Celebrating Community Impact: Link Housing
In the spirit of the holiday season, I had the privilege of photographing a momentous occasion that underscores the profound impact of community housing initiatives in Sydney.
Link Housing, a leading community housing provider in New South Wales, was honoured with the 2016 Community Housing Impact Award for Tenancy Management by Community Sector Banking. This accolade recognizes their innovative strategies in building vibrant communities and enhancing the lives of tenants and families across Northern Sydney .
Under the leadership of CEO Andrew McAnulty, Link Housing has implemented the "FormingLinks" strategy, focusing on tenant engagement and community development. This approach has not only provided affordable rental accommodation to over 1,400 households but also fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment among residents.
During the award ceremony, I captured the pride and dedication of the Link Housing team as they received recognition for their commitment to creating inclusive and supportive housing environments. The event was graced by Kieran Turner, State Business Manager, and Ken Langston, Head of Sector Engagement from Community Sector Banking, who have been instrumental in supporting Link Housing's mission.
Visiting the Link Housing residences in West Ryde was an eye-opening experience. Contrary to common perceptions of public housing, these modern, spacious apartments exude warmth and community spirit. Residents like Marie Sillars shared heartfelt stories of how living in these homes has brought them closer to their families and improved their quality of life.
Link Housing's emphasis on respect, accountability, and tenant feedback ensures that residents have a voice in their living conditions. This participatory approach not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also contributes to the continuous improvement of housing services.
As a photographer, capturing these moments of joy and community reaffirmed the importance of storytelling in highlighting the transformative power of social initiatives. It's a reminder that behind every policy and program are real people whose lives are being positively changed.
Marie Sillars has been in her new home for 8 months now and couldn't be any happier. Her daughter lives one street away from her and her grandkids live down the street. Thanks to Link Housing, she can afford to be close to her family, live in a beautiful, spacious and modern home and she was overjoyed to show me inside her new home. She's in a 1 bedroom apartment but there are also 2 bedroom apartments on the site. She couldn't wait to show me inside her home!!
Link Housing have set up a community garden for their tenants, put on community based parties for them and they've recently had the best balcony competition.
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