Catherine has a significant National and International reputation in the area of enabling environments, as evidenced by invited participation in: International Design Awards as a judge; International forums and publications; Commonwealth Governments Building for the Future Consumer information committee; National and State based Home and Community Care planning; and the NSW Premiers 2030 Roundtable on Ageing as one of Australia’s eminent experts on housing solutions for older people.
Her housing research portfolio includes: research on housing and care; housing and health; older people and sustainability; accessibility of the built environment and extensive research on home modification interventions.
In 2006, Catherine was awarded a plaque by the Sri Lankan Urban Development Authority for her input regarding the creation of a non-handicapping environment in the National rebuilding initiatives undertaken following on from the Tsumani of 2004.
She directs the Home Modification Information Clearinghouse (HMinfo) Project which was nominated for the NSW Premiers Public Service Award in 2006. HMinfo is a recurrent research consultancy project funded by the Home and Community Care Program (60% Commonwealth and 40% State based) and was established to develop and disseminate an evidence base for Home Modification Interventions in Australia.
Catherine has been instrumental in researching the intersection of environmental impact on human performance. Her funded research has been sustained and substantial. Over the last decade her grant income has totalled several million dollars. The majority of research reports are available online and have made a significant impact nationally and internationally on both housing policy and practice and have been cited in National Productivity Commission reports.
Within the University, Catherine’s contribution to the overall research performance quantum and research review outcomes both within the City Futures Research Centre and the larger Faculty of the Built Environment have been significant. Her research program is strategic and is shaped by a clear vision that builds on significant faculty, interfaculty and industry collaboration.