Celebrating 50 Years of Housing Justice with ACT Shelter
2025 marked 50 years of ACT Shelter – and the Shelter network nationally – an important milestone that invites reflection on five decades of advocacy for housing justice in the ACT. Since 1975, ACT Shelter has been the Territory’s independent peak body for housing justice, amplifying community voices, influencing policy, and championing the right to a safe and affordable home for all Canberrans.
On 26 November, more than 75 members, current and former staff, and supporters gathered at Common Ground in Dickson to celebrate. The evening honoured the people and movements that shaped ACT Shelter’s history, and featured guest speakers, reflections from across the decades, light refreshments, and of course, a slice of our 50th birthday cake.
Shelter CEO, Corinne Dobson, opened proceedings, with Caitlin Tough MLA speaking on behalf of the ACT Government in place of Minister Yvette Berry, who was unwell. Guests also enjoyed a video montage of messages from supporters unable to attend, including ACTU President Michele O’Neil and Federal Parliamentarians David Pocock and Andrew Leigh. ABC’s Adrienne Francis led an engaging panel discussion with Evie Kollas, Ed Wensing and Cathi Moore, followed by closing remarks from National Shelter Chair John Engler, and time to reconnect and reminisce.
Shelter CEO, Corinne opened proceedings and Caitlin Tough MLA stepped in to speak on behalf of the ACT Government as Housing Minister Yvette Berry was unwell. The crowd viewed a video montage of recorded messages from people unable to attend. ABC’s Adrienne Francis facilitated a lively panel discussion with key figures from ACT Shelter’s early years and Canberra’s broader housing and social policy history, Evie Kollas, Ed Wensig and Cathi Moore. The formal proceedings wound up with kind words from National Chair Chair, John Engler, before guests mingled, reminisced, and celebrated together.
It was a wonderful event and a fitting way to mark 50 years of housing advocacy. ACT Shelter thanks everyone who supported the event, including generous sponsorship and in-kind support from CHC, Sidestage, National Shelter, and Shelter NSW.
See below to scroll through our booklet, Fifty years of housing justice advocacy in the ACT – The enduring role of ACT Shelter.
Or click here to download a copy.
Photos and videos from the event will be added on the website in the near future.
For more details about our history click here.
