ISSUE 6
THE THREAD
WELCOME TO OUR
2025 WRAP UP
DEC 2025
ISSUE 6
THE THREAD
DEC 2025
WELCOME TO OUR
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER As we come to the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for UniLodge Living Group.
Our growth is only possible because of the collective effort of all of you who show up every day with dedication and heart.
We’ve grown in ways that are not only significant in scale, but meaningful in impact. Across UniLodge, Essence Communities, Essence Hotels & Apartments and Hive, we’ve opened new properties, expanded our services, strengthened our partnerships, and continued to lift the experience we offer to our residents and our clients.
At this time of the year I encourage you to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time with the people you love. It’s been a big year. Take the break, you’ve earned it.
A major highlight is the announcement of our new stakeholders. Their confidence in our vision and capability has reinforced the strength of the platform we’re building together and positions us for another powerful stage of growth in 2026 and beyond. When I look across the Group, what stands out most is not just the activity, it’s the teamwork behind it. The mobilisation efforts, the operational excellence, the resident experience programs, the marketing and brand work, the commercial wins, the people leadership, the late nights, the collaboration across states and across countries… all of it led by you. Thank you for the energy, pride and professionalism you bring to this organisation.
But to those who will be working over the Christmas and New Year period to keep our properties running and our residents supported - an extra big thank you!! Your work ensures our communities feel safe, connected and cared for during a time that can be difficult for many. Thank you to those that are working hard to help ensure Semester One intake is a success. We have a lot to look forward to in 2026 which marks the celebration of our 30th anniversary since UniLodge first started in Sydney, plus new openings, new partnerships and new opportunities to develop our people. But for now, thank you, take a breath, and enjoy the December edition of The Thread. Wishing you and your families a safe, joyful and restful break.
Tomas Johnsson Chief Executive Officer
2025 OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS & IMPACT PEOPLE & CULTURE
BRAND & MARKETING
46,300
390
228
On the spot Awards
new roles created this year
designs in Canva
14
81%
4
new training modules added to the refreshed Academy
Employee Satisfaction Rating
new employer brand videos showcasing real career stories
assets added to MAL (our digital library)
17 Team members in total
ESG IMPACT
OPERATIONS
14
25,796
32,491
Containers recycled in QLD in 2025
98%
NPAS certifications held
9
RAP Commitments delivered
new properties opened or in mobilisation across AU/NZ
2 specialist consultants engaged to deliver Gender-Based Violence Prevention measures & our AntiModern Slavery Statement
90% Our BTR Residence Satisfaction Rating
FINANCE
35,989
Invoices processed
165
P&L Reports per month
BTR HIGHLIGHTS
225
1,420+
123+
Affordable Apartments available in 2025
Residents found a home through Essence Communities in 2025
Doggies live at Essence Communities properties
THE THREAD
Festive Vibes
Shared your teams celebrations on Viva Engage
Marketing team
UOM team
John Grey Hall
HO Celebrations
YKB
UniLodge Kensington
The Tāmaki Makaurau crew THE THREAD
Supporting the Special Olympics in NZ UniLodge was proud to support the Special Olympics by hosting 1,200 athletes, coaches and carers across our Canterbury portfolio, helping create a welcoming and inclusive athletes’ village. It was a privilege for our teams to support an event that celebrates ability, community and the power of sport. See the video of the teams arriving on our LinkedIn page here
Calling All Food Lovers We’re creating a community cookbook made by you! Share your favourite recipe, from budget-friendly meals to family classics, and help showcase the diverse flavours and cultures that make our UniLodge Living Group community unique. Share your recipe (and a photo, if you have one!) via the link below. Submit via Viva Engage
THE THREAD
Must Stay Winner 2025 Congrats to the UniLodge Herston team for this award from uhomes. This recognition reflects the trust of international students who have chosen UniLodge as their home. And this wasn’t the only winner! A big congratulations to all the award winning properties across UniLodge - a great achievement and testament to our commitment to an outstanding resident living experience.
Listen to the Podcast Australian Unity’s “Towards 2050: Social Infrastructure for Australia’s Future” podcast explores why purpose-built student accommodation is essential for thriving cities, student wellbeing, and vibrant communities, and the policy settings needed to encourage greater investment in the sector. Listen to the full episode featuring Bradley Brown here:
THE THREAD
Get to Know Our Leaders: Insights & Inspirations Laura Roberts, Area General Manager, New Zealand took the opportunity to introduce herself, sharing insights about her whānau, what drives her, and the beginnings of her career. Her story reflects the experiences, people, and values that have shaped her journey. Click here to read on Viva Engage
Follow UniLodge on Instagram From resident moments to behindthe-scenes stories, our teams are creating content that connects. Check it out, and if you’ve got something great to share, the Marketing team would love to hear from you. Follow through this link
THE THREAD
Get 24/7 access to trained professionals for your medical, wellbeing and safety — real people, ready to help. Available from 5th January 2026
THE THREAD
ISSUE 6
THE THREAD
Thank you for reading!
DEC 2025