Who’s Who in 22, Community: Carmel Riethmuller

At the beginning of 2022, Carmel Riethmuller and the team at Chameleon Housing were rallying to help victims of the February floods and by the end of it, the community had rallied around them so they could do more to help at risk youth.

It’s been a big year for the not-for-profit specialist homeless service which has been assisting young people aged 16-25 years, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, for more than 30 years.

When hundreds of people became homeless throughout the region due to the February floods, the Chameleon Housing team sprang into action, helping families and individuals where they could.

They booked out and paid for accommodation on the Redcliffe peninsula to ensure those affected had somewhere to go.

While the organisation’s core work has always been helping the homeless, when the need arises like the COVID-19 pandemic or a natural disaster, they are quick to help.

In August, Carmel spearheaded a campaign to raise money to enable Chameleon Housing to open a second share house for young people needing emergency accommodation.

The charity provides long-term accommodation option and support for young people at its existing Kippa-Ring share house.

Property developer Ausbuild backed the bid by hosting the inaugural Housing for Happiness Gala at Redcliffe Leagues Club on August 23.

It was supported by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT), New Zealand Warriors and Redcliffe Dolphins.

The event raised more than $100,000 for the project, with about 180 people attending.

Many in the audience were shocked to hear there are only nine beds in the entire Moreton Bay Region for young people who are homeless, all provided by Chameleon Housing.

About Carmel Riethmuller

Carmel holds a Master of Social Work, Master of Counselling, Advanced Diploma Community Service Welfare Management, Diploma Community Service and a Certificate IV Assessment and Training.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of Chameleon Housing, an accommodation and welfare organisation located on the Redcliffe peninsula.

After spending nearly three decades working in government departments (Corrections, Youth Justice and Child Safety) Carmel left to take up a role in the not-for-profit sector and has been steering Chameleon Housing for about 12 years.

She has a strong bond with the young people the charity supports, and her team who are equally dedicated to helping them reach their potential.

Carmel is well-regarded in the region for her passion and drive to help some of the most vulnerable members of the community.