Annual Report 2024-25
Our Organisational Structure
Top Row:
Left - Chief Executive, Department for Housing and Urban Development - David Reynolds and
Right - Chief Executive, SA Housing Trust - Julie-Anne Burgess
Bottom Row:
From Left to Right - Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Partnership - Nick Symons; Executive Director, Property Services - Mark Hayward; Head, Aboriginal Engagement Partnership and Strategy - Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe; Executive Director, People and Strategy - Shane Pritchard; Executive Director, Customer and Services - Fiona Curnow.
Changes to the agency
During 2024-25 there were the following changes to the agency’s structure and objectives as a result of internal reviews or machinery of government changes.
- Office of the Chief Executive moved to the People and Strategy division
Our Minister
The Hon Nick Champion MP is the Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
This includes the operations of the SA Housing Trust and the various functions under the Department for Housing and Urban Development.
Other related agecies (within the Minister's areas of responsibility)
- Housing, Infrastructure, Planning and Development Unit
- SA Water
- Renewal SA – including the Urban Renewal Authority Board
- Office for Regional Housing
- Plan SA
- Planning and Land Use Services
- Office for Design and Architecture SA
- Office of the Register-General
- Office for the Surveyor-General
- Office of the Valuer-General
The South Australian Housing Board of Management
The South Australian Housing Trust Board (the Board) overseas the operations of the Trust, as per the South Australian Housing Trust Act 1995.
Members of the Board at 30 June 2025 were (by Name and Appointment term) :
- Mary Patetsos AM (Presiding Member) — 24 September 2022 to 23 September 2025
- Andrew Beer — 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2026
- Louise Small — 21 July 2023 to 20 July 2026
- Craig Holden — 21 July 2023 to 20 July 2026
- Samuel Moore — 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2026
- Glenise Coulthard AM — 15 December 2022 to 14 December 2025
- Chelsea Lucas — 31 October 2024 to 30 October 2027
Audit, Risk and Finance Committee
The Audit, Risk and Finance Committee assists the Board in discharging its responsibility to the Minister in overseeing the operation of the South Australian Housing Trust Act 1995 regarding financial management and reporting, internal control systems, risk management systems, policy frameworks and the internal audit program.
Members of the Audit Risk and Finance Committee as at 30 June 2025 were:
- Samuel Moore (Chair)
- Louise Small
- Mary Patetsos AM
- Tony Mitchell
- Andrew Richardson
- Veronica Viola
Aboriginal Advisory Committee
The Board has appointed an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to support the Trust’s commitment to Aboriginal peoples within South Australia, with specific input and guidance sought into the implementation of the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031 and the Trust’s Reconciliation Action Plans.
Members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee as at 30 June 2025 were:
- Glenise Coulthard AM (Chairperson)
- April Lawrie
- Rosalind Coleman
- Klynton Wanganeen
- David White
Our Executive team
The SAHT’s executive leadership team as at 30 June 2025
Julie-Anne Burgess, Chief Executive
The Chief Executive is responsible for the SAHT playing a key role in enabling and supporting a modern, multi-provider housing system and in establishing an environment that promotes shared responsibility and ownership.
Cheryl Axleby-Keeffe, Head of Aboriginal Housing
The division is responsible for the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, the South Australian Aboriginal Housing Strategy 2021-2031, and the Closing the Gap initiatives that will deliver change for the Aboriginal housing system and tangible outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.
Fiona Curnow, Executive Director, Customers and Services
The division is responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of our operational programs and functions to meet the needs of our customers, including through the delivery of specialised housing programs and working with homelessness service providers and other government and sector partners.
Mark Hayward, Executive Director, Property Services
The division is focused on the supply of affordable housing, the redevelopment of existing public housing properties and the ongoing maintenance of housing assets for both government and non-government programs.
Shane Pritchard, Executive Director, People and Strategy
The division supports the development of our people through the facilitation of human resources and health, safety, and welfare activities. It supports the development of strategy, business planning and improvement, data analysis, technology services, cyber security, facilities management, communications and engagement, and emergency relief.
Nicholas Symons, Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Partnerships
The division is responsible for the delivery of corporate finance and accounting activities, risk management, internal audit, legal services, procurement and regulation and for maximising the use of financial and physical resources to achieve the SAHT’s strategic objectives. The division is also responsible for leading strategic partner engagement including collaborating with sector partners to deliver housing outcomes and pursuing opportunities to contribute to shared strategic objectives.
Legislation administered by the agency
- South Australian Housing Trust Act 1995
- South Australian Housing Trust Regulations 2010
- Housing Improvement Act 2016
- Housing Improvement (Fees) Regulations 2020
- Housing Improvement Regulations 2017
- Community Housing Providers (National Law) (South Australia) Act 2013
- Community Housing Providers (National Law) (South Australia) Regulations 2014