Anglicare Sydney appoints housing exec

Anglicare Sydney chief executive officer Simon Miller said their research shows that only one in 1,000 homes in Sydney is affordable for a couple on the age pension.

To alleviate some of the pressure and help provide safe and affordable housing to those in need, Anglicare Sydney has appointed a new group executive for housing.

The inaugural role will be filled by Dr Robert Stokes, who previously held ministerial roles in infrastructure, cities and active transport in the New South Wales government. At Anglicare Sydney he will be responsible for the growth and strategic direction of the housing business unit. He will also remain chair Faith Housing Australia.

Christian not-for-profit Anglicare Sydney currently provides approximately 700 social and affordable homes with wraparound support services and is committed to significantly increasing its housing capacity by working with the state and federal governments to drive new solutions.

“Rob brings an outstanding depth of experience in government, policy, and strategy, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Anglicare as we enter this next phase of growth,” Mr Miller said.

Dr Stokes said he was honoured to take on this new role and looked forward to tackling such a pressing social issue.

“Housing justice goes to the heart of Australia’s social contract, and resolving the housing crisis is one of the biggest issues confronting our society. Increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is a fundamental part of the solution. Anglicare is committed to double down on its investment in social and affordable housing, which is a compelling, exciting and daunting challenge to take on,” Dr Stokes said.

Anglicare Sydney’s pivot to housing has come soon after Calvary Health Care’s decision to convert its Sydney Williams retirement village in Doncaster East, Melbourne, into a seniors’ rental operation.

Have we missed an appointment or resignation? Send us the details and an image to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au