CATHERINE ROBINSON, BOARD MEMBER.
“Home Base isn’t just an advocate for itself; it’s an advocate for all young people and the organisations that support them.”
“Home Base isn’t just an advocate for itself; it’s an advocate for all young people and the organisations that support them.”
As an Associate Professor in Communities and Social Justice at the University of Tasmania, Catherine Robinson has dedicated her career to understanding and addressing complex social disadvantage.
Her work has taken her from the Salvation Army in Sydney and Anglicare Tasmania in Hobart, through to her current leadership as a researcher, advocate and educator.
Catherine’s focus has always been on the lived realities of children and young people experiencing homelessness, mental ill-health and social exclusion.
Today, alongside her research and impact program at UTAS, she also serves as a Board Director of Homelessness Australia and the Youth Network of Tasmania.
For Catherine, joining the Home Base Board was a natural fit.
“Since moving back to Tasmania in 2015, I’ve worked alongside Home Base through my research and advocacy.
“I’ve always had a deep alignment with the organisation’s purpose and an enormous respect for its long-standing commitment to children and young people.”
“Home Base isn’t just an advocate for itself; it’s an advocate for all young people and the organisations that support them.”
Although relatively new to the Board, Catherine has quickly recognised the strength of the organisation’s transition to a youth-focused mission.
“The decision to evolve from a broad housing and homelessness organisation into one focused solely on young people was bold, and it shows a determination to remain contemporary, evidence-led and responsive.
“That makes Home Base distinct—it hasn’t fallen into the trap of providing services on an island, but instead positions itself as part of a national community of practice, continually adapting to meet young people’s needs.”
Catherine also values the culture of leadership she’s found at Home Base.
“What’s impressed me most is the sense of purpose and belonging among the leadership team. Everyone is empowered in their role, but also united by a common goal.
“There’s both personal and collective satisfaction in the work, that’s rare, and it’s what makes Home Base so effective.”
For Catherine, individuals within the organisation embody that strength every day.
She speaks with admiration of CEO Di, whose “energy, positivity and determination to turn ideas into action” inspires her.
“As an advocate, I can sometimes get stuck in thinking problems are intractable. But Di models an approach of just running straight at those challenges and finding solutions. That’s powerful.”
“The level of expertise and competency is extraordinary. It gives the Board enormous confidence.”
At its heart, Catherine believes Home Base’s power lies in keeping the voices and needs of young people front and centre.
“Home Base is always striving, never flat-footed. It listens, it responds, and it adapts.
“That’s what sets it apart and it’s why I’m proud to play a part in its mission to end youth homelessness in Tasmania.”
hear more from catherine
Our friend Fergus, recently spoke to the Board about their experiences and work on the Home Base Board. Find out more in the short video below.