2022-2023
Annual Report
Summary
Annual Report
- Introduction
Be welcomed,
always
Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Beyond Housing recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing Custodians of the land and water upon which we live and rely.
We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are steeped in traditions built on a social and cultural order that has sustained over 60,000 years of existence, and we recognise and celebrate their connections to Country.
We recognise the long-lasting, and intergenerational consequences of colonisation and dispossession and respect the continuing struggle of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in addressing structural inequality. BeyondHousing recognises the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to self-determination as they hold the knowledge to determine what is best for themselves, their families, and their communities, including in addressing and preventing homelessness.
We will provide culturally safe services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are committed to two-way learning to better understand causes, impacts and appropriate responses to homelessness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Introduction
Be welcomed,
always
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond Housing is committed to embracing diversity and promotes an inclusive culture across our organisation.
We recognise that providing equality of opportunity builds both social cohesion and organisational integrity.
We are committed to ensuring that all people have equitable access to our services and our workplace.
We value the lived experience of people from diverse backgrounds, including gender identity, age, ethnicity, cultural background, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, carer responsibilities and/or professional background.
Vision
Home. Not Homeless.
Purpose
Ending homelessness
Values
Advocacy, fairness, innovation, quality, collaboration
- Our Strategy
Our Clients
Goal
Increased quality services
Strategies
- Improve outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples - Expand crisis accommodation
- Advocate for the rights and needs of our clients
- Share the success stories and
challenges faced by our clients
Our People
Goal
Agile and enabled culture
Strategies
- Prioritise health and safety, always
ensuring team satisfaction - Roll out a comprehensive reward
and recognition program - Encourage demographic diversity within our team
- Cultivate an environment that promotes
engagement and high performance
Our Homes
Goal
Innovative living solutions
Strategies
- Grow our housing portfolio to provide
more homes to those in need - Discover and implement creative housing solutions suitable for diverse needs
- Prioritise and amplify our environmental stewardship
- Actively measure and take steps to
reduce our carbon footprint
Our Business
Goal
Financial sustainability
Strategies
- Enhance philanthropic endeavours and
identify new avenues for revenue - Develop a robust funding strategy that
ensures long-term operations - Implement smart systems for integrated data management and comprehensive reporting
- Streamline processes to enhance
operational efficiencies
- Our Strategy
Our Homes
Goal
Innovative living solutions
Strategies
- Grow our housing portfolio to provide
more homes to those in need - Discover and implement creative housing solutions suitable for diverse needs
- Prioritise and amplify our environmental stewardship
- Actively measure and take steps to
reduce our carbon footprint
Our Clients
Goal
Increased quality services
Strategies
- Improve outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples - Expand crisis accommodation
- Advocate for the rights and needs of our clients
- Share the success stories and
challenges faced by our clients
Our Business
Goal
Financial sustainability
Strategies
- Enhance philanthropic endeavours and
identify new avenues for revenue - Develop a robust funding strategy that
ensures long-term operations - Implement smart systems for integrated data management and comprehensive reporting
- Streamline processes to enhance
operational efficiencies
Our People
Goal
Agile and enabled culture
Strategies
- Prioritise health and safety, always
ensuring team satisfaction - Roll out a comprehensive reward
and recognition program - Encourage demographic diversity within our team
- Cultivate an environment that promotes
engagement and high performance
- Key Messages
Chair & CEO
Report
This past financial year, Beyond Housing experienced transformative changes and significant achievements. Central to our strategy refinement, we honed our core pillars from eight to four, ensuring more streamlined and agile operations for a clearer future direction.
One of our most notable accomplishments has been our deepening collaboration with the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation, resulting in the opening of two major housing developments in Wangaratta and Shepparton.
Celia Adams
CEO
Ben Ruscoe
Chair
70
new homes to be completed in 2024
Longer-term
pipeline
305
new homes by
the end of 2025
Total assets increased
in 2022-2023 to over
$133M
In total, we built 53 homes valued at $15.3 million, focusing on 1 and 2-bedroom homes to meet the shortage of suitably sized housing. We’re planning to construct 70 new homes next year, with our longer-term pipeline of building 305 new homes by the end of 2025 with a combined investment of $124 million.
Revenue increased to
$34M
Renter savings
estimated to
be more than
$3M
Flood recovery case management
services, funded by Homes Victoria
secured housing for an additional
46 individuals
We were thrilled to see the $10B Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) established. We are optimistic about the ripple effects of the HAFF and its alignment with the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, which has set a bold target to build 800,000 new homes over the next decade.
Our swift intervention during Victoria’s flood crisis is especially noteworthy. Ten devoted team members were stationed at relief centres in Seymour, Tatura, and Shepparton, providing immediate assistance to more than 304 people initially affected.
Flood recovery case management
services, funded by Homes Victoria
secured housing for an additional
46 individuals
Construction commenced on the Wodonga Youth Foyer, a multi-million-dollar project in partnership with Wodonga TAFE and Junction Support Services. This 40-unit development aims to provide comprehensive support to youth aged 16-25 at risk of homelessness.
An essential aspect of our continuous improvement model is actively seeking feedback from our renters. Our biennial survey, conducted this year, offered valuable insights into renter satisfaction.
Our staff survey results have been immensely encouraging, placing us in the top percentile among not-for-profit organisations.
As we forge ahead, our commitment remains unwavering: Beyond Housing is determined to go beyond the bricks and mortar to touch lives, inspire hope, and effect lasting change.
In unity and purpose,
Ben Ruscoe, Chair
Celia Adams, CEO
Nearly 80% of renters
emphasised the importance of feeling safe and secure and the affordability of their homes.
Over 90% of staff
feel their work significantly impacts the community
85% of staff
recognise a culture of inclusivity and respect
- Key Messages
Partners:
Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
The Peter & Lyndy White Foundation committed $15M towards the building of 60 houses, accommodating 113 families and individuals in Shepparton, Wangaratta, Tatura, Euroa, Numurkah and Benalla.
Commitment of
60 new homes
accommodating 113 people
across North East Victoria
It was truly heart-warming to meet some of the renters and gain insights into their circumstances, it is experiences such as this that make us even more determined to continue to tackle the housing crisis.
We look forward to another successful year of projects with Beyond Housing in the 2023-24 year, with the Foundation committing a further $20M to build more affordable housing.
Peter White OAM – Founder and CEO
The Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
Commitment of
60 new homes
accommodating 113 people
across North East Victoria
- Our Impact
53
new homes
completed in the
2023 financial year
3,083
families and
individuals
supported
1,049
people living in
our properties
7,369
nights of crisis
accommodation
53
new homes
completed in the
2023 financial year
3,083
families and
individuals
supported
1,049
people living in
our properties
1,414
households
supported to access
or maintain private
rental
$3.1M
in affordable
housing discounts
for community
housing renters
(market rent)
7,369
nights of crisis
accommodation
1,414
households
supported to access
or maintain private
rental
$3.1M
in affordable
housing discounts
for community
housing renters
(market rent)
Every two years we survey our renters for feedback on their satisfaction with their homes and our services.
More than 90% surveyed said they were satisfied with access to services, and more than 80% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that Beyond Housing staff delivered a high quality of services, respected their cultural beliefs and that their housing worker was easy to contact.
approval rate
0
%
Renter satisfaction across maintenance and repairs, respecting privacy and confidentiality, complaints and appeals and rent management.
Every two years we survey our renters for feedback on their satisfaction with their homes and our services.
More than 90% surveyed said they were satisfied with access to services, and more than 80% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that Beyond Housing staff delivered a high quality of services, respected their cultural beliefs and that their housing worker was easy to contact.
approval rate
0
%
Renter satisfaction across maintenance and repairs, respecting privacy and confidentiality, complaints and appeals and rent management.
90%
of renters were
satisfied with access
to Beyond Housing
services
89%
of renters were
satisfied with getting
in touch with their
Housing worker
87%
of renters were
satisfied with the
quality of housing
services provided
87%
of renters felt their
cultural beliefs were
respected
- Our Clients
46%
were single people
20%
were over the age of 50
33%
are a household with one or more people with a disability
In the past financial year, we supported more than 3,000 people who were either experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless across the Goulburn Ovens and Murray regions. Most were singles (46%), a quarter were families, and 20% were over 50.
The three leading reasons for people seeking support were family violence, a shortage of affordable housing, and mental health issues. Many were on the Victorian Housing Register and half are considered priority applicants.
Older women are the fastest
growing group of people
experiencing homelessness.
“I was paying more than half of my income on rent, and the roof was more than a bit shabby. The house was simply unfit for the purposes of housing a human. I’m in my 70s now and never thought the word homeless would apply to me.”
For more stories
Household Composition
62%
Single
29.5%
Sole parent
& children
8.5%
Dual parent
& children
Age of Clients
2021 Census Data
People experiencing homelessness by catchment area.
People with low income are less likely to find suitable and affordable housing, and more likely to experience homelessness. The top three reasons for people seeking homelessness and housing assistance from Beyond Housing in 2022-2023 were housing crisis, housing affordability and inadequate or inappropriate housing.
17%
(455)
Housing crisis
e.g. eviction
13.5%
(359)
Housing
affordability
stress
13%
(352)
Inadequate or
inappropriate dwelling
conditions
Liz’s Story
Liz, an adored schoolteacher and university lecturer suffered a traumatic life event that ultimately saw her sleeping in her car, eating from rubbish bins and isolated from her community. Liz shared with us her story of hope and resilience.
- Our Homes
Building Better
Led by our Chief Development and Asset Officer and a team of four Project Managers, we strategically focused on constructing 1 and 2-bedroom homes to meet the shortage of suitably sized housing for smaller families and singles.
$15.3M
property value
53
new homes constructed in the 2023 financial year
53
new homes constructed in the 2023 financial year
$15.3M
property value
- Our Homes
Building Better
Led by our Chief Development and Asset Officer and a team of four Project Managers, we strategically focused on constructing 1 and 2-bedroom homes to meet the shortage of suitably sized housing for smaller families and singles.
Critical to our success has been our partnership with the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation (PLWF). Their generous financial backing, combined with funds from Homes Victoria and our own contributions, has enabled us to greatly expand our portfolio. All our developments are aligned with our core objectives of delivering affordable, liveable, and maintainable homes.
Wodonga
Looking ahead
We’ve long recognised the acute challenges singles and smaller family units face in the private rental market.
Two of our recently completed housing developments were specifically designed and constructed to meet this growing need.
70
new homes
in the 2024
financial year
Looking ahead
70
new homes
in the 2024
financial year
We’ve long recognised the acute challenges singles and smaller family units face in the private rental market.
Two of our recently completed housing developments were specifically designed and constructed to meet this growing need.
$24M
estimated investment
200
homes pledged by PLWF to fund at a cost of $62M
Shepparton
- 20-unit development
- $4.5M project, primarily funded by the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
- Homes Victoria provided $945,355
- Beyond Housing contributed $720,000
13
1 bedroom
7
2 bedroom
Wangaratta
- 13-unit development
- $4.9M project, primarily funded by the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
- Supported by Beyond Housing & Rural City of Wangaratta
4
1 bedroom
9
2 bedroom
$24M
estimated investment
200
homes pledged by PLWF to fund at a cost of $62M
Shepparton
- 20-unit development
- $4.5M project, primarily funded by the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
- Homes Victoria provided $945,355
- Beyond Housing contributed $720,000
13
1 bedroom
7
2 bedroom
Wangaratta
- 13-unit development
- $4.9M project, primarily funded by the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation
- Supported by Beyond Housing & Rural City of Wangaratta
4
1 bedroom
9
2 bedroom
- Flood Recovery
New beginnings
In October 2022 Victoria experienced significant flooding that affected many across the Goulburn Valley region. Beyond Housing initially provided support to 304 adults and children, and with backing from Homes Victoria our Flood Recovery Program reached out to a further 46 individuals.
Our team was consistently present in the relief centres in Seymour, Tatura, and Shepparton. Ten dedicated members ensured ongoing support was available. Impressively, some of our colleagues, though personally impacted by the floods, remained committed to assisting others.
We promptly established a digital response form for data collection. Our team, equipped with tablets, mobiles, and laptops, fed crucial information into our “Flood Response” system allowing us to identify areas of need and emerging patterns.
The floods had a dire impact on many, but also amplified the need for support for those already experiencing homelessness.
10
dedicated
team
members
350
people
supported
10
dedicated
team
members
350
people
supported
In October 2022 Victoria experienced significant flooding that affected many across the Goulburn Valley region. Beyond Housing initially provided support to 304 adults and children, and with backing from Homes Victoria our Flood Recovery Program reached out to a further 46 individuals.
Our team was consistently present in the relief centres in Seymour, Tatura, and Shepparton. Ten dedicated members ensured ongoing support was available. Impressively, some of our colleagues, though personally impacted by the floods, remained committed to assisting others.
We promptly established a digital response form for data collection. Our team, equipped with tablets, mobiles, and laptops, fed crucial information into our “Flood Response” system allowing us to identify areas of need and emerging patterns.
The floods had a dire impact on many, but also amplified the need for support for those already experiencing homelessness.
Craig’s Story
After being homeless for 16 years, 12 of them spent camping by the Goulburn River, Craig now enjoys the comfort and safety of a permanent residence through the Flood Recovery Program. Craig is about to begin his new job. Here is Craig’s story.
- Flood Recovery
Coming
home after
the floods
Whilst we supported our flood-affected communities across the Goulburn Valley, we were also chipping away at the huge task of cleaning up our flooded Seymour Office.
Our wonderful Seymour staff and our dedicated maintenance guys from Hume Mitchell Mowing did an amazing job.
We were also lucky to have the Australian Army’s personnel deployed on Operation Flood Assist 22-2 roll in to help us with the task. They did a tremendous job, removing everything from furniture to flooring. Nothing was too much to ask, all with a smile and a sense of humour.
40
young people
will be housed in
new Wodonga
Youth Foyer
25%
of Victorians without a home are
young people between 12 and 24 years
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Specialist Homelessness Services 2021-2022
- Wodonga Youth Foyer
Beacons of hope
Safe accommodation and
education, training and
job-skilling
The impact of safe, secure, affordable housing for young people is undeniable. The Wodonga Youth Foyer will provide a haven for 40 young people aged 16 to 24, where they will not only find shelter, but also access crucial education, training, and job-skilling.
The aim of all Youth Foyers is to equip young people with the life skills that will empower their journey towards independence and more permanent housing solutions.
We are committed to bringing the Foyer to life by 2025 in partnership with Wodonga TAFE and Junction Support Services. If our endeavours with the Shepparton Education First Youth Foyer are anything to go by, we’re not just talking about an immediate difference but a ripple effect that will resonate for generations.
Sophie’s Story
Sophie’s childhood was plagued by homelessness. She and her family endured years without stability, often living in a tent in caravan parks. Now at 19 she’s thriving, about to commence tertiary study and planning an exciting career path. Hear her story of optimism and ambition.
- Our People
Beyond Housing's Vision, "Home. Not homeless" isn't just a phrase; it's our driving force, influencing every part of our organisation.
79
team
members
91%
of staff felt safe at work
Our annual staff survey, with a notable 88% participation rate, landed us in the elite top decile of other not-for-profit organisations.
Leadership at Beyond Housing also goes beyond good governance. With 85% endorsement from our team, it’s evident that our leaders inspire and guide. The alignment between the work and our values scored a 96% approval rating, with staff finding a more profound purpose beyond their daily tasks.
96%
of staff proud to work
for Beyond Housing
Leadership at Beyond Housing also goes beyond good governance. With 85% endorsement from our team, it’s evident that our leaders inspire and guide. The alignment between the work and our values scored a 96% approval rating, with staff finding a more profound purpose beyond their daily tasks.
96%
of staff proud to work for Beyond Housing
583
training courses
completed
Leadership is highly regarded across Beyond Housing
583
training courses
completed
Leadership is highly regarded across Beyond Housing
85%
engagement score
93%
leadership encourages
collaboration
90%
leadership cares about
my job satisfaction
“I’ve lived these stories and now I’m here to help write new ones.”
Sarah joined Beyond Housing as a Property Manager in November last year. Having grown up in public housing, including spending time in a youth refuge, Sarah is committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
Eight long years of homelessness had ended for Geoff (name has been changed) with Sarah’s support. Geoff confessed, “I wish I could show you how happy I am, but I’m embarrassed to smile because I have no teeth.” Sarah’s heartfelt response was, “Smile away. There’s no judgment here.”
For more stories
- Our Business
Retaining key workers, improving liveability, educational benefits, reducing costs associated with health and crime
Retaining key workers, improving
liveability, educational benefits,
reducing costs associated with
health and crime
There are indeed major economic benefits associated with delivering more affordable community and social housing. Research demonstrates that for every $1 invested in affordable social housing, the community benefit is $3.
Over the past financial year, Beyond Housing has experienced unprecedented growth and impact in both economic and social spheres. Our total assets have surged to an impressive $133.1 million, reflecting a steadfast commitment to expanding our housing portfolio.
$10M
revenue growth
$34M
total revenue 2022-2023
We secured new capital grants under the Victorian Government’s Social Housing Growth Fund and received significant ongoing support from the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation. We also expanded our homeless support programs, which included an intensive case management scheme launched in response to the floods that struck our region in 2022.
$17.1M
total comprehensive income
Net assets
$100M+
Beyond the financials, our strong economic position allows us to create a significant social impact. Our income-based rent model ensures that housing remains affordable for our renters, while contributing an estimated $3.1 million in savings compared to market rents.
- Our Partners
While it’s true that the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation is our biggest philanthropic partner, other businesses have stepped up throughout the year to support us, our clients and our Purpose.
- Financial
View our complete 2022/23 Concise Financial Report
The history, culture, diversity and value of all First Nations people are recognised, acknowledged and respected. BeyondHousing embraces differences in gender, gender diversity, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, ability, religion, and sexual orientation. We recognise the benefit that diversity and inclusion play in helping achieve our goals and vision of ending homelessness.
BeyondHousing is a child safe organisation and all offices are disability accessible. Interpreter services are also available.
All services are free of charge.