Mission Australia appoints new Executive of Housing Growth

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One of Australia’s largest and most trusted community housing and service providers, Mission Australia is pleased to announce that Clare Sowden has been appointed as the charity’s new Executive, Housing Growth from Monday 14 July 2025. 

In this newly created role, Clare will lead housing growth strategies for the charity’s Tier 1 Community Housing Provider, Mission Australia Housing.

Clare brings deep experience of more than 25 years leading large scale multi-billion-dollar residential housing development portfolios and projects at Stockland and Mirvac, as well as PWC Strategic Advisor for large scale residential housing projects to the Government and private sectors, and leading large residential housing projects, integrated with transport and mixed-use precincts for NSW Government.

With strong governance experience, Clare has held several Board positions including the Gateway Property Trust, Urban Land Institute, Sunnyfield and Future Cities. 

Ms Sowden said: “I’m thrilled to accept this role and join Mission Australia at such an important time when social and affordable housing is such a high priority across Australia.

“I’m energised by and committed to leading strategies to support Mission Australia’s ambitious housing growth plans to double our housing portfolio over the next five years.

“I’ve long been inspired by the important work Mission Australia does to provide safe, secure homes that people can afford, along with support to help people and families remain safely housed and thrive. 

“In this new role, I look forward to bringing my experience leading large residential housing development portfolios and projects to support Mission Australia’s work to end homelessness and tackle Australia’s housing emergency by growing our community homes portfolio.

“I very much respect the depth and breadth of expertise of the Mission Australia team.”

CEO of Mission Australia, Sharon Callister welcomed Clare to the role, saying: “We’re excited to work with Clare to continue the significant growth in social and affordable housing since Mission Australia Housing was established more than 15 years ago.

“Clare joins Mission Australia at a crucial time, with housing a key priority across all levels of government. Her experience leading large residential developments will help us expand our portfolio and increase the supply of social and affordable homes, so more people across Australia have access to safe, secure homes.

“With several major housing tenders in development and exciting growth plans in our incoming new Strategy 2030, we’re delighted that a leader with the passion, skill and experience of Clare can continue that momentum.”

The Mission Australia Board and Mission Australia Housing Board warmly welcome Clare to her new position.

The appointment comes as Chris Bratchford retires from his role as Executive of Housing and Property on 4 July 2025, after a decade of dedication and leadership at the helm of Mission Australia Housing.

In April 2025, Mission Australia appointed Ben Carblis in the new role of Deputy CEO to lead operations of both community services and community housing. Bringing Mission Australia’s service delivery and housing operations together into one team, along with the appointment of Clare Sowden as Executive of Housing Growth, will ensure Mission Australia is best positioned to deliver on its ambitious Strategy 2030.   

About Clare Sowden

Clare Sowden has spent her 25-year career leading large scale multibillion-dollar Housing development portfolios and projects, and in 2018 was named one of ‘Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women’ by the Australian Financial Review.

She is passionate about developing housing strategies to support people and was identified as one of the top 40 people under 40 in the world in the development sector by the Urban Land Magazine in Washington.

Concurrent with her executive roles, she has held multiple Board positions for organisations, including the Gateway Property Trust, Urban Land Institute and Sunnyfield.

About Mission Australia

Mission Australia has more than 165 years of experience meeting human need and is one of the largest and most trusted for-purpose community service and housing providers in the country.

As a national non-denominational Christian charity, Mission Australia’s values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration are at the heart of everything they do.

Every day, Mission Australia delivers homelessness services, provides social and affordable housing, helps families, children and young people thrive, improves mental health and wellbeing, supports people with disability, provides pathways to employment and financial stability, strengthens communities, offers alcohol and other drug support, and more.

Backed by supporters, partners, funders and collaborators, Mission Australia welcomes and works alongside people and communities of all backgrounds, ages and beliefs who seek the charity’s support, providing excellent services and safe, secure homes that offer hope and lasting impact. With Mission Australia’s evidence and courageous voice, the charity advocates for a fairer nation and better outcomes for the people and communities they serve.

About Mission Australia Housing

Mission Australia established Mission Australia Housing, a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider in 2008. Mission Australia Housing currently owns or manages more than 4,600 social and affordable homes. Together, the two partner organisations work towards ending homelessness and building hope and possibility for all. Mission Australia Housing’s aim is to provide more safe, secure homes to people and families who need them, create better homes in vibrant communities and to be Community Housing Provider of choice to tenants, to staff, and partners.