media release
Date: 27 June 2012
HWNS appoints local managers as part of new leadership team
House with No Steps (HWNS) has announced the appointment of local managers John Jensen and
Brett Lacey as part of the organisation’s new National Leadership Team.
HWNS – who provides support to nearly 4000 people with a disability across 160 locations in New
South Wales, Queensland and the ACT – made the announcement as part of a new organisational
restructure which will see current operations divided into areas of Community Services, Businesses
and Disability Employment Services, with specialised senior managers leading each area.
John Jensen, currently Qld State Manager & General Manager Business Developement, has been
appointed to the role of Executive General Manager Community Services whilst Brett Lacey,
currently Regional General Manager Northern NSW has been appointed to the role of Executive
General Manager Businesses.
HWNS CEO, Andrew Richardson said he is looking forward to the development of the community
services and businesses divisions under Mr Jensen’s and Mr Lacey’s leadership. “Their excellent
understanding of the disability sector combined with their outstanding knowledge of / strong
background in finance and in commercial business will strengthen our operations and contribute to
our overall growth..”
Both Mr Jensen and Mr Lacey have been part of the Northern Rivers community for many years.
Mr Jensen has been involved with the disability sector for over 25years and is a passionate advocate
for people with a disability. He attended Richmond River High School and Southern Cross University
and has been an active member of the community for many years.
With an extensive background in community services and the disability sector, Mr Jensen will be
responsible for the overall management of Community Services across NSW, QLD and the ACT.
These services include Emergency Response, Community Living, Respite, Early Intervention,
Children’s Services, Community Participation & Transition to Work programs, Independent Living
and Self Managed models of support.
Mr Jensen said he was delighted to be heading up the new Community Services division. “My role
will be to further enhance the range of services that we provide so as to ensure that we are attentive
and responsive to community needs and so that we can continue to work in partnership with
families and people with disabilities to build inclusive communities which respect, value and
empower all peope with a disability”. . I am eager to take on the challenges ahead. The new world of
person-centred, individualised self managed options presents us with an exciting opportunity to
change the manner in which we support and interact with people allowing people with a disability to
have greater control over their lives. .”
Mr Jensen said it’s important to raise awareness of the Community Services offered by the
organisation. “Summerland House Farm’s business activities at Alstonville have benefited greatly
from community support over the years. Excitingly over the past 5 years we have also been able to
establish local Respite, Community Living, Transition to Work, Community Participation, Attendant
Care and Emergency Response services. just to name a few,” he said.
Mr Jensen’s colleague, Mr Lacey has also been part of the local community for fifteen years now,
eight of which have been at HWNS. Over this time, Mr Lacey has driven and overseen major changes
at and from the Summerland House Farm site. New or expanded businesses, has seen employment
for people with a disability increase from 54 to 95. This has been achieved by extending the Café &
Function Centre; expanding the Macadamia Dehusking facility and in new businesses such as
Hydroponic Tomatoes and the Growing & Grounds Care teams. An increased focus on tourism has
seen visitor numbers to Alstonville’s Summerland House Farm more than double. This has been
supported by promoting the regions produce through the Grocer; installing the water park and mini
golf; Watts Cottage Museum and the soon to be completed Farm Gate Tractor Tour. In parallel with
these initiatives, a range of quality, individually focussed community service operations have also
been established. This includes developing community access, respite and accommodation solutions
for more than 120 people with a disability. Services have been established in Tweed Heads, Lismore,
Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Tamworth and Armidale. Mr Lacey reflected that “one
of the most satisfying aspects has been the new opportunities that have been created across the
region for people with a disability, families and the broader community”.
With a broader focus for HWNS, Mr Lacey, said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“Providing purposeful and valued roles for over 600 people with a disability where they can develop
at a personal level, and contribute to the business is exciting! A commercial laundry, medical
equipment supplier, engineering workshop and biscuit manufacturer are some examples of the 27
different businesses that exist to employ people with a disability across the organisation.”
Both Mr Jensen and Mr Lacey will remain based locally and say they welcome the opportunity to
stay in and operate from the area. “We use technology to great effect; communication between
regions is easy and accessible,” said Mr Jensen. “We already have significant links between our
locations. HWNS believes in building communities and leveraging those strengths. We are not
‘Metro Centric’ as we provide our employees and business connections, regardless of their
geographical location, with real opportunities to play a part in this organisation. We are also proud
of the career opportunities that now are on offer to local people wanting to gain employment in this
very rewarding and rapidly growing sector”
House with No Steps is a leading not-for-profit organisation providing services and support to nearly
4000 people with a disability across 160 locations in Australia. We offer employment, education,
training, accommodation and social connection programs. Our focus is on people’s abilities rather
than their disabilities.