Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL)

This morning, Liz Thomas spoke at the Co-op Assembly 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Focusing on the important role housing co-operatives play in Australia and ACHA’s goal of securing 10% of Australia’s social housing as co-op housing. Under the global theme “Co-operatives Build a Better World,” IYC2025 recognises the critical role co-operatives play in creating sustainable, resilient communities. The UN has once again acknowledged that co-operatives are essential partners in addressing global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. As a champion of co-operative housing in Australia, ACHA is privileged to celebrate this milestone alongside co-ops worldwide. We join the movement in raising awareness, fostering innovation, and advocating for policies that enable co-operatives to thrive. IYC2025 is an opportunity to: ✅ Highlight the impact of co-operatives in sustainable development ✅ Strengthen the movement through capacity-building and partnerships ✅ Champion supportive policies for co-op innovation and entrepreneurship ✅ Inspire the next generation to shape a more inclusive future #IYC2025 #Cooperatives #BuildingABetterWorld #SustainableCommunities #CoopHousing

In recent months, both the Federal and State Governments have shown greater interest in the co-operative housing model as a solution to Victoria's - and Australia's - housing challenges. We hope this interest translates into action, with a dedicated funding stream to support the growth of co-operative housing. Liz Thomas recently spoke on ABC National's Life Matters about the increasing demand for affordable, secure housing that we encounter every day at CEHL. Co-op housing is the missing piece to Australia's housing puzzle.

After five years on the Victorian Housing Register and multiple relocations due to Melbourne's volatile rental market, Kylie and her two sons joined our Merri Co-op in 2023. Since then, her family have thrived thanks to the stability of an affordable home and the supportive community her co-op provides. Kylie recently spoke on ABC National's Life Matters about her co-op housing journey. Listen to the full Life Matters episode on co-operative housing here 👇 https://lnkd.in/gbjKWsY5

We need a dedicated community housing funding stream to support the growth of the co-operative housing model. This includes targeted government funding to enable the development of more co-operative housing projects, strengthening policy frameworks to integrate co-operative housing into broader social housing strategies, and demonstrating the value of co-operative housing in creating stable, engaged communities. We need to increase co-op housing from less than 1% to 10% of social housing stock.

#LISTEN: Talking Co-op Housing on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Life Matters 🏡 CEHL Managing Director and Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA) chair Liz Thomas, Merri Housing Co-op member Kylie, and Professor Wendy Stone joined Life Matters this morning to discuss the growing movement for co-operative housing models across Australia. Hear Kylie's story about finding a home in her co-op, Wendy's insights from housing policy research and Liz's vision for a more affordable housing future👇

Wilson Ave is almost here - soon, we'll be welcoming new members to our new co-op in the heart of Brunswick. The CEHL team recently visited the site to see the progress firsthand – taking in the stunning panoramic views of Melbourne from the communal rooftop, extending from the Dandenong Ranger to the You Yangs.    This is a historic milestone for CEHL - the first time in over a decade that we're opening the doors to a new co-operative. It's a testament to the power of co-op housing and our commitment to expanding secure, affordable homes. Stay tuned for updates as we get ready to open the doors and welcome our new members 🏙️

As we reflect on #InternationalWomen’sDay, we celebrate the incredible contributions of CEHL Board Directors—women who bring leadership, experience, and vision to the table.  For elected Board Director Beth Rundle, joining the CEHL Board at a stage when many wind down their careers wasn’t an ending—it was the beginning of an exciting new chapter. "I thought my working life was over, but it was just beginning again." "Being on the board has been a life-changing experience. I’ve gained so much knowledge about co-operative housing, used my life experience in meaningful ways, and continued to grow with the support of CEHL." Beth’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership has no age limit. The skills, connections, and opportunities that come with board service are transformative for individuals and the entire co-operative housing movement. Strong, diverse leadership ensures that members continue to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come. #IWD2025 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #Leadership #CooperativeHousing #WomenOnBoards

By the numbers, women are driving the future of co-operative housing. Women are paving the way for a more equitable housing future because too many know firsthand what it’s like to struggle for affordable, secure housing.  This #InternationalWomen’sDay, we celebrate the women leading the charge in co-operative housing. Women, especially those over 55, are among the fastest-growing groups facing housing insecurity. With lower lifetime earnings and rising housing costs, many are being priced out of safe and stable homes.  At CEHL, we are committed to changing that. Co-op housing isn’t just about providing homes—it's about empowerment. Through study grants, mentorships, and leadership opportunities, we support women in having a voice and a seat at the table.  And the numbers speak for themselves. Women make up: 🏡 78% of our 500+ co-op board directors are women – leading their communities and shaping their housing futures. 🏡 6 of our 11 CEHL Board Directors 🏡 61% of all CEHL staff are women, including a 50/50 split at the executive level. This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to champion women’s leadership in housing – because communities thrive when women thrive. #IWD2024 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #CooperativeHousing 

Yesterday at CEHL, our team came together ahead of International Women’s Day to celebrate the women in our lives—the women we work with, the women we know, and the women we house through our co-op housing model. Our Managing Director, Liz, wore a handmade flower brooch in purple, green, and white—the colours of IWD, symbolizing justice, hope, and dignity. She shared the origins of these colours and a deeply personal story behind the brooch she wears each year. Years ago, Liz was the inaugural CEO of a community housing project providing permanent homes for vulnerable people. One of those tenants had been socially isolated in her home for years due to a relationship breakdown and significant health challenges. With access to safe, secure housing and the right support, she regained her mobility and self-confidence and became a thriving community member. Each year, at the annual IWD fundraiser, that tenant—once unable to leave her home—stood at the entrance to welcome guests. One year, she gifted Liz a handmade flower and said: "I know it isn’t fancy, but I want you to wear it on every IWD." Pamela has since passed away, but Liz wears the flower each International Women’s Day to honour her strength and the transformative power of safe, affordable housing. This story reminds us why housing matters for women—it’s about dignity, security, and opportunity. Women thrive when they have a stable foundation, and at CEHL, we are proud to be part of a housing model that empowers them to build better futures. This #IWD2025, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring more women have a place to call home and a seat at the table. #ForAllWomenAndGirls #IWD2025 #CooperativeHousing #WomenInLeadership #DignityThroughHousing 

#LISTEN Co-Op Housing for Australia's Missing Middle    Co-operative housing may be the missing piece of Australia's affordable housing puzzle. It offers a community-led, build-to-rent model that provides stability often unattainable in the private housing market.   CEHL Managing Director, Liz Thomas, recently joined ABC's Victorian Statewide Mornings to talk about co-op housing, highlighting Bendigo, a thriving regional community where eight co-ops manage more than 160 properties. These homes provide secure, affordable housing outside of government programs and the private rental market.     Despite its benefits, co-operative housing makes up just 1% of the country's housing stock. CEHL is committed to growing this model to 10%, providing more secure, community-driven homes. To make this a reality, we need governments to allocate more land and funding. Alongside the Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA), we’re advocating for stronger support to expand co-op housing and make it a mainstream housing option.