James Hardie named 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year as Habitat for Humanity celebrates 50 years

For three years, James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity Australia have worked together around a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live.

This year, we were proud to mark a significant milestone in that partnership as Habitat celebrated its 50th anniversary and James Hardie was named 2026 Corporate Partner of the Year.

Our APAC Head of ESG, Mat Skembes, joined Habitat’s 50th anniversary celebration, receiving the Corporate Partner of the Year award on behalf of James Hardie and participating in a panel discussion reflecting on the past 50 years and the impact that can be achieved through collaboration.

We’re proud to support Habitat for Humanity Australia through volunteering, fundraising, product donations and sharing industry expertise. Since our direct partnership began in 2023, James Hardie has donated over $280,000 to Habitat’s Australian programs, and over 190 employees have participated in over 20 Brush with Kindness volunteer days.

But beyond the numbers and recognition are the people bringing the partnership to life, from volunteers supporting Habitat projects to women exploring pathways into building and construction.

A shared belief in a place to call home

Habitat for Humanity brings people together around its vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. For James Hardie, that shared focus on homes and communities aligns closely with our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™.

Our partnership provides practical ways for our people to contribute beyond our everyday business, whether volunteering their time, sharing their industry experience or supporting programs that create opportunities within building and construction.

Penny Kaleta, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Australia, says the partnership has helped Habitat strengthen communities and deliver practical housing solutions for people in need:

“James Hardie's commitment is deeply aligned with Habitat for Humanity's mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Over the past three years, their support has helped us strengthen communities and deliver practical housing solutions for people in need.”

Lending a hand through Brush with Kindness

Brush with Kindness gives James Hardie employees an opportunity to get hands-on alongside Habitat teams, supporting people in need through home improvement activities including painting, gardening and home repairs. More than 190 James Hardie employees have participated in over 20 Brush with Kindness volunteer days across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

For our people, it is a tangible way to give their time and skills and work together outside the workplace. And it is that continued involvement that has stood out to Habitat.

As Penny explains, “What stands out most is the consistency of their support. We see James Hardie employees return to volunteer with us year after year with a genuine commitment to helping others.”

Opening pathways through Habitat Women

Habitat Women provides hands-on training, on-site learning and mentorship designed to help create pathways for women into the building and construction industry. James Hardie’s involvement gives participants opportunities to connect with our people and workplaces as they develop their practical skills and industry knowledge.

Participants have visited our Rosehill manufacturing site to learn about our products and systems, meet our people and hear about employment opportunities. For Mat Skembes, who has welcomed participants to Rosehill and attended the most recent cohort’s graduation at Meadowbank, seeing that progression has been a memorable part of the partnership.

“What makes it memorable for me is being able to see that progression, from women developing practical skills and confidence through hands-on learning to then celebrating the completion of the program. It’s also a great example of how James Hardie can contribute more than funding. We can open up our workplaces, share industry knowledge and give participants exposure to opportunities within the broader construction and manufacturing industry.”

Looking ahead

Three years into our partnership, we’re proud of what James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity Australia have achieved together, and particularly of the way our people have embraced opportunities to get involved.

As Habitat celebrates 50 years, we congratulate its people, volunteers and partners who have helped bring its work to life.