1984
Established
South West Inner Sydney Housing (SWISH) Cooperative is formed, this is the genesis of Bridge Housing
Medicare is launched
The Hawke Government is re-elected, Medicare established, Advance Australia Fair becomes the national anthem
Homes
1985
Community impact
Edward St on Vine mural project on a SWISH property in Redfern makes a positive statement of change and celebrates the neighbourhood
Median weekly rent
Housing the new youth crisis
This article includes SWISH and the work co-ops are doing in the face of 58,000 people on the waitlist for Housing Commission homes.
1992
Native title recognised
The High Court hands down the landmark Mabo decision and recognises native title to land. PM Paul Keating delivers the Redfern speech.
1993
SWISH growth
SWISH amalgamated with the Inner West Housing Association
1994
Median weekly rent
1996
Gun control
PM John Howard announces the National Firearms Agreement following the Port Arthur massacre
1997
Homes
2000
GST introduced
Australia introduces goods and services tax of 10%
Homes
2001
Merged with Darlinghurst
Darlinghurst Area Community Housing Scheme merges with SWISH
2004
Median weekly rent
2006
First CEO
John Nicolades appointed as the Foundational CEO of SWISH
Homes
2008
Expanding across Inner West
SWISH absorbs Burwood Area Community Housing
The Apology
PM Kevin Rudd offers a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations
2009
SWISH becomes Bridge Housing
SWISH and the Eastern Suburbs Rental Housing Association amalgamate to form Bridge Housing, a not-for-profit community housing provider incorporated as company limited by guarantee.
Homes
2011
Property transfers
Bridge Housing awarded management of 200 units in South Coogee and Balmain estates through the Property Transfer Program.
Homes
Platform 70
The Platform 70 program is established, supporting rough sleepers to stable tenancies. This is innovative solution to homelessness led to policy changes.
2012
I will not.
PM Julia Gillard delivers the Misogyny Speech, described as ‘rallying cry from the highest office: misogyny and sexism should not be tolerated.’
Sector growth
Awarded 240 properties in the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Social Housing package, with agreement to leverage these owned properties to build 75 new homes.
2013
Homes
2014
National system
Bridge Housing becomes a Tier 1 provider under new National Regulatory System for Community Housing
Median weekly rent
Changing lives
Platform 70 celebrates 100 tenants since inception, with an 85% success rate. Our first Tenant Art Exhibition is held, recurring every two years
2015
Development growth
Plans announced for redevelopment of Cowper Street, Glebe, delivering 153 new homes
2017
Reconciliation action
Bridge launches its first Reconciliation Action Plan. Bridge Housing funded to create Affordable Housing rental agency, HomeGround
Marriage equality
Following a postal vote, 61.6% of Australians voted for marriage equality
2019
Bridge goes north
Management transfer of 1,200 tenancies across the Northern Beaches (in partnership with Women’s Housing Company). Brookvale office established.
Homes
2020
Covid-19
A global pandemic saw lockdowns and public health measures to control outbreaks, causing ongoing health, social and economic impact
2021
Passing the torch
CEO John Nicolades retires, Rebecca Pinkstone appointed CEO
2022
Flipping the model
Redfern Place announced, the project is the largest mixed-used development to be led by a community housing provider in NSW and will deliver around 350 homes.
2024
Leadership change
CEO Rebecca Pinkstone leaves Bridge Housing to take up the new role of CEO, Homes NSW. Laurie Leigh appointed new CEO in August.
