Our 2020 AGM- celebrating our successful home ownership pathway

On Thursday, 19 November 2020 Head Start Homes held its 3rd Annual General Meeting in Sydney and via video conference. Our AGM was attended by our Members and Directors who were located in Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Mark Bower, Joel Larsen, Airlie Fox, Vanessa Chan, Stephen Woodlands, Sarah Reilly and Caroline Dunlop

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The meeting was hosted by our Chair, Vanessa Chan and our Founder, Stephen Woodlands. Vanessa welcomed guests and spoke of success in 2020:

“I am delighted to share our achievements during this remarkable year. The impacts of climate change and the global pandemic draw into sharp focus the need for housing solutions for vulnerable Australians on low incomes, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and those who have had to face personal crises and structural disadvantage, often with young children in tow.”
It is a privilege to Chair this dynamic social enterprise as we work together towards innovative solutions to homelessness, housing security and affordability, and I’d like to extend my thanks to our Directors who never cease to bring their passion, dedication and creativity to our work.
“The work of staff and Board is made possible through our co-creative relationships with our partners, volunteers and collaborators. On behalf of the Board I extend our thanks to our over 75 for-purpose and business partners and our 100 plus volunteers. Thank you for bringing your support, expertise, time, energy, creativity and passion to our work”.

In his address Stephen, our Founder and Managing Director, discussed how the home ownership journey for our first home starter Charlene had an enormous positive impact:

“Charlene’s journey into home ownership has had positive ripple effects not only for her but also for her children and community. Charlene’s confidence has grown; she has been promoted at work. Her children have witnessed the power of their mum believing in herself and achieving her dreams. In fact, they couldn’t wait to go to school so they could tell their friends at show and tell what their mum had achieved.
Being raised by a single mum, I also remember how inspiring it was to watch my mum battle and succeed against all of the odds and I know that it has had a lasting impact on the person I am today. As a result, it makes me feel so very happy to know that Charlene’s young boys are also benefiting from the power that comes with having a mother who is strong, caring and independent.

Stephen then explained the flow on effects created by Charlene achieving her home ownership dreams:

“It warms my heart to know that another Aboriginal mum who was homeless has now moved into Charlene’s newly vacated social housing home. By making this new home available, the mum has been reunited with her 5 children and is receiving ongoing support from her Community Housing Provider - Community Housing Limited.
Having a safe and stable home along with these essential support services means that this young family is now provided with the stability they need which will provide a foundation from which they can build their own happy and fulfilled lives”.

Stephen also thanked the wonderful support being provided by our partners and volunteers:

“We have enormous gratitude for the support we receive from 75+ supporting businesses and not-for profits. This includes 20+ businesses who have donated in-kind support, which is valued at over $695,000 this year and $2.03 in total.
“Our people and volunteers are the heart of Head Start Homes. A huge thanks to everyone for donating their time which contributes enormously to our efforts. To date we have well over 100 volunteers. While their input is priceless, our survey shows that 30 of volunteers have donated more than 1600 hours of their time which is valued at over $100,000 .

A special thanks to Westpac Group, our Founding Partner, for their wonderful support over the years. Westpac not only contributes to our operating costs but also provides essential support staff.