Christy Gillin wins national Future Leader Award

Home in Place is proud to celebrate Christy Gillin, Tenancy Relations Officer and 2IC in our Taree branch, who has been named the national winner of the Australasian Housing Institute (AHI) Future Leader Award at the 2025 Brighter Futures Awards.

The Future Leader Award recognises professionals with the potential to excel as future executives and sector leaders, acknowledging their ability to lead people, manage business operations and influence broader industry change.

Christy’s leadership, innovation and compassion have made a lasting impact across the Mid Coast region and the community housing sector. She played a pivotal role in establishing Home in Place’s Taree office during the Social Housing Management Transfer and has since led major initiatives, including the Bushland Estate Action Team (BEAT), a multi-agency partnership improving safety, connection and tenant participation in Taree.

Presented with her award by AHI Life Member and housing advocate Unis Goh, Christy was recognised for her outstanding leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to strengthening communities.

Reflecting on her win, Christy said:

“Winning this award is such a meaningful achievement for our organisation and the Taree team. While my name may be on the award, it truly represents the incredible people I get to work with every day –  from the leadership within Home in Place to our frontline team, partners and most importantly, our tenants. This recognition belongs to all of them.”

Her manager, Tim Larritt, Executive Manager Operations Northern, said:

“It’s been an absolute joy to watch Christy’s professional and personal growth. She has evolved into a genuine thought leader within the Mid Coast community services sector. The Bushland Estate Action Team would never have gained the traction it has without Christy’s creativity, collaboration and leadership. Her national win is so well deserved.”

Christy’s national recognition follows Home in Place’s earlier success at the 2025 NSW/ACT Brighter Futures Awards, where she received the regional Future Leader Award alongside Kent Chalmers (Outstanding Achievement Award) and the Bushland Estate Action Team (Tenant and Community Engagement Award).

It also adds to the organisation’s success across the wider region, with Vansh Bagga, Building Manager at Home in Place New Zealand, receiving the Leading Asset Management Award at the 2025 AHI New Zealand Brighter Futures Awards.