Autumn 2024
2023 Resident Survey results P2 Pet Social P4 Rae is thriving P8
HChoicesAU
From the General Manager Hi all, Welcome to the Autumn edition of Home Stories . I hope your summer was filled with sunshine, joy and relaxation. 2023 Resident Survey results A huge thank you to our residents who took the time to respond to our 2023 annual survey. We had 35% of our residents complete the survey nationally which is an invaluable amount of feedback. This year we nationalised and expanded our survey so we can better understand how residents view our services across Australia and compare what is working well and where we need to improve in all the states we operate in.
We are thrilled to see that our residents are more satisfied with our services this year across majority of our service areas. Resident satisfaction has improved nationally by an average of 4% across all the areas below.
overall satisfaction 84 %
satisfied with condition of home 84 %
satisfied with maintenance and repairs 83 %
85 %
76 %
Satisfied with how we take your views into account
satisfied with neighbourhood
Satisfaction with resident involvement 75 %
Satisfied with communications 84 %
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Cover: Resident Rae in her garden with one of her paintings.
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While we are happy to see majority of our residents are satisfied with our services, we know there is room for improvement. We are currently developing action plans to address issues raised in the survey and look forward to sharing these actions in our Winter edition of Home Stories . In this newsletter you’ll find great tips for managing your home, and some of the local happenings in your community. Also included is a beautiful story about resident, Rae and her life. Areas of service most important to residents • Repairs and Maintenance • Overall condition of home • Communications with Housing Choices • Your neighbourhood as a place to live Activities residents are most interested in • Providing feedback on our services • Understanding more about maintenance and repairs • Social and wellness activities • Dealing with anti-social behaviour
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos of their magnificent gardens this year. We received heaps of entries in our competition. It’s with great enthusiasm that we announce that the Annual Garden Competition Champion for 2024 is Troy. Troy’s balcony garden is stunning, day and night! (pictured above) Troy receives a $200 Bunnings voucher, as his balcony can’t accommodate the proposed Vegepod Vegetable Garden Kit! Have no fear, the Vegepod has gone to a good home and to our second-place champion. Thank you to all our 2024 entrants. We look forward to growing our Resident Garden Program and Competition next year. If you would like to know more, contact the Community Development Team via communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au Residents Annual Garden Competition Champion
Melissa Palframan General Manager of Housing Services Best,
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Above: Coralene’s Cocker Spaniel Louis, who loves to sing 80’s and 90’s music and naughtily eats chocolate.
Above: Alex’s handsome Border Collie Ted, 13 years young.
The Victorian Resident Advisory Committee (VRAC) has worked together over several months to create their first handbook. The handbook provides helpful information for potential and new resident members. It includes information about the role and purpose of VRAC, how to become a member and how VRAC contributes to residents’ voice on Housing Choices programs and service delivery. Current VRAC members receive a copy, and if you are interested in joining, you will also. If you would like to know more, reach out to the Community Development and Engagement Team via email communitydevelopmentvic@ hcau.org.au Victorian Resident Advisory Committee Handbook
Pet Social
We’re excited to reveal a NEW Home Stories feature – Pet Social. It’s a space for residents to share their favourite pet photo and story. Pets improve and maintain our mental health and wellbeing in so many ways, and for many of us are our closest or only companions. We want to celebrate the mischievousness, joy and laughter your pet brings you. Send us a photo of your pet with a few words about your them and how they make a difference to your life. This can be a pet photo at home, on their travels, doing their favourite thing, or even dressed up in a costume! Photos will be collected and shared with Resident Advisory Committee members who will choose their favourite Pet Social. The Pet Social favourite will receive a $100 pet gift card and feature in the next edition of Home Stories . Submit photos by texting Community Development and Engagement Officer Alex on 0427 308 006 or emailing communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au. The Community Development Team is kicking-off Pet Social by sharing photos of their furry friends above.
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Maintenance tip – beating blocked drains
Many residents are not aware of what should or should not go down toilets or kitchen drains. Housing Choices is responsible for repairing burst pipes or naturally blocked drains. However, if we find that the blockage is directly caused by the actions of the resident, they may be charged for the repair.
Housing Choices Australia is passionate about offering residents opportunities. This includes supporting personal development, training skills and employment pathways to find the job of your dreams. Find the job of your dreams
5 things that can’t go down drains • Grease or cooking fat • Food or food scraps (including eggshells) • Cleaning products • Produce stickers • Medication
5 things that can’t go down toilets • Wipes or products
advertised as flushable • Sanitary/hygiene products • Tissues or paper towel • Cotton buds • Too much toilet paper at one time
Housing Choices has a partnership with social enterprise the Goddess
Cleaning Group, who induct, train and support residents to be employed as cleaners. Goddess Cleaning provides and supports residents’ employment. Housing Choices can help pay residents’ out of pocket job expenses. For example, fees for courses, uniforms, and travel to get to/from your job. If you would like to know more, read the information in the flyer, and contact your Housing Officer or the Community Development Team, via communitydevelopmentvic@ hcau.org.au
Tips for avoiding blocked drains • Drain covers can help prevent hair going down shower drains and can catch food debris in your kitchen sink. • A slow or weak toilet flush often indicates that a clog is forming in your toilet drain. Use a plunger to try and release clogs or small blockages before they become a more serious issue. • Regularly clean your drains to dislodge any build up that may occur. Pour 1 cup of bicarbonate soda, 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup vinegar in and around the drain and leave for 20 minutes then pour warm water down and around the drain.
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As leaves fall and
rustle, social connections are cool
As the seasons change, our outdoor social activities tend to move indoors, and sometimes it means that we socialise less.
A great way to reduce our feelings of isolation is by visiting our local libraries, galleries, neighbourhood houses and community centres. Which are not only warm and inviting, but have an array of wonderful information, activities and events. Look up your local council website for information about resident support services, volunteering, libraries, galleries,
Services, located opposite the Queen Victoria Market. Not only a library, but also a community rooftop terrace and garden, family services centre, meeting space, and a Makerspace. The Makerspace offers people with a creative interest a place to work via a dedicated painting, photography, and podcasting studio, plus access to 3D printers and laser cutters. All for FREE! If you’re in the area pop in.
recreation centres, events and more. Book into a FREE activity. Take a friend so you can explore the unknown together. If you happen to find an activity that takes your fancy and there’s a cost, reach out to the Community Development Team and ask about our Partake Fund. An exciting new community space in the City of Melbourne is the narrm ngarrgu Library and Family
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Take part in the Partake program
Excitedly the Community Development Team plan to develop a resident led story publication. This aims to provide a way for residents aged 55 years and older to share their stories and lived experience with other residents and readers. Stories can be about anything, be it migrating to Australia, your careers, achievements, interests, hobbies or becoming a Housing Choices resident and more. The storybook will only include a limited number of residents stories. Every resident featured in the publication will receive a gift card and be invited to an event to acknowledge your time and celebrate your story. If you would like to know more, please contact your Housing Officer or Coralene, Community Development and Engagement Team Leader, by calling 1300 312 447. Share your story – resident led publication
The Partake program helps Housing Choices support residents to access and engage in community activities that support positive outcomes. The benefits of engaging in social, educational, and recreational activities and groups includes a sense of enjoyment, wellbeing and connection to others. This program is open to all Housing Choices residents and their families. Including adults and children who would like to join a local recreation centre, sporting club, dancing or singing group, art classes, or cultural or disability groups and activities. The Partake program offers $150 each year to assist with associated costs. This can include sport items, uniforms and shoes, dancing outfits, enrolment, art supplies, and membership costs. Lea is a Housing Choices resident with a passion for dance. In 2023 and 2024, Lea received a Partake program grant to assist her to attend Latin dance classes. She thoroughly enjoys the classes and teaches elements of what she learns at sessions she conducts with elderly people. If you would like to know more about Partake, please contact the Community Development and Engagement Team via, communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au, and they will provide you with all the information needed to apply.
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“That’s where all the damage got done to me, a lot of bad stuff happened there. I was in my 20s.” Rae is now writing a book on her experience as a nurse in Papua New Guinea, as a
Rae is thriving
path to “healing.” When returning to
Australia, Rae was faced with homelessness in the middle of a sweltering Australian summer. She also has epilepsy, with seizures being triggered by heat and stress, both of which she was particularly vulnerable to when experiencing homelessness. Rae’s support worker at NEAMI set her up with Housing Choices Australia, and she moved into a social housing apartment in 2013. Devastatingly, while Rae was no longer experiencing homelessness, she suffered domestic violence in her new residence, which only worsened during the COVID-19 lockdowns. In May 2021, Rae was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She had lost hope. “I said, I’m not having treatment, why would I? There’s no reason to live … There’s no hope, I’ve lived here, the place is killing me … There’s just no reason to live,” Rae says. The day after refusing treatment, Housing Team Leader, Zoy rang Rae and let her know there’s a Housing Choices unit in Nunawading waiting for her. She said yes immediately and called the oncology nurse straight after to arrange cancer treatment. In the space of ten days, Rae had surgery, and moved all
Above: Rae in her garden with one of her paintings.
Sunlight streaming through the greenery, Rae’s beautiful garden invites guests into her little slice of paradise. Walking through to her home, the walls are covered in all her beautiful and bright artistic creations. Growing up, Rae’s parents were both Ministers in the Salvation Army, and she spent much of her childhood moving around Australia. Her love of gardening came from time with her father spent in the garden. “We’d eat from the garden. You’d see all the colours of the garden and observe nature,” Rae says. Yet Rae had never dabbled in art – something she always
wanted to try but never had the support to do. “I got moved around and I never got to do art, ever … At one school the art teacher wouldn’t let me in because I was left-handed … It was the school I was at the longest, and she sent me outside while everyone else did art. So, I taught myself to crochet.” As Rae shares her story, a crochet ‘happy blanket’ she’s making her friend is by her side. She’s been working on it for the last few weeks. Rae used to work as a registered nurse and spent three years working in Papua New Guinea. Her time there led to chronic PTSD.
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is Where the Art Is annual competition and received awards for her beautiful paintings. She spends her mornings gardening, and the days creating art, be it crochet, painting, or drawing. “I don’t stop, I can’t stop.” Her new home has given her the space to be her fullest self – it’s her sanctuary to create and heal in. Her friendship with Ebony, brings her enormous joy. “I have new avenues to be able to grieve now. I’ve never been more supported.” Recently, Rae went on holiday to a farm with her friend. “There were three shooting stars. My friend said make a wish, and I said, ‘I’ll wish for someone else.’”
her things from the CBD to her new home on her own. “I had no one.” She also experienced complications during surgery, which worsened the recovery and made the moving process even more difficult. “I could hardly move, but I’m packing the house … it was just the hope of getting out,” she says. Rae is now cancer free, finally able to enjoy her life that she is so deserving of, with her two cats, Blues and Jas. After moving to her “forever home” in Nunawading, she developed a fast friendship with her neighbour, Ebony, who is now Rae’s best friend. Ebony showed Rae her art, encouraging Rae to try her hand at it. Rae, lacking confidence, was sceptical of her ability. “She showed me how to finger paint. I’d never finger painted before. It’s incredible, I was sitting there laughing. I cried … I never did anything like that.” Finally, she was making the colours that she’s “always loved and always seen” from days in the garden with her father. Soon enough, Rae placed her trust in Ebony and joined Ebony’s art classes. It’s been a few years of Rae creating art and she’s never looking back. “I cry, it’s so silly. But it’s so exciting, I feel like I’m bursting.” Rae has entered her work in Housing Choices’ Home
After Rae’s friend asked why she’s using her wishes on someone else, Rae said “There’s nothing I need or want. I have everything I need and everything I could possibly want … I’m so fortunate.” Rae’s last Christmas was spent with Ebony, her first festive season “not as Christmas orphan” in a long time. Rae and Ebony passed on their love and support to a friend who’s been struggling, by inviting her to Christmas and buying her a gift voucher together. Rae says it’s “wonderful to be in the position” to be able to give. “This is home, this is paradise. This is heaven.”
Above: Rae's garden.
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Dealing with damp
Victorian winters are mostly cold and wet, resulting in problems with condensation and mould growth in your home. Condensation and mould can occur on any surface, look unpleasant, and can increase the risk of respiratory illness. Mould is usually black but can be other colours including green, yellow, pink, grey, or white.
Why is condensation a problem? Left untreated, condensation can result in mould growth on walls, ceilings, furniture, furnishings, and clothing in cupboards and drawers. High humidity has a cumulative effect in absorbent materials, such as clothing hanging in wardrobes or bedclothes making them damp. If these items are not dried, mould will develop. It can also affect plaster and cause woodwork to rot. The amount of condensation in homes depends on: 1. How much water vapour is produced in the household. 2. How cold or warm the property is; and 3. How much air circulation (ventilation) there is. The moist air rises when it is warm and often ends up on ceilings, walls and behind free-standing furniture such as wardrobes, and if the surfaces are not dried and aired regularly, mould growth will occur. What is condensation? Condensation starts as moisture in the air, usually produced by cooking, washing, or drying clothes indoors. When moist air meets cool surfaces such as mirrors, walls, wall tiles, and windows, it condenses and forms water droplets.
How do I prevent mould and condensation? A dry and well-aired home is easier to heat and healthier for you and your family. You can minimise the amount of moisture and condensation in your home by doing the following things: • Open doors and windows as often as possible when you are at home • Open windows and use the ducted exhaust fan when showering or using clothes drier • Open windows and use an extractor fan when cooking • Regular cleaning of exhaust fans • Regular cleaning of heat pump/ slit system air conditioning filters • Maintain a consistent lower background heat rather than short bursts of high heat when it’s cold or wet outside • Make sure clothes and shoes are well dried and aired before putting them away • Hang washing outside to dry • Move items of furniture away from the wall to allow air to circulate
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You’ve got the power! Energy consumption in Victoria peaks in winter, which means electricity bills do, too. Here are some hot tips to help keep you warm on a budget.
How can I remove mould and mildew?
What should I do if I take actions to prevent mould and condensation, but mould won’t go away? If you are having problems keeping the mould away or have further questions, please contact your Housing Officer or our Maintenance Team on 1300 312 447. Do not brush mould as this releases spores into the air. The best thing you can do to prevent the mould from happening is to make sure your home is dry and well-aired. • Put straight white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray directly on problem areas. Do not rinse. The smell will go away after a few hours. All these products should be applied as soon as the mould appears as it is harder to remove it once it has been there a while. Carefully remove excess mould with a damp cloth and throw away the cloth afterward. The best way to treat mould is to kill it as soon as it appears and check it daily. There are several products that kill mould or mildew, some natural remedies include: • Add 1tsp of tea tree oil with 1 cup of warm water. Put it in a spray bottle and shake. Then spray on problem areas but do not rinse.
Heat yourself first. Heating a whole house or unit can become expensive. You can reduce your energy usage and reduce your power bill by focussing on warming your body up instead. A blanket or throw is a great way to keep warm on the couch, or you could try an oodie or dressing gown. Cook once, eat twice. Next time you cook a meal, make up a double batch. This works especially well for winter warmers like soups, casseroles and curries. You can enjoy one meal now, and one later... And reduce your energy usage. One song shower. According to energy.gov.au water heating accounts for 15-30% of energy use in Australian homes. Next time you’re in the shower, pop on your favourite song and challenge yourself to finish your shower before the song does. Check in. If something doesn’t look right on your bill, contact
your energy retailer to check it. While you’re on the phone, you can also double check that you’re getting the best energy deal for you and make sure any concessions or discounts have been applied.
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Home Stories Autumn puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher!
2024 Home is Where the Art Is competition and exhibition The Home is Where the Art Is annual competition is back for 2024. The Resident Artists’ Working Group meet in March to kick-off and discuss and plan what this year’s competition and exhibition will offer. Applications for this year’s Competition opens Monday 1 April and closes Friday 16 August 2024 . The Exhibition will be held during October 2024. If you are interested in being part of the Working Group or would like to enter the Competition, please contact your Housing Officer, or the Community Development and Engagement Team via communitydevelopmentvic@ hcau.org.au or call Alex, Community Development and Engagement Officer, on 0427 308 006 . There were exceptional artists and pieces last year, and this year we hope to be even bigger and greater!
Find all the words in the word search except for one, which is not actually in the grid. Words may be forward, backward, up, down or diagonal.
X U N M U T U A N K X
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D S S E X L N C V
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FIND THESE WORDS
Autumn Treasure Gardening
Accommodation Home Neighbourhood
Resident Music Creative
Football Golden Challenge
Please tell us the remaining word before Friday 17 May by emailing communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au or posting your answer to: Level 3, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Only one entry is allowed per household. The winner will score themselves a $50 Bunnings voucher and will be drawn from the correct entries. Good luck!
Preston Office 137 High Street Preston VIC 3072 General Enquiries 1300 312 447
Head Office Level 3, 350 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Maintenance
info@hcau.org.au housingchoices.org.au
1300 321 185
Disclaimer: To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s knowledge (Housing Choices), this information is valid at the time of publication. Housing Choices makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content or accuracy of the material in this publication. Housing Choices expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of information provided. Housing Choices recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this publication.
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