Anglicare Sydney is pleased to announce the appointment of former NSW Minister, The Hon. Rob Stokes, as Group Executive – Housing, effective 23 June.
In this newly created role, Rob will lead the growth and strategic direction of Anglicare’s Housing business unit, strengthening the organisation’s focus on providing more safe and affordable homes for those most in need.
Anglicare Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Simon Miller, said the decision to create a standalone Housing business unit reflects the growing need for community housing solutions in Australia and Anglicare’s ambition to expand its impact.
“The cost-of-living and housing crisis is one of the greatest challenges facing Australians today. Our research shows only one in 500 homes in Sydney is affordable for someone on income support. If you’re a couple on the age pension, that decreases to one in 1,000.
“Now is the time for non-profits, governments, and developers to step up and do more. At Anglicare, we have long been committed to providing social and affordable housing, and by appointing Rob to this role, we are sharpening our focus on delivering real, scalable solutions for those at risk of homelessness.
“Rob brings an outstanding depth of experience in government, policy, and strategy, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Anglicare as we enter this next phase of growth,” Mr Miller said.
Dr Stokes, who is currently and will remain Chair of Faith Housing Australia, said he was honoured to take on this new role and looked forward to tackling one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
“Housing justice goes to the heart of Australia’s social contract, and resolving the housing crisis is one of the biggest issues confronting our society. Increasing the supply of social and affordable housing is a fundamental part of the solution. Anglicare is committed to double down on its investment in social and affordable housing, which is a compelling, exciting and daunting challenge to take on,” Dr Stokes said.
Anglicare currently provides approximately 700 social and affordable homes, with wraparound support services that have transformed lives. The organisation is committed to significantly increasing its housing capacity, working in partnership with state and federal governments to drive new solutions at scale.
The creation of a standalone Housing business unit reflects Anglicare’s strategic ambition to become a major provider of community housing, to explore new funding and housing models, and to advocate for meaningful policy change.
Mr Miller said Rob’s leadership would be instrumental in shaping Anglicare’s future in housing.
“We are not only expanding our housing footprint — we are strengthening our voice for those who need a home. With Rob leading our Housing business unit, Anglicare is well-positioned to drive advocacy, innovation and scalable solutions that will make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
About us:
About Anglicare Sydney: Anglicare Sydney is a Christian non-for-profit providing care to older people and community services throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, New England North West, Central West and Norfolk Island. Anglicare has been serving those in need for more than 160 years, employing more than 5,000 staff and serving alongside 1,300 volunteers. Anglicare provides a diverse range of services including providing care through residential aged care homes, at home care services, retirement living communities, affordable homes for people over 55, community services for children, families and those experiencing social isolation, disaster recovery in times of crisis and helping effecting change through research and advocacy.
