The 2025 CHIA SA Excellence in Community Housing Awards ceremony was held on Friday, 29th August, at the beautiful Adelaide Pavilion. It was a night of celebration and recognition to honour those who have made significant contributions to the Community Housing Industry. Congratulations to all our award winners!
Category 1 Excellence in Community Housing
This award is given to an individual or team that has been part of a project or demonstrates practices that achieve outstanding results for tenants.
Winner – UNITY for HOPS Following over a year of research, consultation, and planning, and coinciding with the consolidation of five metropolitan offices into a single central office in Bowden, Unity Housing transitioned to a new “Housing Operations Portfolio Structure” (HOPS) service model.
HOPS is a specialised, team-based model that retains the personal touch while significantly improving operational efficiency. The model includes four specialist teams, each with clear roles and expertise, and using modern call-centre technology to manage incoming enquiries
Since its full launch, HOPS is delivering meaningful improvements in service delivery and tenant satisfaction, ensuring a more responsive and tenant-focused experience across all of Unity Housing.
Category 2 Inspirational team member
This award is given to an individual who, through their contributions, makes a positive impact on their organisation, workmates, or tenants.
Winner – Victoria Deegan- Junction Victoria has made a significant and positive impact at Junction. She has emerged as a key driving force in the organisation, excelling in building relationships and delivering exceptional outcomes.
Victoria consistently demonstrates excellence through her disciplined, organised, and positive approach to her role. Her initiatives have significantly improved procedures, standard terms and conditions, protocols, systems, and communications.
Beyond her technical contributions, Victoria plays a significant role in shaping a positive organisational culture. Victoria’s ability to build and maintain positive relationships is a cornerstone of her success. Her efforts have greatly contributed to morale and collaboration across the organisation.
Category 3 Leading Community Development
This award is given to a team or individual for an initiative or project that strengthens social connections for tenants or communities.
Winner – Believe Housing for Children’s University. Believe Housing Australia partnered with the Children’s University to deliver a unique, community-focused initiative designed to improve educational outcomes and social inclusion for children living in social and affordable housing.
The program provided access to an internationally recognised learning platform, supporting children from low-income families to build confidence, digital skills, and a love of learning.
The program encouraged active family involvement, which led to stronger bonds within households and new friendships among participating families. This initiative demonstrates the power of education not just as a tool for academic growth, but as a vehicle for connection, inclusion, and long-term community wellbeing.
Category 4 Executive Excellence
This award is given to an executive-level team or individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and contribution.
Winner – Gino Bria- Westside Housing. Gino has an extensive career spanning both public and community housing, resulting in a unique blend of knowledge and experience across asset management, policy development, best practice design and project work.
He is an innovative and dedicated leader who is guided by community consultation and feedback.
Gino is generous, calm, has exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and always acts with integrity.
Well done to all our winners, and congratulations on making a difference in the community housing sector.
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