Media release

12th January 2026

The Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) has announced the appointment of Luke Achterstraat as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Achterstraat brings extensive leadership experience across the property, small business, and government sectors, most recently as CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia and previously as the NSW Executive Director, Property Council of Australia.

CHIA NSW Chair, Charles Northcote, said Mr Achterstraat’s appointment comes at a critical time for the not-for-profit community housing industry in NSW.

“Luke is the ideal person to lead CHIA NSW as our industry responds to the most significant housing crisis in a generation,” Mr Northcote said.

“Luke has a renowned reputation as a first-class advocate, proven leader, and a collaborator in working with industry, government and communities. His track record in leading high-performing organisations and his deep understanding of the housing policy landscape makes him the natural fit for this pivotal leadership role.”

“We’ve entered a period of significant momentum for not-for-profit community housing in NSW. Luke is stepping into a highly-skilled organisation that is strongly positioned to grow its impact.”

Mr Achterstraat said he was honoured to lead CHIA NSW into its next chapter of success.

“A key measure of any society is how it looks after its most vulnerable people, and this includes housing. I look forward to promoting the vital work of not-for-profit community housing providers in NSW to advance this goal,” Mr Achterstraat said.

Mr Achterstraat replaces Mark Degotardi, who joined Australian Community Housing as its inaugural CEO in November 2025. He will commence in the role on 13 January 2026.

Caitlin McDowell has been appointed to the new role of Deputy CEO. Prior to her appointment, Ms McDowell served in an executive role as CHIA NSW’s Head of Public Affairs, and most recently, as Acting CEO. She brings significant experience from her senior management roles with a Sydney-based, not-for-profit community housing provider.

CHIA NSW’s Chair, Charles Northcote, said that Ms McDowell is an outstanding industry leader whose appointment as Deputy CEO reflects her long-standing track record of success.

“Caitlin is a highly respected industry leader, who has successfully led major industry initiatives across advocacy, policy, media and stakeholder engagement over many years. Her deep experience working with members, governments and peak bodies ensures that CHIA NSW is strongly positioned for the future.”

Ms McDowell said she was delighted to take on her new role at CHIA NSW.

“Not-for-profit community housing is life-changing, and it’s needed now more than ever. As Deputy CEO, I look forward to working alongside Luke, our Board and dedicated team to deliver more outcomes for our members,” Ms McDowell said.

Media contact: Bron Matherson, 0438 844 765 or Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890