Social Housing For Individuals & Families

Access Community Housing Company has been providing better homes and better futures to Far North Queensland families since 1991.

<span><b>Social Housing </b></span> For <span><b>Individuals  </b></span>& <span><b>Families</b></span>

Access Community Housing Company (ACHC)

Our Purpose

ACHC exists to meet housing needs of low-income households in Cairns and Far North Queensland through the provision of safe, secure, and affordable homes, creating opportunities for individuals and families to improve their lives and achieve their goals.

About Us

ACHC provides affordable accommodation to families, individuals and seniors (aged over 55) who are already on the Departments’ register of need. We are passionate about our role in the community and fulfilling the service obligations and Client Service Charter of our company. We currently oversee over 1,200 tenants in almost 650 properties across Cairns and Far North Queensland, from Mossman to Babinda and are the largest community housing company in far north Queensland.

Our commitment to responding and supporting the diversity of tenants in culturally appropriate and respectful ways is at the basis of all interactions and actions. Our annual tenant survey continues to provide opportunity for feedback and for our tenants to have a voice about the services we provide.

Partnerships with State Government Departments particularly the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy, support and community services and organisations, real estate agents, property owners and contractors are essential to our ability to prioritise the needs of our tenants and to respond in a caring and timely manner. Events such as NAIDOC week, International Tenants’ Day and Homelessness Week are events that are on our calendar each year and in 2017 ACHC launched its Reconciliation Action Plan to respond to the significant proportion of our tenants who are First Nations peoples.

ACHC has been registered with the National Registration System for Community Housing as a Tier 2 provider since the 10 September 2014 and celebrated its 30th year of operation in 2021.

Year in Review 2023-2024

Our Capabilities

Current Project: New complex on Mulgrave Road, Cairns

In partnership with the Queensland Government, ACHC has commenced the construction of 30 homes in Cairns. This build will provide 30 modern social homes and represents a significant step forward in enhancing housing accessibility and quality for the Cairns community. This investment will replace 14 aging dwellings with contemporary, purpose-built accommodation tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. In preparation for the redevelopment, ACHC has assisted previous tenants to secure suitable alternative accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition, and demonstrating a commitment to community welfare.

For more information on recent projects and news, read our Capability Statement.

Company Values

We have five fundamental values that drive us in our pursuit of professional and community fulfilment. These values are the foundation of our work and influence every decision and action we take.

  • Respect – We will treat everyone with dignity, valuing their input and build relationships that are based on safety and trust.
  • Equity – We will promote a culture that is inclusive, where everyone is treated fairly. We acknowledge that all people are unique and our responses will reflect their individual needs.
  • Compassion – We deliver a service that is mindful and considerate of individual’s needs, circumstances and experiences.
  • Courage – We are committed to building strong communities and face challenges to make an impact. We will be innovative when needed and are brave in confronting injustice.
  • Responsibility – We practise shared accountability and acceptance of personal actions, make informed decisions and offer solutions.

Strategic Priorities

  • Build housing supply. To increase the supply of social and affordable housing in Cairns and Far North Queensland. ACHC seeks to broaden independent funding sources and housing assets.
  • Build strategic partnerships. To build partnerships which support and enhance capacity to deliver social and affordable housing at scale.
  • Build capacity of tenants. To ensure tenants have access to the support services they need to sustain tenancies and overcome disadvantage.
  • Build our team. To build the capacity of ACHC’s workforce to take on the challenges of growth.
  • Build internal capability. To build and strengthen the internal capability and capacity to support growth.

The Access Community Housing Strategic Plan 2021-25 is available for download here.

The ACHC Strategic Plan on a Page is a summary version and is available for download here.

Our Commitment to Community

ACHC work tirelessly to increase the supply of potential housing for our new and existing clients. This is achieved by working with landlords, community leaders, peer organisations and government agencies. The ACHC head office is based in Cairns but we liaise with internal and external clients and stakeholders across the Far North Queensland region.

For more information on Access Community Housing Company please contact us on admin@achc.org.au or phone (07) 4031 6702.

Our Client Service Charter

Access Community Housing Company has an established Client Service Charter in place. It details our commitment to our clients, as follows:

  • Treat everyone with courtesy and respect
  • Be polite and professional
  • Be fair, open and honest
  • Ensure privacy and confidentiality of your personal information
  • Treat requests with consideration
  • Always act with integrity and ethics
  • Act within the policies and procedures of the Company
  • Give clear, accurate and timely information
  • Do what we say we will do
  • Help tenants access support services

For more information regarding Access Community Housing Company’s Client Service Charter, please contact us on admin@achc.org.au or phone (07) 4031 6702.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Access Community Housing Company (ACHC) acknowledges the First Nations peoples of this land and its surrounding waters. We recognise, respect and celebrate their cultural distinctions and value their rich and positive contribution to our broader society.

Download your copy of the Reconciliation Action Plan here.

For more information regarding Access Community Housing Company, please contact us on admin@achc.org.au or phone (07) 4031 6702

© Access Community Housing Company 2024

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