In conversation with Maurice Benington New HFHV Board Chair

When Maurice Benington, our new Board Chair first connected with Habitat for Humanity Victoria, it

wasn’t through a boardroom or a formal meeting. It began in the midst of crisis.

In late 2019 and early 2020, as devastating bushfires swept through Mallacoota and surrounding communities, Habitat responded through the Build Back program, creating temporary housing using converted shipping containers. At the same time, COVID restrictions had closed public gatherings, leaving a large shed at Maurice's church unused.

“That shed was just sitting there,” Maurice recalls. “So, when Habitat asked if they could use it to fit out the housing units, it just made sense. It was great to see it being used for something that really mattered.”

That practical partnership became the start of a deeper connection. Seeing Habitat’s work up close, its heart, its people, and its impact left an imprint which led to Maurice joining the Board in 2021.

“I’d known about Habitat from afar, but this was different. I saw the dream, and I saw the relationships. That’s what drew me in.”

Why Habitat? A Dream Built on Relationships

Having worked in community services and emergency relief as a pastor, Maurice had long seen the challenges faced by people experiencing hardship. But one issue stood out.

“If you can’t address shelter, you’re going nowhere. Housing is foundational. Once that’s secure, people can rebuild their lives.”

With Maurice's background in construction, Habitat’s work felt both familiar and deeply meaningful. It connected to what he describes as a “long, deep dream” of seeing safe, affordable housing made accessible to those who need it most.

“The not-for-profit sector runs on two things: a dream and relationships. Nobody does this for the money. They do it because they believe in something.”

Three Eras of Habitat for Humanity Victoria

Looking back, Maurice sees HFHV’s journey in three key stages.

The first was the pioneer era, led by visionary volunteers who laid the foundations through enormous commitment and personal sacrifice. “They worried about everything, right down to how much to sell a bucket of nails for,” he says. “Without them, we wouldn’t exist.”

The second phase focused on growth and stability. Under former CEO Phil Curtis, Habitat strengthened its systems, governance, and operations. During this time, the Board began asking bigger strategic questions about direction, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Today, Habitat is entering an emerging era. With CEO Justin Simpson and a growing Board, the organisation is engaging in new conversations about scale, partnerships, and storytelling. “There’s new leadership, new perspectives, and new opportunities to think differently about how we grow our impact,” Maurice explains.

Each stage, he believes, has played a vital role in shaping who Habitat is today and where it is heading next.

Holding Onto What Matters Most

With change comes uncertainty. For long-term supporters and volunteers, Maurice recognises the importance of staying true to Habitat’s core identity.

“The non-negotiable is simple: everyone deserves a decent place to live.”

That belief, he says, runs through every part of Habitat, from ReStore volunteers to Brush with Kindness, supporters, donors, and staff. “If we ever lost that, we’d lose who we are.”

Our purpose remains the same, to continue to work for housing solutions in Victoria, to continue to support families with affordable housing.

How You Can Support Habitat

Maurice reflects on how we as a Habitat community can support our mission and impact. He points to four simple but powerful actions:

• Give your time through volunteering

• Give financially to sustain long-term impact

• Pray for wisdom, direction, and strength

• Tell Habitat’s story in your everyday conversations.

  
  

“Every volunteer is an ambassador.” He goes on to express deep appreciation for our community of volunteers and supporters who have been investing in the cause.