CO-OPERATIVELY
SPEAKING Issue Twenty Five | SEPTEMBER 2026
IN THIS ISSUE Directors’ Forum CEHL in the news Herbert Street Village welcomes Housing Minister Board-To-Board Meetings Meet Technical Director Sean Hughes
Directors coming together to build stronger co-op communities Every co-op relies on members who step up to serve as directors to help ensure their co-op is well-run, financially secure, and a great place to live. On Saturday 27 June, 85 directors from co-operatives across Victoria came together for the CEHL Directors’ Forum. It was a chance to learn, share experiences and connect with other directors facing similar challenges. Continued on page 4.
Could a joint membership work for your co-op? Meet Dominika from Impact Housing Co-op Renter survey results Encouraging participation through shared work by Vivien Routley, Liberty Women’s Rental Housing Co-op Eliza Brierley Award recipients What can Australia learn from Canadian housing co-ops? Poem By Robert, Herbert Street CMC
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Fiona Herman & Liz Thomas
At its recent meeting, the Board agreed the new
That same focus on learning, listening and taking
CEHL Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 and approved
action runs through this issue. Co-op directors are
the 2026–27 operating and capital budget. It also
sharing their ideas at Board-to-Board meetings,
reviewed funding opportunities for new homes,
helping shape maintenance planning, supporting
the Housing Registrar’s key performance measures
women’s leadership in our program through the
for CEHL, and CEHL’s main risk settings. These are
Eliza Brierley Award, and showing how co-op living
important governance steps, but their real value
builds confidence, connection and community. In co-operation.
about ensuring CEHL’s governance remains clear, up to date and fit for purpose. You can see this connection between governance and practice in CEHL’s Board mentoring program, which pairs elected and appointed directors. The program supports elected directors in building
lived experience into board decision-making. Sean Hughes’ story in this edition is a strong example of that in action.
CEHL'S PURPOSE
CEHL provides access to secure, affordable housing, with a primary focus on delivering and strengthening co-operative housing.
CEHL'S VISION
CEHL's vision is to be recognised as a national leader in co-operative housing, creating strong, connected communities and shaping a more equitable and sustainable housing system.
co-operative housing sector and consider what those lessons could mean for co-op housing here.
Directors’ Training Forum CEHL Annual General Meeting
Saturday 21 November
Honour Board Nominees Announced Study Grant Applications Open
CEHL Christmas Office Closure
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Thursday 24th December 2026 - Christmas Eve
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Friday 25th December 2026 - Christmas Day
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Monday 28th December 2026
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Thursday 31st December 2026 - New Years Eve
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Friday 1st January 2027 - New Years Day
Study Grant Applications Close
ZERO TOLERANCE for abusive or aggressive behaviour towards CEHL employees
SUSTAIN
GROW
Sustain a strong and resilient co-operative housing system that delivers a resilient, high performing and sustainable co-op housing program.
Grow the national reach, influence and impact of the co-operative housing model. OUTCOME: Co-operative housing recognised and supported as a scalable national solution
OUTCOME: A resilient, high-performing and sustainable co-operative housing program
EXPAND
CEHL is a rental provider committed to providing excellent service to its renters. CEHL must also provide our employees with a psychologically and physically safe workplace. The wellbeing of our team members is paramount. CEHL has zero tolerance for intimidating, abusive, threatening or aggressive language or behaviour towards our team or anyone in our workplace.
CEHL’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2026 – 2029
Federation of Canada, will attend the ACHA Summit
Tour and continue to draw on Canada’s strong
Friday 20 November
2026 – 2029
Tim Ross, CEO of the Co-operative Housing
the learnings Liz brought back to us from her Study
Honour Board Nominations Close
Monday 25 January 2027
Strategic Plan
beyond Victoria for insights we can apply locally.
Boardroom lunch. His visit is a chance to build on
September 2026
Liz Thomas
Fiona Herman
As well as learning from each other, CEHL looks
in Sydney and be the guest speaker at a CEHL
Wednesday 30 September
holiday period.
confidence, understanding their roles and responsibilities, and bringing local knowledge and
2026 Co-operative Housing Summit (Sydney)
on the following dates over the
Constitution and the new CCA, with the Constitution AGM on 21 November. These pieces of work are
Thursday 24 September
The CEHL office will be closed
The Board also discussed the proposed new expected to be presented to Shareholders at the
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WHAT IS HAPPENING
The CEHL Board sets CEHL’s future direction and monitors progress of important work so that it stays on track. This includes ensuring co-ops are supported to succeed, homes are well maintained, and co-ops remain at the centre of CEHL’s priorities.
directors and members.
Issue Twenty Five
NOTICE BOARD
Message from CHAIRPERSON & MANAGING DIRECTOR
is in how they guide better outcomes for co-ops,
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STRENGTHEN
Expand into new markets and housing opportunities to become a growing, diversified organisation operating across new housing markets and geographies.
Strengthen organisational capability and performance to be a high-performing, well-governed organisation with an engaged, skilled and capable workforce.
OUTCOME: A growing, diversified organisation operating across new housing markets and geographies
OUTCOME: A high-performing, well-governed organisation with an engaged, skilled and capable workforce
Our team will always treat you with courtesy and respect. In return, if you are working with our team members, we ask you to treat them the same way. Any renter who verbally or physically intimidates, abuses or threatens any member of our team, in person, in writing or over the telephone, will be provided with a first and final written warning advising that the behaviour will not be tolerated. Any future violation may result in CEHL having to decline to work directly with the renter, in person or over the phone. Interaction will be limited to written communication.
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CEHL DIRECTORS’ FORUM Saturday 27 June 2026 Learning that makes a difference The Forum focused on practical topics that affect co-ops every day, including:
By investing in director learning, we strengthen our co-ops and help ensure they remain vibrant, sustainable communities for future generations of
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Good governance and director responsibilities
co-operators.
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Planning maintenance for co-op properties
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Building strong and connected communities
What directors enjoyed most
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Member selection processes
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Managing rent arrears
Directors also received useful resources to take back to their co-ops, including presentation materials and the updated CERC Maintenance: A Guide for Maintenance Directors.
Celebrating 40 years of co-operation The Forum was also part of CEHL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. Members, directors and the CEHL team reflected on four decades of co-operative housing and the difference it has made in the lives of thousands of people. A special anniversary video was launched, highlighting the power of co-operation to provide safe, secure and affordable homes, now and into the future. Watch the CEHL 40th Anniversary video: https://bit.ly/4ArRI9q
What does this mean for members? When directors develop new skills and share ideas with one another, the whole co-op community benefits. The Forum helped directors return to their co-ops with: •
Practical ideas to solve common challenges
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Greater confidence in their roles
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New resources and tools to support better decision-making
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Connections with other co-ops across the CEHL network
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Fresh ideas for strengthening their communities
Many directors said the best part of the day was meeting and learning from people in other co-ops. They valued the opportunity to: •
Share experiences and practical solutions
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Learn how other co-ops approach challenges
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Build relationships across the CEHL network
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Feel connected to the wider co-operative housing community
Thank you to all directors who gave up their time to attend and bring new ideas back to their co-ops. Your contribution helps build stronger co-operatives, stronger communities and better outcomes for members.
Looking ahead The next CEHL Directors’ Training Forum will be held on Friday 20 November 2026, the day before the CEHL Annual General Meeting. Whether someone is new to a director role or has years of experience, the Forum provides valuable opportunities to learn, share ideas and strengthen leadership across the co-operative housing sector. If there are no co-op directors available to represent your co-op, the Board is welcome to nominate a member (perhaps one who is considering becoming a director) to attend.
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HERBERT STREET VILLAGE WELCOMES HOUSING MINISTER
CEHL IN THE NEWS
What makes a co-op special?
Ask the members of Herbert Street Village co-op in Dandenong.
‘Renters for life’: Co-operative to boost Geelong affordable housing
Co-operative housing in the spotlight as Australia seeks new housing solutions
CEHL is making headlines, with a recent article highlighting how co-operative housing is helping address the growing need for affordable, long-term rental housing in Geelong.
Australian co-operative housing is gaining international attention as governments, banks and researchers look for better answers to the housing crisis. Co-operative News features CEHL’s role in a major research project supported by a prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant. The project will look at how Australia’s affordable co-operative housing sector can grow, including new finance options, practical tools and policy changes to help more people access secure, affordable co-op homes.
LINK - https://bit.ly/4qUXTyw
ABC NEWS – LIZ INTERVIEW 29/7/2026
What does affordable housing look like in Mildura, and how can co-operative housing help? Liz recently joined ABC Mildura-Swan Hill Breakfast host Sarah Buchecker to talk about the important role housing co-operatives play in providing secure, affordable homes. The conversation explored opportunities to build more homes, attract the next generation of members and support older members to downsize. Long-time Sunraysia member Christine Gould also shared her personal story, reflecting on more than 26 years of living in co-operative housing and the positive impact it has had on her life. Listen to the interview to hear how co-operative housing is making a difference in Mildura and what the future could hold for growing this model across the region. Interview start time – 35:26. LINK: https://bit.ly/4xJmvgv
In July, members welcomed the Minister for Housing and Building, the Hon. Nick Staikos MP, to their award-winning over-55s community. During the visit, members shared what co-op living means to them: secure and affordable housing, friendly neighbours, and a strong sense of belonging.
The visit was an opportunity to showcase the power of co-operative housing and the difference it makes in people’s lives. Through their stories, members highlighted that co-ops offer more than a home. They create communities where people have a voice, support one another and thrive together.
Developed by CEHL in partnership with the Dandenong RSL and Doutta Galla Aged Services,
The strength of the Herbert Street community will also be showcased on a national stage in
Herbert Street Village is home to 92 households, a thriving community centre and beautiful shared gardens. But as members told the Minister, it is the people and connections that make the community truly special.
September, with two Herbert Street Village members being invited to share their experiences of co-operative housing as speakers at the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA) Summit in Sydney.
This is CEHL’s second ARC Linkage success. It follows earlier Western Sydney University research that found housing co-operatives could be part of Australia’s answer to the rental crisis. The study captured more than 80 per cent of the sector and heard from more than 300 tenant-members across four states. It found that co-ops can support longterm housing stability, a strong sense of home and community, new skills linked to work and study, and a greater sense of voice and control for members. The new project builds on that work by focusing on the money and policy settings needed to help the sector grow. LINK - https://bit.ly/46IU71X
Want to stay up to date in real time? Follow the CEHL
page.
https://bit.ly/CEHL_LinkedIn
Pictured left to right are Heather Wearne, Liz Thomas, Bruce Whana, Christine Jones, Housing Minister Hon Nick Staikos MP and Alyce Holmes.
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CO-OPS SHARING IDEAS ACROSS VICTORIA Recent Board-to-Board (B2B) meetings brought co-op directors, CEHL Board members and team members together in Bendigo, Ballarat and Mildura. The meetings give co-ops a chance to raise local issues, share ideas, learn from each other and help shape CEHL’s work. They also highlight what is working well in local communities.
Bendigo More than 25 people attended the Bendigo meeting, including representatives from almost every regional co-op, elected CEHL Board members Beth Rundle, Skye Egan and Joe Montero, and several CEHL executives. Directors said they valued the opportunity to share challenges, hear updates directly from CEHL and work together on practical solutions.
“The interaction between CERC members and CEHL speakers was excellent. There was lots of information sharing and brainstorming of solutions.” Julie
Ballarat The Ballarat Board-to-Board meeting was held over lunch at The George Hotel in June, with a strong turnout from the four regional co-ops. Board members Beth Rundle and Joe Montero attended, along with several CEHL executives who presented updates and joined the discussion with local directors. The group discussed the new Ripon Street development, which will soon deliver three new co-op homes to Ballarat. The project is being delivered in partnership with Homes Victoria and funded through the Social Housing Growth Fund Regional Grants round. Directors shared valuable local knowledge that helped shape design decisions for the project. Since the meeting, CEHL has also run an Expression of Interest process, with Southerners CERC selected to manage the three new dwellings.
“I couldn’t fault this B2B. It was informal and informative.” Sandra D
Mildura Board members Beth Rundle and Sean Hughes attended. Because Sunraysia CERC is located so far from Bendigo, CEHL held a dedicated meeting in Mildura. The visit provided an opportunity for senior CEHL executives, Beth and Sean to hear directly from members, visit local properties and learn more about what makes the Mildura co-op community unique. See our LinkedIn story for more about the visit: https://bit.ly/4xdzbuV
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BOARD SPOTLIGHT Meet Technical Director - Sean Hughes Co-operative housing is about far more than bricks and budgets – it’s about neighbours who care for one another, local knowledge that shapes practical solutions, and a shared commitment to keeping homes safe and affordable. Working alongside elected co-op directors has shown me the value of lived experience: members spot everyday problems and priorities that never appear on a maintenance spreadsheet, and their practical wisdom reshapes how we plan, budget and communicate. I see the Technical Director’s role as three simple things: explain, enable and empower. I try to explain technical options in plain language so directors can weigh trade offs without jargon. I hopefully enable good decisions by turning complex choices into clear, manageable steps – for example, showing how a small energy upgrade can reduce bills and delay costly replacements. I aim to empower elected directors through hands on mentoring: walking a new board member through a tender process or explaining how our risk management process is fundamental to safety in the home, or sitting down with a committee over a shared cuppa to dig into our financial funding forecasts. That relationship matters because elected directors are the heart of each co-op; when technical advice is respectful and practical, directors can lead confidently and members see the benefits in their homes and wallets. Looking ahead, the next decade holds real opportunities for CEHL and the co-operative housing model. There’s growing public and policy interest in community led, affordable housing – and practical funding streams for energy efficiency and sustainability projects are becoming more accessible. CEHL can help co-ops seize these opportunities by sharing low cost maintenance and safety approaches, supporting grant applications, and building simple toolkits for long term asset renewal. Strengthening peer learning – more regional workshops, mentoring between co-ops, and easy to use templates for governance tasks – will spread good practice quickly and affordably. Small, practical innovations in preventative maintenance, clearer financial forecasting, and member led sustainability projects will keep co-ops resilient and affordable for the people who live in them. I’m proud to support CEHL’s work and to learn from the people who make co-ops thrive. My commitment is to keep technical advice practical, to listen first, and to help elected directors turn community priorities into durable, affordable outcomes. If your co-op would like a hand with a plain English explanation of a technical issue, I’m always happy to drop in for a chat.
Sean Hughes
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CO-OP DIRECTOR UPDATE Alyce Holmes Executive Director Co-op and Housing Services
Could a joint membership work for your co-op? Most housing co-operatives have memberships held by one person. But some co-ops offer joint memberships, where two people share one membership. If your co-op wants to increase participation, build future leaders or reduce member burnout, this may be worth considering.
What is a joint membership? A joint membership is where two people share one
Making joint memberships work in practice
co-op membership, usually two adults in a married
Every co-op can develop an approach that suits its
or de facto relationship. Even though two people are
size and culture. Some co-ops choose to introduce
involved, it still counts as one membership with one
the concept of an “active joint member”.
vote at co-op meetings.
Under this model:
Why might a co-op consider joint memberships? The Co-operatives National Law allows joint memberships unless a co-op’s rules prevent them. For some co-ops, joint memberships can help: •
share co-op work across a household
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reduce pressure on a small group of active
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active member at a time. •
build governance skills and future office bearers
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keep knowledge in the household if one person
• •
by the co-op are clear. Key issues to cover include: •
agreeing how the single vote will be used
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confirming who receives notices, attends meetings, signs documents and acts for the membership
•
•
Life circumstances change, and co-ops should have a process for managing the end of a joint membership. Common situations include: Relationship Breakdown: In many cases, one person moves out and the other remains in the property. The co-op may convert the
joint membership into a single membership held by the remaining renter, subject to the co-op’s rules. If the remaining member has not previously been the active participant in the co-op, the co-op should work with them to support their engagement and participation.
the arrangements are clearly documented in the co-op’s rules or procedures.
How can a co-op introduce joint memberships? If your co-op is interested, consider these steps: Check your rules to confirm joint memberships are allowed.
The AGM is a chance to:
A conversation worth having Joint memberships are not right for every co-op, but they can be a practical way to share responsibility, support succession planning and encourage broader participation. For co-ops facing member burnout or leadership gaps, they are a conversation worth having.
This is not intended to answer all your questions, but to provide ideas. If you have more questions, contact your CDC to discuss further.
Advise CEHL if a joint membership starts or ends.
Directors’ Training Forum
Friday 20 November
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Hear about CEHL’s achievements
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Learn about future plans and priorities
On the Friday before the AGM, CEHL will host the Directors’ Training Forum, giving serving and emerging directors an opportunity to build skills, share ideas and connect with other co-op communities.
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Connect with members from CEHL co-ops
Stay tuned for more information about how to register to attend. We hope you’ll join us.
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Celebrate our shared achievements.
Set clear procedures for voting, participation, communication and ending a membership.
4.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of CEHL and look ahead to the future of co-operative housing.
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Family violence: Family violence situations require careful and sensitive handling. Co-ops should contact CEHL as soon as possible if family violence is involved. There may be legal protections available under family violence legislation and Residential Tenancies Act that affect housing rights and occupancy arrangements. Each situation will be different and should be considered on a case-by-case basis, with appropriate support provided to affected members.
Save the date: Saturday 21 November
Discuss the benefits, risks and practical arrangements with members.
3.
September 2026
CEHL AGM 2026
Some co-ops also allow the non-active joint
unable to attend a meeting. The key is to ensure
2.
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The membership still counts as one member for
member if the active member is unwell or
1.
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Death of a joint member: If one joint member passes away, the surviving joint member would usually continue as the member.
member to temporarily act in place of the active
having a process if the relationship ends or household circumstances change.
What happens if a joint membership ends?
members attend a meeting.
over time.
Joint memberships work best when expectations set
CEHL would generally not recommend including dependent or adult children as joint members. Membership carries legal and governance responsibilities, and co-ops should carefully consider whether a person is in a position to fully participate in and meet those responsibilities.
voting and quorum purposes, even if both joint
joint memberships can also provide flexibility
What are the challenges?
The non- active joint member may attend general meetings as an observer.
becomes less active. •
Only the active joint member can serve on the Board or hold an office-bearer role.
members •
Only one joint member is recognised as the
Can adult children be part of a joint membership?
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MEET YOUR MEMBERS Dominika finds more than a home in co-op living When Dominika and her family joined Impact Housing co-op six months ago, they found more than a place to live. They found a community where they could belong, contribute and build a future together. Like many people trying to establish themselves in Australia, Dominika and her family faced the challenges of private renting. Before moving into their co-op home, she, her husband and their two children had moved nine times, making it difficult to feel settled or connected.
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CEHL RENTER SURVEY RESULTS A big thank you to everyone who took part in the recent CEHL Renter Survey.
What we heard: The survey highlighted positive outcomes and areas for improvement across CEHL, our co-op communities and direct renters: 85% - Repairs remain a key strength: 84.9% of renters and co-op members who received repairs were satisfied with the quality of the work. Satisfaction with CEHL-managed repairs was 81.2%, while co-op-managed repairs achieved an even higher satisfaction rate of 89.2%, demonstrating strong outcomes across the co-op housing network.
78% - Strong quality of life outcomes:
The survey did reveal some areas for consideration. 51% - Positive impact on employment outcomes: More than half of respondents (51%) reported that living in a housing co-op had a positive impact on their employment or job opportunities. This result was consistent across the co-ops, with CMC
78% of renters said their quality of life has improved
reporting 53% and CERC 50%, highlighting the
since moving into their co-op home, highlighting
broader social and economic benefits of secure,
the positive impact of co-operative housing on
affordable housing.
wellbeing and community connection.
41% - Complaints management needs attention:
Since joining the co-op, that has changed.
74% - Co-op living supports wellbeing and happiness:
For Dominika, co-operative housing may have started as a chance to live in affordable and secure housing. But it has become about being part of Dominika and her family in their garden at Impact co-op something bigger. Members work Dominika’s story is a reminder that co-op living is together, support one another and help shape the powered by its members. Whether it’s participating future of their community. in meetings, helping organise community activities, As a healthcare worker supporting older people and serving on committees or simply supporting people with disabilities, Dominika understands the neighbours, every member has the opportunity to importance of helping others. She sees the same make a difference. spirit in her co-op, where neighbours lend a hand For young people in particular, co-operative housing during difficult times and celebrate milestones offers a chance to develop leadership skills, build together. meaningful connections and play an active role in creating a stronger community. “It’s really like a small family,” she says.
74% of renters and co-op members said being part
complaints management overall. Satisfaction with
of a co-op has had a positive impact on their overall
CEHL’s complaint handling was 38.2%, while co-
happiness. Satisfaction was particularly strong in CMC
op complaint management was slightly higher at
co-ops at 78%, while CERCs reported 72%, reinforcing
43.4%. Both results sit below the Housing Registrar
the important role co-operative housing plays in
benchmark threshold of 50%, highlighting an
supporting wellbeing and community connection.
important area for improvement.
73 points - Strong confidence in future housing security:
Your feedback helps us understand what’s working
Renters and co-op members reported a future
support members and renters across our housing
security score of 73 points (on a scale of 0 to 100),
program.
Dominika’s commitment to her co-op and community has already been recognised. This year, she was selected as one of the 2026 Round One recipients of the CEHL Eliza Brierley Award, and she will use the award to help undertake further study in accounting and bookkeeping.
By stepping up and getting involved, members can help ensure their co-op remains a vibrant, welcoming place for current and future generations. Watch Dominika’s story and discover how being part of a co-op can help you build not just a home, but a community. Watch the video - https://bit.ly/4yNYJ2T
Only 40.6% of respondents were satisfied with
well and where we can improve our services to
outperforming the national community housing benchmark of 67.20. Results were consistent across both co-op groups, with CMCs recording 73.7 points and CERCs 74.2 points, indicating strong confidence in long-term housing stability.
69% - Members feel heard: 69.1% of renters and co-op members were satisfied that their views are considered. Satisfaction was 63.6% for CEHL and 75.5% for co-ops, reflecting strong member engagement and participation.
Congratulations to the winners! Everyone who completed the survey went into the draw to win one of five $100 vouchers. And the winners are... •
One member from Thomson River CERC
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One member from Binders CERC
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One member from Keilor CMC
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Two direct renters
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MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
Encouraging participation through shared work Written by Vivien Routley, long-serving Liberty Women’s Rental Housing Co-op member. In the workshop sessions and online comments
for members to see where they might fit. Becoming
linked to the recent CCA Review, participation, or
the expert on even a small job gives members status
the lack of it, was a very hot topic.
“Our co-op feels the need for harsher
and satisfaction. From there, members can gradually take on more
penalties for those members who simply
responsibility as their confidence grows
refuse to participate and come along to
Doing the work in groups
meetings. Our current board is past the point of burnout, but others refuse to step
We know it’s very hard to carry major responsibilities alone, but you could share them around by doing
up and take on a directorship....... An answer
the work in groups.
to this age-old dilemma eludes us and we
Groups help members to learn by doing. Members
don’t know what to do.” – CCA Review Hub chatline This concern is of course not new and raises its head constantly. So, what could help renew participation and engagement in your co-op? Here are a few observations and examples from my co-op, Liberty Women’s Rental Housing Co-op.
Creating stepping stones to greater commitment and involvement Directors don’t need to do everything themselves. Their role is to make sure things are done, not to carry all the work. An ordinary member might not have enough confidence to jump into the chairperson’s seat but could ‘help’ by doing some of the chairperson’s tasks or be the second person to cover a specific area. If you listed all the tasks that need to be done by
have support from others to ask questions and solve problems together. Members will have different skills and approaches that they can all learn from each other. At different times and in different groups members could have different roles as learners, helpers, doers and teachers.
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Rotating positions Sometimes one member can become trapped in a role. She might have, over time, become so efficient that no one else feels they can fill her shoes. Or one member may not be willing to give up her role because she thinks no one else can do it. You can set up an expectation that this does not happen. Your co-op could have a policy or something in its rules that restricts how long one person can hold any position. This distributes knowledge and power and guards against any individual ‘owning’ any area of the co-op.
What Liberty does Liberty’s work is done through three subgroups: Admin, Finance and Maintenance. Each group has 3-4 members. If a special project or a concentrated effort is needed, another group is set up. Everyone, except those on leave, belongs to a subgroup.
Different tasks are allocated to members of each subgroup. In finance one might be responsible for sending of the BAS and reports to CEHL, while someone else reports to co-op members or is on top of the rents. Admin and Maintenance share out the work in a similar way. Although each member has their specific tasks, because they are in a group, all have others they can rely on if they need help. We have a three year rotation schedule where all members move from one group to another. So, over time, you get an understanding of all aspects
Director Assistance Program ‘DAP’ The Director Assistance Program (DAP) is a free, innovative counselling and support service available to all co-op directors.
of the co-op. Yes, one member might be better at something, compared to another, but because you are in a group and group membership changes it all evens out.
Last words Real participation and commitment cannot be demanded. It can only be encouraged. Members need to feel included and valued, for whatever contribution they can make at any specific time. To encourage participation a co-operative needs ways to enable all members to grow in confidence and knowledge. In other words, to encourage participation a co-operative has to be participatory.
Three, one hour sessions are available each year.
Funded by CEHL, this program is designed to assist directors in their roles by providing guidance and support when needed.
any of your office bearers, there will be loads of things less experienced members could do. These small steps help people feel useful and included. When tasks are clearly defined, it becomes easier
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To access the service and receive the unique code, contact Mark Dowling, CEHL Housing Support Coordinator on 03 9208 0880 or email support@cehl.com.au
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CEHL ELIZA BRIERLEY AWARD
2027 STUDY GRANTS
Supporting women in co-op communities to make a difference
Could a study grant help you reach your goal?
Ten women from across the CEHL community are turning ideas into action after being selected as
Thinking about studying in 2027? Whether you’re considering TAFE, university, an apprenticeship or
the 2026 round one recipients of the CEHL Eliza Brierley Award.
another training pathway, a CEHL Study Grant could help make it happen.
The award supports women in building confidence, developing new skills and strengthening their coops through learning, leadership and participation.
The 2026 round one recipients are: •
Barbara, Herbert Street CMC
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Cathleen, NASA CMC
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Dominika, Impact CERC
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Emily, Lakewood CMC
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Fadzai, Mosaic CMC
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Jocelyn, Mosaic CMC
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Katie, Satellite CERC
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Kayla, Lakewood CMC
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Lauren, Solar City CERC
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Samantha, Southerners CERC
Strong interest in round two Applications have now closed for round two of the Eliza Brierley Award, which will support 10 women from the CEHL co-op community to attend the ACHA Summit in Sydney in September. The response was strong, with applications showing the talent, commitment and leadership of women across the co-op community. CEHL had originally planned to support five women in attending the Summit but increased this to ten places due to the level of interest. Congratulations to the ten successful members. An update on the recipients and their Summit experience will feature in the next edition of Co-operatively Speaking.
The Awards are being used to fund a wide range of projects and learning opportunities, including leadership development, governance training, community initiatives and professional education. We look forward to following their journeys and sharing updates over the coming year.
Who was Eliza Brierley?
Eliza Brierley was the first woman to join the Rochdale Pioneers, the group that founded the modern co-operative movement in England in 1844. By becoming a member in 1846, 72 years before women had the right to vote, Eliza secured a voice, a vote and an equal place in a democratic organisation. The Eliza Brierley Award celebrates her legacy by supporting more women to build their skills and networks to help shape the future of co-operative housing.
$20,000 in grants available
For more than 15 years, CEHL has supported members and household members to pursue their education goals. Each year, CEHL offers ten Study Grants worth $2,000 each. Past recipients have used the grants to pursue a wide range of opportunities, from vocational qualifications through to postgraduate study. One recipient, Fadzai from Mosaic Co-op (pictured right), is currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing and says the grant helped her continue working towards a lifelong goal.
Applications for the 2027 Study Grants will open at the AGM on 21 November. If you’re thinking about studying next year, now is a great time to start planning.
CEHL HONOUR BOARD Who makes your co-op better? Every co-op has people who quietly step up. They organise activities, support neighbours, serve on boards, solve problems and help keep
Key dates: • •
Nominations close 30 September 2026
Recipients announced at the CEHL AGM
their communities strong.
Past recipients say the Honour Board is a
The CEHL Honour Board recognises members
help co-ops thrive.
who have made an outstanding contribution to their co-op or the wider CEHL community.
Nominations are now open
wonderful way to recognise the people who Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Talk to your co-op board about nominating them.
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Issue Twenty Five
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September 2026
If your co-op uses JP Hardwick & Associates (JPH) as its auditor, there’s an important change this year. The company has moved to a paperless process, and JPH audit documents must now be submitted electronically through a secure online portal.
What does this mean? •
Paper records will need to be scanned and uploaded.
•
Some co-ops may need assistance preparing documents.
If you need support, the CEHL team are available to help. JPH have acknowledged that while the change may create some extra work initially, digital records should make future audits quicker and easier to manage. If you have questions, please contact your Finance Officer or CDC.
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What can Australia learn from Canadian housing co-ops?
UPDATES Treasurers’ corner: audits go digital
CEHL - Co-operatively Speaking
More say, better decisions
Has your co-op ever wanted more input on major maintenance and improvement projects? You’re not alone. During the recent CCA Review and Board-to-Board meetings, directors told us they would like earlier opportunities to share their ideas and priorities when Third Schedule works are being planned. In response, CEHL has teamed up with Phoenix CERC to trial a new approach. The pilot gives the co-op a chance to sit down with CEHL
earlier in the planning process to discuss proposed works, share local knowledge and help shape priorities before plans are finalised. So far, the results have been encouraging. Through these conversations, some works have been adjusted, others reprioritised, and both CEHL and Phoenix have gained a clearer understanding of what matters most to the co-op and its members. The pilot is also helping test a more consistent way for co-ops to contribute their ideas and experiences to future planning discussions.
by Liz Thomas Managing Director
Imagine living in a country where more than 250,000 people call a housing co-op home. That’s the reality in Canada, one of the world’s most successful co-operative housing sectors.
when governments, communities and housing organisations work together over the long term.
In June, I joined seven Australian housing leaders on the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA) Canadian Study Tour to learn what has helped Canadian housing co-ops grow and thrive.
Members attending the ACHA Summit in Sydney this September will have the opportunity to hear Tim share Canada’s co-op housing journey, including how co-ops can grow at scale, and provide more homes for more people. While he is in Australia, Tim will also join politicians and policy makers at a special Boardroom Lunch at CEHL to discuss what Australia can learn from Canada’s
Over two weeks, we visited housing co-ops, government agencies, lenders and sector organisations across Canada. One message stood out everywhere they went: when governments, members, housing providers and financial institutions work together, cooperative housing can grow and deliver lasting benefits for communities. The tour also created lasting connections with coop leaders from around the world, including Tim Ross, CEO of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. Canada is home to more than 2,000 housing co-ops and has shown what’s possible
success and how co-operative housing can play a bigger role in addressing the housing crisis.
These conversations are about more than policy. They are about creating opportunities for more people to experience the security, affordability and sense of community that co-operative housing provides. The lessons from Canada will help inform CEHL’s ongoing work to support stronger co-ops and grow the co-operative housing movement in Australia.
Once the pilot is complete, we will review what we have learned and plan how to roll this approach out more broadly across the program.
Save on your electricity bills with Victoria’s midday power saver If you are looking for ways to reduce your electricity costs, the new Victorian Midday Power Saver may be worth considering. From 1 October 2026, eligible households can opt in through their electricity retailer to access three hours of free electricity every day between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. This could help some co-op members shift electricity use to the middle of the day – for example, running appliances or charging devices when solar energy is more available. The Midday Power Saver is optional and may not suit everyone, so it is important to check whether it works for your home, routine and electricity plan. For more information, visit the Victorian Government website: https://bit.ly/4xG5OCi
Tim Ross (front row, centre left) with Liz Thomas and colleagues from the ACHA delegation.
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Issue Twenty Five
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September 2026
Herbert Street pedestrian crossing Poem and images by Robert, Herbert Street CMC. Where every soul can safely go. The path is marked with stripes so bright, To catch the eye in broad daylight, A safe connection, wide and clear, A welcome change to those who are near. Beside the path, the sign is bold, A friendly standard to uphold: “SHARED ZONE” it reads, and “5” is set, A safe and gentle pace to meet. With pictures of a family free, To walk together, happily. The speed humps, striped in black and yellow, Guide all our drivers, making them mellow. So welcome to this thoughtful space, A safer, kinder, slower place. A passage made for everyone, Our new pedestrian crossing is done.
CEHL is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating discrimination. Our workplace and housing services are inclusive, and we welcome everyone irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We acknowledge and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and Traditional Custodians of Country. CEHL will continue to advocate for a fairer, more inclusive society, and provide housing services that are welcoming, safe, and culturally appropriate
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