Overview
Modular housing promises to be a game changer for housing affordability and the construction workforce. Since COVID, development costs continue to rise as does the skills shortage in the construction industry. Off-site construction could speed up the supply of housing while minimising wastage and reducing labour costs. So why has this type of housing not become the norm?
This session will provide the basics for attendees to better understand modern methods of construction such as modular (off-site, prefabricated) housing. From off-site manufacturing to standardised designs and processes to 3D printing, you will leave thinking differently about how affordable housing can be designed and built. Learn whether Australia has the infrastructure to develop a modular housing industry. Consider how modular would change employment in the construction industry. Hear an example of how philanthropy has funded modular housing for people needing a home. And importantly – is modular housing cheaper or are there other measures we should be concerned with?
Please note: The session will be recorded.
When
Thursday 22 May 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm AEST (ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC)
12:30pm - 1:30pm ACST (NT, SA)
11:00am - 12:00pm AWST (WA)
Online event
A Zoom link will be provided after registration.
Audience
This event is for Philanthropy Australia Affordable Housing Funders Network members only. We welcome other funder members at the New Gen, Engage (individual/organisation) or Impact membership tiers.
If you want to join this funders network or find out more about the philanthropic work in this area, please reach out to programs@philanthropy.org.au.
Speakers
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Lucy Simms - Chief Commercial Officer, Women's Property Initiatives
Lucy is the Chief Commercial Officer of Women's Property Initiatives (WPI), a Victorian-based Community Housing Provider. Prior to joining WPI, Lucy spent 15 years working on infrastructure, mixed-use and residential development projects across Melbourne. At WPI, Lucy is responsible for partnerships, projects, philanthropy, and growth - assisting the organisation in creating more housing for vulnerable women. |
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Lucy believes that strategic public and private partnerships are key to WPI’s impact in the evolving community housing landscape. Lucy is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is a Non-Executive Director of Bellarine Community Health, Building Communities (Victoria’s largest social housing infrastructure project), and a fundraising Committee member of Cottage by the Sea.
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Dr Sahar Soltani - Research Fellow, Future Building Initiative lab, Monash University
Dr Sahar Soltani is a Research Fellow at the Future Building Initiative lab at Monash University, where she collaborates with Building 4.0 CRC, leading several projects. Currently, Sahar’s research addresses the significant challenges in the Australian construction industry, covering topics like industrialisation, Modern Methods of Construction, construction technology, and sustainable built environments.
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Sahar holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering (B.Arch.E.) and a Master of Architectural Engineering (M.Arch.E.) and is a registered Architectural Engineer in Iran.
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Peer Network Chair
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Erin Dolan – Senior Program Manager - Homelessness and Affordable Housing, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
Erin is an experienced grants program manager, with nearly twenty years’ working in the industry. Her role entails developing and managing granting programs using best practice philanthropy and a focus on systemic change. She is the Chair of Philanthropy Australia’s Affordable Housing Funders Network and writes on issues relating to homelessness and affordable housing:
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The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation is an independent community foundation that has supported Melbourne’s charities and the critical issues facing Melbourne since 1923.
The Foundation has worked on addressing homelessness as a priority for over a decade and recognises that the supply of affordable housing is one of the primary causes of homelessness.
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Peer Network lead
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Wayne Green - Director, Engagement (VIC/TAS), Philanthropy Australia
Wayne is a philanthropy strategist and innovator with expertise in advancing social change and maximising the impact of wealth distribution. With a dynamic background in international strategy and organisational change, philanthropic resource development, and partnership facilitation, Wayne has significantly influenced philanthropic and community landscapes.
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