Project Independence Welcomes Michael Claessens as New Chief Executive Officer

Project Independence (PI) has announced Michael Claessens as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Claessens, known for his leadership in community development and social impact, steps into this role with a mission to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through innovative and sustainable housing solutions.

Before joining PI, Claessens significantly contributed to the Canberra Region Food Collaborative as Executive Director, where he led initiatives to create a sustainable City-Region Food System across the region. This role saw him promote models that addressed food security, investment, and global emissions objectives, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex community and environmental challenges.

His prior experience includes serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia ACT, where he spearheaded efforts to foster investment opportunities and job outcomes. Under his leadership, a City-Region Sustainable Food System was developed, emphasizing social impact, lower emissions, and the creation of more nutritious food sources.

Upon his appointment, Claessens expressed his excitement about leading PI, an organization dedicated to providing people with intellectual disabilities a pathway to financial security and independence through home equity investment.

Project Independence stands out as an innovative model in social housing, not only in Australia but internationally. The organization offers a unique approach to homeownership for people with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to acquire equity in a property through their government Disability Support Pension (DSP) while gaining essential life skills for independent living.

Claessens’ leadership is expected to strengthen PI’s commitment to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering them greater independence and a solid foundation for their future. The community eagerly anticipates the positive changes and growth that his expertise and vision will bring to Project Independence.

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