I am delighted to advise our member organisations that a public announcement will be made later this morning confirming Rob Stokes as the new Chair of Faith Housing Alliance.
This is a significant day for Faith Housing Alliance and an important moment in our history. As a peak body, our approach has always been non-partisan. Rob’s trademark collaborative approach will add considerable strength to accelerate our advocacy as the housing crisis deepens across NSW.
This appointment also marks the culmination of a two-year journey of revitalisation. Faith Housing Alliance is seeing growth in our member community from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other faith traditions, united by our shared faith compass. We are now positioned to be a clear voice on behalf of our members as we work to achieve our shared vision.
Rob is strongly aligned with our mission and is known as a principled and passionate champion for vulnerable people in our communities, including the rising number of people desperately needing a safe and stable home.
Having departed NSW politics following the state election in March after serving as Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport and previously as Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob will be a highly engaged Chair. To quote the Premier, Chris Minns, who called Rob “the best bloke in NSW” at the June 2023 Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue – we know we will be in the safe hands of a well-respected leader.
In his own words –
“Housing and planning reform have been key themes across my 16 years in politics, and as Chair, I intend to be a clear voice for housing justice.
“Member organisations with a faith-driven purpose are committed to providing more than just a roof – supporting individuals with wrap-around services that make tenancies sustainable and break the cycle of homelessness.
“Housing is consistently a top concern for Australians, but for many, it is beyond critical, as without stable shelter, lives fall apart. We’ve all got a part to play in tackling this crisis,” Stokes said.
I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank outgoing Chair, Rob Burnelek, for his support through this crucial period of change. Rob Burnelek will also continue for a transition period as a board member.
As CEO of Faith Housing Alliance, I’m inspired by the work of our members and take very seriously the role of representing you to our leaders in both State and Federal Governments.
My role is made easy when I can refer to our members’ remarkable work and service. Did you know that just four of our members were responsible for delivering 65% of the housing under the NSW Social and Affordable Housing Fund? Amelie Housing, Anglicare Sydney, BaptistCare NSW & ACT, and Uniting NSW & ACT have all co-contributed resources in line with their mission to make this new housing feasible and to strengthen communities (BaptistCare will be celebrating their completed Carlingford social and affordable housing project later this week).
And our regional and broad membership advances social cohesion and care through wrap-around services and homes that transform the lives of individuals and families across our State, building stronger communities.
In the coming months, you will have opportunities to hear from and engage with our new Chair and be part of this exciting new chapter for Faith Housing Alliance.
Faith in action – housing for all!
Rose Thomson
CEO Faith Housing Alliance