Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL)

Secure, affordable housing for all Victorians starts with ideas - and collaboration. We're proud to be part of this year’s CHIA Vic Conference, where sector leaders are coming together to explore bold ideas and practical solutions for a stronger community housing sector. Tomorrow, our Managing Director, Liz Thomas, and Board Chair Fiona Herman will be speaking alongside Nicola Foxworthy (Imagine Housing Australia) and Meron Tierney (Beyond Housing) to share the power of alternative housing models like rental housing co-operatives. At CEHL, we believe that everyone in Victoria deserves the dignity of a secure, affordable home. Through co-operation, we're building a scalable model that strengthens communities and puts people at the centre of housing. Great ideas grow through strong relationships. Let's work together to make affordable housing a reality for more Victorians.

Last week Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) officially launched the International Year of the Co-op in NSW Parliament in Sydney, celebrating the long-standing social and economic contributions co-operatives and mutuals make to communities. NSW Treasurer Hon Daniel Mookhey delivered an inspiring address on why it makes sense for the government to partner with the wide-ranging co-op sector. The Minister responsible for co-operatives in NSW, the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, also committed to working with the BCCM to improve the regulatory environment. It's encouraging to see growing support from both federal and state governments for co-operatives and mutuals. This video highlights the rich history of co-operatives in NSW, including the work of Common Equity NSW.

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