In 20 years at the helm of Home in Place, Greg Budworth has transformed a struggling Hunter-based community housing provider into a key player in Australia’s social housing sector and a leading provider of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

When Greg joined the then named Newmacq Housing in 2004 it managed around 500 properties, had 10 employees and annual revenue of $3 million. Today, Home in Place manages approximately 8,000 properties in Australia and New Zealand, has 285 employees and annual revenue of more than $125 million.

Home in Place Chair Kwesi Addo said Greg’s passion, vision and drive helped turn the organisation around to be a Hunter success story. Kwesi said Greg’s strategic focus, strong sense of social justice, and effective leadership skills means more people have an affordable roof over their head.

“Greg has been an effective local and global advocate for better housing policy, greater investment in community housing and the need to give tenants skills and support to maximise their contribution to their community,” Kwesi said.

“Under Greg’s leadership, Home in Place has gained a reputation for quality services and has successfully delivered and maintained a number of complex housing projects.”

Greg said it has been a rewarding 20 years and a privilege to play a part in helping people to have a home and a place in a community. He said having clarity of purpose and uniting people to achieve a vision, as well as focus on tenants, thinking big, sustainability and measuring performance are key to Home in Place’s success.

“At Home in Place we believe housing is a fundamental human right and government funding of community housing is an investment in social infrastructure, rather than a budget expense,” Greg said.

“Safe and affordable housing is fundamental for personal success, health and well-being, and the creation of thriving communities. When you aren’t worrying about keeping a roof over your head, you can better concentrate on working, studying, and contributing to your community.”

In his two decades with Home in Place Greg has pioneered new approaches and programs to improve tenant services and tenant satisfaction levels and operational performance. These include a sustainability program, a scholarship and mentoring program for young people experiencing financial disadvantage, and mental health first aid program for tenants and employees. Under Greg’s stewardship Home in Place has also aligned its business plan to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with Home in Place’s aspirations to be an international community housing and community development partner, Greg oversaw Home in Place achieving special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council. He has also served as Vice President of the UN Habitat General Assembly of Partners and continues to advocate for the SDGs in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

In the years ahead Greg is looking to take Home in Place’s proven approach to property and tenancy management to new markets in the Pacific Islands and the United States.

IMAGE | Greg Budworth, Managing Director, Home in Place