Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA)

Yesterday, Federal Minister for Housing Clare O'Neil and the Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers met with Lakewood Co-op Members in Ringwood, Victoria. The Minister and the Treasurer heard firsthand how co-operative housing provides not just a place to live but a thriving community built on affordability, security, and shared responsibility. The $12.4 million refurbishment of Lakewood Co-operative in Melbourne’s east was completed in early 2024. Jointly funded by the Federal Government and ACHA member, Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) — the refurbishment transformed 80 homes, providing Lakewood Co-op Members with secure, high-quality, and affordable accommodation. CEHL’s Liz Thomas emphasised that co-op housing isn’t about short-term gains — it’s about delivering permanent housing solutions. “Co-operative housing is more than just bricks and mortar. It empowers members by giving them an active role in managing and maintaining their homes, fostering a strong sense of community and housing security." 🎉 A huge shoutout to the Lakewood Co-op members for sharing their stories to help shape the future of co-op housing in Australia! #CooperativeHousing #SocialHousing #HousingAffordability #LakewoodCoop #CommunityLiving #HousingForAll

The ACHA Blueprint is your go-to resource for understanding: ✅ How co-ops work ✅ The incredible benefits of co-operative housing for Australian communities ✅ Practical steps the Australian Government can take to support and grow co-operative housing. If you’re interested to learn about sustainable, community-focused housing solutions, the ACHA Blueprint is a must-read! 🔗 Discover the ACHA Blueprint here: https://lnkd.in/gsu53QNq #CooperativeHousing #HousingSolutions #ACHA #BlueprintForChange

We were delighted to host Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O'Neil, at one of our co-ops last week. The Minister had the chance to visit Marek and Małgorzata in Hotham, where she experienced the warmth of co-operative living firsthand (and some delicious Polish cake!). A heartfelt thank you to Marek and Małgorzata for opening their home and sharing how co-operative housing has positively impacted their lives. Minister O'Neil highlighted the Albanese Labor Government's shared vision of empowering renters through stable, affordable housing and strong community connections—values central to our co-op model. A huge thank you to the Minister and her team for their support and advocacy, and to everyone who made this visit possible! #CooperativeHousing #AffordableHousing #StrongerCommunities #BetterRenting

Yesterday, ACHA member Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), welcomed Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil to Entity Co-operative in Hotham, Victoria, where she met with Marek and Malgorzata to hear firsthand how co-operative housing transforms lives.   At ACHA, we are committed to increasing the availability of co-operative housing for low to moderate-income Australians and their families. Our vision is bold: to grow co-operative housing to 10% of Australia’s social housing stock, ensuring more people experience the benefits of secure, community-driven living.   To make this vision a reality, ACHA is advocating for a dedicated community housing funding stream for co-op housing — because together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive housing system, bringing the value of co-operative housing to more Australians. Thank you, Minister O'Neil, for your time and interest.    #CooperativeHousing #CommunityLiving #SocialHousing #AffordableHousing #ACHAGoals

The International Cooperative Principles are the foundation of how co-operatives worldwide bring their values to life. By following these guidelines, co-operatives ensure their commitment to community, fairness, and sustainability is reflected in everything they do. To learn more visit: https://lnkd.in/gX_WgfgW #CooperativePrinciples #HousingCooperatives #CommunityMatters #SharedValues #CoopLife

Why do people choose to live in co-operative housing? Rental housing co-operatives offer an alternative to private home ownership, the private rental market, and public housing. Co-ops are a community-led form of social housing run by the people who live in it, allowing people to ‘rent like they own’. Each housing co‑op is a registered business, representing communities of people who unite voluntarily to achieve long-term, secure housing solutions. Guided by the international co‑operative principles, housing co-operatives operate with shared values of individual responsibility, mutual help, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

ACHA is pleased to announce that it has become a Supporter of the Community Housing Industry Association Environment, Sustainability and Governance Reporting Standard. The CHIA ESG Standard is a tool for measuring, managing, reporting and interpreting community impact generated by the Australian community housing sector. As a Supporter, ACHA, as the peak body for rental housing co-operatives, will promote the adoption of the ESG Reporting Standard amongst its members and the broader Australian community housing sector. https://lnkd.in/g8NJm--2

WHAT IS ACHA? The Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA) has been established to advocate for the benefits of the housing co-operative model and the growth and diversification of the social housing sector in Australia. ACHA is an alliance of Registered Community Housing Providers that deliver co-operative housing, including - Common Equity Housing Ltd (CEHL) Victoria, - Co-operation Housing (WA), - Common Equity NSW, - Common Equity S.A. and - United Housing Co-operative (as a representative of Victorian independent rental co-operatives). ACHA is supported by the Business Council of Co-operatives & Mutuals (BCCM). Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) Common Equity Common Equity Housing SA Ltd Co-operation Housing United Housing Co-operative ltd. Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM)

In 2024, the BCCM led a study tour of Copenhagen, Vienna and Zurich – where affordable housing co-operatives thrive. The findings are clear: housing co-ops are the mutual model of build-to-rent and the missing piece in Australia’s housing solution. Co-ops offer secure, affordable housing across income levels, stabilising costs, improving quality of life and supporting local economies – all while being cost-effective for governments. 🔗 Watch our virtual presentation and explore the findings from the report, "What Australia can learn from European affordable co-operative rental housing models." https://lnkd.in/gT6zAQp4 #HousingSolutions #CooperativeHousing #BCCM #AffordableHousing #PolicySolutions Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA), Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), Sidsel Grimstad, Liz Thomas

An exciting opportunity to explore and learn about co-operative housing models across Europe.