Supporter in the Spotlight: Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Airlie Fox, Partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and a Board Director of Head Start Homes
One of our supporters, Corrs Chambers Westgarth (Corrs), has been generously providing pro bono legal support to Head Start Homes (HSH).
In the past year, this organisation has delivered a total of 19,000 hours of pro bono and volunteer work to a range of community groups, for those who need it most.
Airlie Fox, a partner in the Projects practice group, is a Director on the Board and also served as interim chair for the majority of 2020 before current chair Vanessa Chan stepped in.
Airlie and Peter Anderson are two people from Corrs who lend their invaluable expertise and time to HSH on a regular basis.
HSH Managing Director Stephen Woodlands said the generosity of supporters like Corrs was invaluable.
“The passion and heart of Airlie and Peter to make a difference is inspiring and heart-warming,” he said.
“Head Start Homes has greatly benefited from the Corrs team providing their specialist skills and pro bono legal support and we have so much gratitude.”
Having worked in the social and affordable housing sector, and on a number of large projects for different governments as they work to increase affordable housing supply, Airlie has a comprehensive overview of the issues in this area.
“There is a lot of talk about increasing supply, however the focus should be not just about providing people with a house, but making sure you have the right support services,” she explained.
“How do you then break the cycle so people don’t need social housing anymore? HSH is filling a gap at the other end of the market that people don’t talk about enough – empowering people to move out of social housing.
“By supporting people to access home ownership, where mortgage repayments are less than private rent, HSH is providing a solution. We are helping to create intergenerational stability and giving a family a whole new sense of stability by providing an innovative pathway into home ownership.”
Peter Anderson, Special Counsel at Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Peter, who has a background in the NFP credit union industry, provides support to HSH with regulatory issues. He organises exemptions from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to help HSH jump some of the regulatory hurdles.
“When I was first approached by HSH, I was more than happy to get involved. I saw it as a brilliant idea and an innovative way to solve housing issues, particularly in the current regulatory context,” Peter said.
“The banks’ response in tightening access to credit following the Hayne Royal Commission has made it even harder for those on low incomes to access mainstream lending to the point where the government has openly considered removing the responsible lending obligations in order to free up credit processes.
“This tended to cut out people who may otherwise be able to afford a home. So, this is where I thought the HSH concept was so innovative and I was more than happy to get on board to help.”
Peter said being able to explain his volunteer work to his children at the dinner table makes him feel good.
“You’re part of something that is making a difference in a really important way,” he said.
Airlie said she loves being able to help people in a tangible way.
“Everyone is just so positive about this concept. The excitement on (first home owner) Charlene’s face was just amazing. She has more confidence at work and now has a sense of stability in being able to provide for her kids. It’s making a real difference in people’s lives.”
You can check out Charlene’s journey here: https://www.headstarthomes.org.au/charlene
Stephen Woodlands, Founder and Managing Director