Dear BHC friends and partners,
It is with great sadness that we write with the news of Professor John McAuliffe’s passing.
John died yesterday at his home, with his loved ones close by, following a recent stroke and associated health challenges. On behalf of the BHC Board and Executive, we extend his family and friends, and the many other people whose lives he touched, our deepest condolences.
John made a lasting impact on Brisbane in many ways, and BHC was fortunate to have his involvement and leadership from its foundation in 2002, through to his retirement from the Board in 2016.
As an inaugural Director, and with an astute commercial mind, John was committed to establishing BHC with the strongest footing possible for the future. He was a passionate and energetic advocate for affordable housing and for BHC’s tenants. He gave very generously of his time and expertise, including long-term involvement in BHC’s Property, Finance, Audit and Risk, and Tenancy Management committees. John was also the Chair of BHC subordinate entities Catalyst Affordable Housing and BHC Development Services, further demonstrating his personal commitment to ensuring BHC could achieve its aims, in all avenues of endeavour.
John was BHC’s Independent Chair for a decade, from 2006 until he retired from the Board in 2016. Under his leadership, BHC experienced its most significant growth to-date, with more than 1,300 new homes created for people in need across Brisbane, and almost 4,000 households assisted to access safe and affordable housing during his tenure.
John’s wit, warmth and tireless belief in the staff and the work of BHC was instrumental in making the company what it is today. He was a great developer, of both properties and partnerships, with a unique ability to spread support and enthusiasm for affordable housing to all he encountered. He oversaw the establishment of BHC’s Vision statement- Creating Homes, Empowering Lives, Enabling Transformation. This vision endures today and will be a treasured reminder to the BHC community to go forward with the enthusiasm and heart that John demonstrated during his time with us.
Vale Professor John McAuliffe.
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Eloise Atkinson
Independent Chair, BHC
Rebecca Oelkers
Chief Executive Officer, BHC
