40 years
Empowering our tenants since ‘84
South West Inner Sydney Housing (SWISH) cooperative established
Bridge Housing formed
Over 106-fold increase in homes, from ~35 to over 3700
Residents today
Properties today
Residents homeless or at risk before moving in
Everything we do at Bridge is about the impact we have on our residents, on our people, on our communities and on the world at large. This is a responsibility that Bridge has always taken very seriously since it began 40 years ago. It is a responsibility that we will continue to take just as seriously in the years ahead.
This is my fourth year on the Bridge Board and my first as Chair. It has been a year of much change for us and for the issue of housing more broadly. We have always held the belief that a home is every person’s right and we work hard to ensure as many people as possible have access to just that, a home. We have seen first hand the extraordinary benefits that a stable home can bring.
This year saw me transition into the role of Chair. It also saw our previous CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, leave Bridge to take on the role of CEO of Homes NSW for the NSW Government. Rebecca was a significant part of Bridge’s history and we were really pleased to see her take on such an important role for the sector. While we looked to find a new CEO the Board gave me the opportunity to step into the business as an Executive Chair and Acting CEO to support the team. This was an extraordinary opportunity as I was able to spend 6 months working full time with our team and with our tenants to gain a deeper understanding of the work we do and the impact we have. I can’t thank our Tenant Advisory Groups enough for the work they do with us.
During my time as Executive Chair, I gained invaluable insights from frontline staff and tenants, experiences that will inform our Board’s discussions and the development of our new strategy. Working closely with our team on key bids to the Housing Australia Future Fund was particularly rewarding, as it positions Bridge to provide even more homes for those in need.
This year, we also made strides in establishing baselines for our first Community Housing Industry Association ESG standards report, further embedding sustainability into our operations. Additionally, we launched a new brand and website that better reflects who we are and the heart that is in every decision we make.
As we move forward, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact we will continue to make in our communities. With housing very much at the front of the public’s mind we must continue to remember the broader impact we have and must have in the future.
As the new CEO of Bridge Housing, I am delighted to join an organisation committed to making a such a profound difference in people’s lives. This impact report highlights our achievements over the past year and showcases our team’s dedication to improving the lives of those in need of social and affordable housing.
In the last year, we expanded our portfolio in Western Sydney, enhancing our capacity to provide homes for people who need them. This growth underscores our commitment to addressing the current housing challenges. We also celebrated industry awards for innovation, community engagement, and our built form, reinforcing our reputation as a sector leader.
Our focus on community strengthening is evident with attendance at Bridge community events more than doubling and nearly 200 tenant-organized activities fostering vibrant connections. We also made significant strides in sustainability, achieving dramatic reductions in our energy footprint.
Looking ahead to FY2024, we aim to build on these foundations and are encouraged by the Federal and NSW governments’ commitments to social and affordable housing. Key projects, including our urban renewal initiative at Redfern Place, are progressing, and we’re launching new tenant engagement strategies to ensure our residents’ voice is at the heart of Bridge. Together, we are not just providing housing; we are building a future where everyone can thrive.
The difference we make
Improving the housing crisis
A safe, secure, affordable home is the stable base people need to change their lives for the better. We measure the impact of our work for our residents and local community across five key areas:
- House and home
- Health and safety
- Social and community
- Work, learning and financial wellbeing
- Environment
Residents sustaining their tenancy for over a year
Residents feel more stable since moving in
Residents in crisis feel more stable with a Wellbeing Plan
Allocations to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Residents in Housing First programs
Homes meet NSW Government condition standard
Residents have improved wellbeing
Residents can better manage their physical health
Residents can better manage their mental health
Residents feel safe in their homes
Residents feel safe in their neighbourhood
Residents can access the services they need
Residents can better manage their costs of living
Rent arrears
Residents gaining stable employment
Awarded in scholarships
Residents awarded scholarships
Residents who volunteer
Reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020
Scope 1 Co2 emissions
Scope 2 Co2 emissions
Green power in common areas and offices
Homes under management with rooftop solar
kitchen and bathroom efficiency upgrades
