North Coast Community Housing’s Janice Pamela Mangleson, former Byron councillor, awarded OAM
An inspiring octogenarian and pillar of the community in Byron Shire has been recognised for her work helping secure homes for those in need. Here’s her story.
Regional News
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An inspiring octogenarian, former councillor and pillar of the Byron Shire community has been recognised with an Australia Day honour.
Ocean Shores woman Janice Pamela Mangleson, 84, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service in organisations linked to housing in the area.
She has been working at not-for-profit organisation North Coast Community Housing for almost a decade, helping people on low to moderate incomes find suitable housing.
“I didn’t think getting an OAM would ever be part of my journey … ,” she said.
To be able to contribute in a positive way to the community is an absolute privilege.”
Several community members nominated Mrs Mangleson – including husband Jim Mangleson.
Mrs Mangleson and her husband moved from Sydney to Mullumbimby in 1972, where she raised her family and began business Chincogan Real Estate in 1979.
“We were privileged to have a business that could help people buy good land and later housing if they became available,” she said.
Ms Mangleson’s family now runs the business based in Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores.
She said the Byron Shire market was lucrative and “affordable housing in the Byron Shire is just about impossible”.
“You could pay $1000 a week for a horrible old place that needed to be demolished years ago – that’s the reality,” she said.
“The Byron Shire has evolved into the most expensive places for real estate in the whole of Australia … we’re dearer than most capital cities.”
Mrs Mangleson is heavily involved in the Together Home program, which is funded by the state government and provides people sleeping rough with stable accommodation.
The program has helped house about 30 young people so far.
“We have mentors and support services, I’m proud of this program and want to see it grow.”
Originally published as North Coast Community Housing’s Janice Pamela Mangleson, former Byron councillor, awarded OAM
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