Metro Housing - Our Board

Elizabeth Sharaq

Elizabeth is a Social Science student at the University of Sydney and has been a sole parent for many years. For these reasons, and more, she wishes to pursue practical ways to overcome disadvantage. Secure and affordable housing has the capacity to achieve this end and Elizabeth is passionate about housing because she believes it can impact positively on many areas of people's lives.

Elizabeth has served on the board of Metro (and its predecessor MACH) since 2002 and has been Secretary for the past year. The time spent on the board has been a valuable learning experience and Elizabeth has the energy and enthusiasm to use the knowledge gained to continue to address inequity.

Elizabeth brings pragmatism, empathy and a working awareness of the broader theoretical issues underpinning disadvantage.

Malcolm Pollard

Malcolm Pollard grew up in Ashfield and is familiar with the inner west area where the majority of Metro properties are located.

After leaving school he worked as a horticulturist, until health problems took him out of the workforce. In 1998 Resamen Men's Housing provided Malcolm with stable housing and in 2006 he joined the Resamen board. This was shortly before the amalgamation with MACH, and in early 2007 Malcolm was accepted as a Metro Board member.

Malcolm's board experience is fairly recent but he brings enthusiasm and a strong commitment to representing tenants. Malcolm's major role on the board is his contribution as the Metro tenant's representative on the Tenant Network Association.

Eanna O'Ceallachain

Eanna has a long history of voluntary service and involvement in community development and social justice issues.

He has previously been a member of boards, including a statutory local government body responsible for public education. Eanna recently co-founded a self-help film co-op in Marrickville and work in the area of media access for people with disabilities.

He was recently admitted as a solicitor to practice law in NSW.

David Abelló

David was co-opted to Metro's Board of Directors in July 2008 and appointed as Treasurer in September. He is a social scientist by training and works as a social policy researcher. His work has included the evaluation of a number of social housing programs – particularly those involving partnerships with other providers (such as mental health services).

David is involved in disability and gay pride activism and works with, and gives leadership to, a number of disability advocacy organisations. David has previous governance experience in the youth housing sector. In other parts of his life he is a parent, an artist, a musician and a stand-up comedian. David's star sign is Pisces and he was born in the Year of the Monkey.

Barry Cotter

As a Councillor, and Mayor of Marrickville for many years, Barry has had a lengthy history of involvement in affordable housing and the needs of residents of the inner metropolitan area – particularly in working with residents from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Barry is admitted to practice as a solicitor and has had extensive high level board experience. Prior to committing himself to the full time role of Mayor, Barry was a union official and activist for the rights of public sector employees.

Warren McCullough

Warren is standing for a Metro Board position for a one year period until the AGM in 2009. His association with the Co-op began in 1987 when he first joined the Marrickville Area Community Housing (MACH) Board.

After a short break, Warren has been a Board member continuously since 1996, having served as Treasurer, Deputy Chairperson, and since 2002 Chairperson of MACH, and of Metro following our merger with Resamen.

Warren believes that everyone deserves the opportunity of secure and affordable housing and he looks forward to working to further enhance Metro's capacity to provide this to members in the coming year.

Susan Taylor

Susan has lived and worked in the Marrickville area since 1987. She has many years experience in the housing sector with a particular focus on community housing, co-operatives and supported accommodation – particularly in working with young people aged 16-25.

Susan served as a Director on the MACH and Metro Boards for over a decade and held the positions of Secretary and Deputy Chairperson during that time. Her focus over the next twelve months will be on developing and improving our support partnerships.

Metro Housing Board Vacancy

The Metro Housing Board of Directors currently has a vacancy. If you are interested in finding out more information or applying for the position, you can send us an email outlining your skills and experience to manager@metrohousing.org.au.