Amanda Winks, CEO Housing Trust
It’s with a heavy heart that I write this. I want to remind you that words matter. In an instant, they can build hope or inflict harm and unlike a physical injury they don’t heal with time.
When asked what’s changed most during my time in the community housing sector, I could focus on challenges, but my first response is always positive: the tone of the conversation. More people now recognise that access to a safe, secure, and affordable home is a human right. They understand that homelessness and housing insecurity can happen to anyone – a parent, a child, a friend. A single illness, injury, relationship breakdown, or job loss can change everything. But lately, I’ve noticed a change.
I remember the first time I heard the term “houso.” I was in primary school. I didn’t know what it meant, but I knew it was hurtful, I could see it before my eyes, as if the word delivered a knock-out blow. I remember hoping my classmate was silently chanting “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Recently, I’ve seen this language resurface – comments like “ghetto” and “houso” on public forums. It’s shocking and deeply disappointing.
As I reflect on this, I think of a man who bravely shared his experience in public housing, both the highs and lows. A safe home gave him stability, warmth, and comfort. It also meant he could hold down a job and build a social network. But once people learned he was a public housing tenant, the labels and exclusion began. Presumptuous judgment based solely on who he pays his weekly rent to. Whether private, social, or affordable – these are types of rent, not types of people.
And so, I am determined to use my voice, and the words on this page to set the record straight. Across 1200 homes managed by Housing Trust in the Illawarra, our residents show remarkable stability and diversity. The average tenancy lasts eight years, and in this time, we really get to know our customers. Nearly half live with a disability, over half are women. Eight percent are aged 85 or older, and 17% identify as First Nations people. All contributing to a rich environment where more than 20 languages are spoken.
87% of our tenants’ report that secure housing makes their lives more stable, and an equal proportion are satisfied with their neighbourhood. These numbers highlight the positive impact that safe and supportive housing has on individuals and communities alike. They are not statistics, they are stories of resilience, diversity, and contributions to be celebrated.
Working in community services requires resilience, optimism, and unwavering hope, not just for the future, but for the good in people. While my optimism has taken a hit with the realisation that not everyone believes it, I know that a decent home changes lives because I see it every day. I hold onto words like these – written anonymously by one of our tenants in the 2025 survey:
“Since being approved for this home with Housing Trust, it has improved my life in so many ways. From facing homelessness to now being able to afford to live in such a beautiful home at a price I can afford. My 2.5-year-old daughter and I now have stability and a place we can call home. It has lifted so many problems I was once facing”
As we enter a season that can be equally tough and joyful, let’s remember riches don’t define us. We are all equal and deserving of a place to call home. Let’s choose words that build dignity, not destroy it. Let’s also remember that from the foundation of a secure, affordable home hero’s rise. Whatever your political views, these words from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s 2022 election night victory speech remind us:
“It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia’s Prime Minister. Every parent wants more for the next generation than they had. My mother dreamt of a better life for me. And I hope that my journey in life inspires Australian’s to reach for the stars.”
As a mum, my dream for every child growing up in a social or affordable home is that they are free from the stigma that I witnessed as a child and have every opportunity to thrive. I also hope they never have to whisper the phase… sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…. because we all know that’s simply untrue.
