The BHC Board wishes to share that, after 19 years of remarkable service to the organisation, Rebecca Oelkers is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer.

Her departure marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in BHC’s history and invites reflection on a legacy of exceptional leadership, growth and sector-wide influence.

Rebecca’s contribution to BHC spans nearly two decades and a range of senior roles, including Business Development Manager, Chief Operations Officer, Deputy CEO and ultimately Chief Executive Officer. This depth of experience gave her a rare understanding of the organisation, its residents and the broader housing system, underpinning a leadership approach defined by conviction and purpose.

Under Rebecca’s leadership, BHC has grown into one of Queensland’s leading community housing providers. The Board recognises her outstanding stewardship, guided by two clear strategic goals: expanding the supply of affordable housing and supporting residents and communities to thrive. These priorities continue to shape BHC’s work and remain central to its mission.

A defining legacy of Rebecca’s tenure is in the growth of BHC’s housing portfolio. BHC has delivered 2,000 homes, housed 7,500 residents and has a further 1,500 homes in the pipeline, with 290 units across four developments delivered in the past 18 months, and a further ten projects delivering around 750 units currently under construction across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay and Gladstone. This scaled growth will create a lasting impact for low-income Queenslanders.

Rebecca also played a pivotal role in reshaping what is possible in community housing, advocating for and securing institutional investment into the sector through landmark partnerships, and paving the way for new delivery models nationally. Her leadership in this area has been recognised through her appointment as inaugural Chair of Australian Community Housing.

Importantly, Rebecca’s impact extends well beyond physical outcomes. She led the establishment of Elevate Residential, BHC’s profit-for-purpose real estate agency, and the BHC Impact Fund – initiatives that reflect her deeply held belief that housing must be paired with support, opportunity and care to create lasting outcomes for residents. Together, these initiatives have created a sustainable and growing source of funding that enables BHC to respond directly to resident needs – supporting individuals and families to sustain tenancies, improve wellbeing, access education and employment opportunities, and build stronger connections within their communities. In doing so, Rebecca has embedded a model of care and reinvestment that has fundamentally strengthened BHC’s impact beyond housing alone.

During her time as CEO, BHC’s growth has been matched by the strength of the team she built. Rebecca fostered a values-driven, high-performing culture, grounded in collaboration, clarity of purpose and a shared commitment to delivering safe, secure housing for those who need it most. She is widely respected across the organisation and the sector for her authentic and inclusive leadership style, and for the genuine care she has consistently shown for her people.

The Board also acknowledges Rebecca’s unwavering commitment to residents, her advocacy for improved housing outcomes across the sector, and the lasting impact of her leadership on both the organisation and its people. Her belief that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home is embedded in BHC’s values and continues to guide its work.

Rebecca’s legacy is substantial and enduring – seen in the scale and quality of the homes delivered, the innovative models she has established, and the many lives improved through her leadership.

Her departure will be deeply felt – by the team she has inspired and by a sector she has helped to shape through her vision, influence and unwavering commitment.

The Board extends its sincere thanks to Rebecca for her extraordinary contribution and looks forward to building on the strong foundation she has established.