In her first media conference after being sworn in as NSW Premier in January 2017, Ms Gladys Berejiklian vowed to address the housing affordability crisis and said that there was more the government could do about the ‘biggest issue people have across the state’.

Despite stereotypes about homelessness, the reality is that those impacted by the housing affordability crisis are ordinary families – and particularly single people – on minimum wages or income support payments who are forced to choose between basic necessities – such as paying bills, buying food, seeing a doctor – or paying rent.

What exactly is affordable housing, who needs it and why is it so hard to find?

Register now for your chance to hear our distinguished panel of speakers share their thoughts about the causes and consequences surrounding the current housing affordability crisis, and options that could be adopted in NSW to improve the situation.

Date: Thursday April 27, 2017
Time: 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start
Location: Auditorium, SSI Head Office, Level 2, 158 Liverpool Road, Ashfield
General admission: $15.00
Collected funds will go towards supporting SSI initiatives.

Register for tickets here

Guest speakers

Ms Tracy Howe

CEO NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS)
Tracy is a legally trained advocate with a commitment to human rights, addressing community disadvantage and gender inequality. Previously, Tracy has worked in both government and non-government settings, including with Domestic Violence NSW as Chief Executive Officer and as a senior legal advisor in Federal government. Tracy currently sits on the NSW Government’s Social Impact Investment Expert Advisory Group and is appointed to the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Council, the NSW Premier’s Council on Homelessness and was the NSW non-government representative on the National Plan Implementation Panel for the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. 

Dr Louise Crabtree

Senior Research Fellow and Director of Engagement, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University

Louise Crabtree’s research and passion focuses on housing affordability, community-based development, and urban sustainability.
Currently her work focuses on models of permanently affordable home ownership, including on Aboriginal lands. The strength and relevance of her work has been recognised in her receipt of the 2009 Housing Minister’s Award for Early Career Researchers, and in the team she leads receiving the 2014 Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award for Research Excellence through Partnership and being Highly Commended for the 2014 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in University Engagement.

Mr Ned Cutcher

Senior Policy Officer, Tenants’ Union of NSW

Ned Cutcher has worked and volunteered for a number of Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Services across Sydney and the Central Coast. His commitment to housing justice is informed by his experience as a tenants’ advocate, and he only wears a suit when he has to.

Mr Patrick Yeung

Executive Manager, SSI Housing.

Patrick Yeung administers all SSI social public housing and accommodation programs, services and properties including safety and compliance with established codes and standards. He also provides leadership in the development of strategic partnerships that facilitate access to a range of housing options and innovative housing services delivery practice models.

Patrick has experience in the development and management of social and affordable housing in NSW over 20 years. He has worked for a number of social housing providers in various senior positions, including community housing operational programs, strategic planning, asset management, business development, organisational development and management.

The discussion will be facilitated by SSI Housing Program Manager Charles Rich.

About the SSI Speakers’ Series

Settlement Services International (SSI) is a community-based not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services in the areas of refugee settlement, migrant support services, asylum seeker assistance, housing, multicultural foster care, disability support, employment services and youth support in NSW.

SSI is committed to ensuring that people in vulnerable communities in NSW are supported and resourced to fulfill their potential as members of the Australian community.

SSI Speakers’ Series was developed to inform, connect and challenge SSI staff, stakeholders and the wider community by providing opportunities for discussion on current affairs that enhance knowledge and awareness about relevant issues impacting SSI clients and communities.

It is a quarterly event, hosted at SSI head office in Ashfield, and is now in its fourth year.