ABOUT
This project is overseen by a steering committee consisting of staff from Curtin University. The steering committee is supported by administration staff, research assistants and members of the building industry.
​
CURRENT MEMBERS LISTED BELOW
The Steering Committee
Dr ELIZABETH KAROL
Senior Lecturer, Curtin University,Western Australia.
PhD (Curtin), B.Arch (Melbourne),B.Eng (Civil) (Swinburne).
As a practicing architect, researcher and educator Elizabeth has been studying and reporting on the impacts of the built and natural environments on physical and social sustainability for more than two decades. . Her work reflects a particular interest in the role of domestic design in improving the well-being of people and the environment.
Dr DIANNE SMITH
A/Prof Dianne Smith, School of Built Environment, Curtin University, Western Australia.
dianne smith design
​
BSc, BArch(Hons), GradDipIntDes(Dist), GradCertEd(HigherEd),PhD,
Adv.Dip.Art Therapy. FDIA, AIA
Dianne is a researcher-practitioner in the areas of architecture, interior architecture and art therapy as well as design education. She has a keen interest in design for wellbeing in people’s everyday lives, as well as community engagement processes. She is interested in how creative practices can open up new opportunities for considering societal issues. She has published in these areas and served on National and State professional bodies.
Past Founding Members
DIANA RICHARDS
Project Manager, RISE Network
GradCertBus(Curtin), PMI WA Member, Cert IV Project Management
Diana has worked in the not for profit and private sector in administrative and project roles for over 15 years. She has a strong interest in reducing homelessness and in the provision of housing and accommodation that best suits the needs of the individual.
SIMON ROBBINS
Director Corporate Services, Rise Network
​
Fellow Chartered Association of Building Engineers(C. Build E. FCABE)
Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(MRICS)
Associate of Australian Property Institute.(AAPI)
Simon has worked in the property sector for over 30 years in both Australia and the UK the majority of time being in Private sector. He is passionate about reducing homelessness and improving the quality of the existing housing stock to reflect the needs both practical and emotional of the proposed tenant. “Surely in today's wealthy western societies it is just wrong to see people sleeping rough or being housed in inappropriate accommodation.”
Affiliations
RISE COMMUNITY NETWORK
In 1983 a small group of dedicated local people gathered to discuss the support needs of people in the Perth Hills area. These were the beginnings for what is now known as Rise, originally called Hills Community Support Group (HCSG).
Rise has continued to grow over 30 years, and now provides support to over 3000 people; from the elderly, those with a mental health issue, people with a disability, youth at risk, and their families and carers. 500 trained, diverse staff and volunteers are involved in the support program.
Alongside the support services, Rise also manages properties and offers supported accommodation and services as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Today Rise have established itself as a provider of proactive, highly personalised services that deliver support to many members of the Western Australian community.