access to safe and affordable housing with fair and practical pathways to home ownership.