For more than ten years, Tom Hall has been a passionate advocate for tenants at Home in Place, helping to shape and improve services through his leadership, insight and persistence.
His recent retirement from the Tenant Reference Group (TRG) and Our Voice Panel marks the end of an extraordinary contribution that leaves a lasting legacy.
Tom, a Central Coast tenant since 2012, brought a practical mindset and real-world experience to every discussion and decision.
He started his working life as an architect’s draftsman before moving into sales management, and later serving in the NSW Police Force, with most of his policing career spent in Sydney’s western suburbs.
After a back injury saw him retire, Tom and his wife relocated to the Central Coast, becoming the first tenants to move into a newly built Compass-managed (now Home in Place) property in Gosford. They later relocated to a home in Wyong, where they’ve remained active members of the community.
Tom joined the Tenant Reference Group in its current format when it was introduced in 2019 and quickly made his mark. From the outset, he brought clarity, commitment and a quiet humour to his role. Prior to chairing the Our Voice Panel, Tom was an active member of the Compass Tenant Inclusion Panel (CTIP). When Our Voice was created in 2022 to provide a stronger channel for tenant feedback, Tom was the natural choice for chair.
Executive Manager of Community Development, Jennifer Caine, reflected on his impact:
“You’ve been so passionate and engaged and just kicked my butt when I needed a nudge,” she said warmly at a farewell lunch held in Tom’s honour.
“There have been some issues that you’ve been especially passionate. The tenant portal and the localised call centre are two standouts, and they’ve delivered real benefits for tenants.”
Tom helped steer Our Voice from its earliest meetings, strengthening the connection between local TRGs and senior decision-makers within the organisation.
Under his leadership, the panel became a strong mechanism for tenant feedback to be heard and responded to at the highest level.
Tom’s approach was always constructive and solutions-focused.
Paul Johnston, former Chair of the Home in Place Board, praised Tom’s “tenacity, will and intelligence” and his thoughtful work on the Internal Review Committee.
“If you wanted someone who could take a problem and find a solution, he was the man,” Paul said. “He brought empathy, he listened, and he worked to find a way forward.”
Lyndall Robertshaw, CEO of Home in Place Australia, described Tom’s decade of service as “an incredible effort,” highlighting the impact of his advocacy on projects like the tenant portal and the move to a localised call centre, which cut waiting times dramatically.
“It’s time to look after yourself,” she said, “but know that your contribution has been deeply appreciated, and you’ll always be welcome.”
Tom’s own reflections were humble, though he made a heartfelt call for greater tenant involvement.
“When there are six and a half thousand homes being looked after in New South Wales, and only a few people putting their hand up, you’re not getting the full input,” he said. “You just have to take over and hope you get it right. I’ve had a good team to work with.”
And while Tom may be stepping back from formal roles, he remains a regular face at The Meeting Place hub on the Central Coast, where he volunteers and stays connected to his community. He and his wife share their home with Laila, a cocker spaniel (named after the Eric Clapton classic), and Tom still finds time to enjoy a round of golf.
His framed certificate of appreciation now sits above his computer, joining his detective commendations and reminding him, and others, of the important role tenants can play in shaping better housing outcomes.
Thank you, Tom, for your service, your leadership, and your care for others.
