CEHL’s board structure is unique. In addition to the co-op members who are elected by their peers, our board includes Independent Technical Directors—professionals with expertise in governance, housing, and strategy who support, and mentor elected members.
Technical Director Tony De Domenico has served on the CEHL Board for more than a decade.
A former Deputy Chief Minister of the ACT and a long-time CEO in the property development sector, he has decades of experience shaping policy and advocating for fairer housing systems. But CEHL, he says, offered something different. Tony admits that he didn’t know much about co-op housing when he first joined the CEHL Board.
“I’ve worked across all sides of housing—politics, planning, development—but co-op housing introduced me to a new kind of impact,” Tony says. “CEHL puts people first. It’s not just housing; it’s community.”
Since joining the Board 12 years ago, Tony has acted as a mentor to many Elected Directors. The learning, he says, goes both ways.
“I’ve learned so much from the lived experience that co-op directors bring. Their perspectives are critical. That’s why this board model is so powerful—it’s a real partnership.”
Mentoring Makes the Difference
Tony is a proud supporter of the CEHL Board Director Mentoring Program, which pairs elected co-op members with Independent Technical Directors. Together, they work through the language of governance, unpack board processes, and learn from one another.
“The mentoring program isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about walking alongside them. Helping them grow their confidence and leadership,” Tony says.
He recalls a visit to a co-op in Bendigo where a member shared how co-op housing changed her life after experiencing family violence. “She wasn’t just rebuilding her life—she was becoming a leader in her community,” Tony recalls. “That’s the kind of transformation we’re supporting.”
Lifting New Leaders
With CEHL’s Board elections approaching later this year, Tony encourages members to consider nominating.
“You don’t need to be an expert. If you care about your co-op and you’re willing to learn, you’ve got what it takes,” he says. “Your lived experience is not only valid—it’s essential.”
Tony believes that co-op members bring insight that no external expert could replicate.
“Elected Directors keep us grounded. They bring accountability to the decisions we make, and they remind us of what’s at stake—people’s homes, their dignity, their future.”
Looking Ahead
Tony sees big potential for CEHL to lead the way in reimagining how housing and community can work together. He’s inspired by international models where co-ops provide not only homes, but essential services, shared resources, and social connection.
“CEHL has already built something incredibly strong,” he says. “Now it’s about backing in our members, building capacity, and pushing the model even further.”
At the 2025 AGM, five Elected Board Director positions will be available. If you’re curious, Tony says, just start the conversation.
“Ask questions, talk to your co-op leaders, reach out to your CDC. You’ll be supported every step of the way”
