Tasmanian Times
Heat Pumps Rollout A total of 350 heat pumps were installed in properties across the north west of Tasmania as part of a $750,000 funding commitment by Housing Choices Tasmania. Housing Choices Tasmania installed the new heat pumps in homes in the lead-up to winter. The suburbs included Somerset, Shorewell Park, Acton, West Ulverstone, East Devonport and Latrobe. Shelter Tasmania Executive Officer Pattie Chugg supported the program and said the investment showed how a housing provider could add value to its properties and demonstrated the benefit of having a not-for-profit community housing provider managing social housing. “We know heating expenses take up valuable resources for vulnerable Tasmanians who have little room for discretionary spending,” she said. Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma MHR also welcomed the $750,000 investment which benefitted not only our residents but also provided work for two local Contractors, MJ Miller Electrical in Shearwater and Brian Targett Electrical in Penguin. Staff of Housing Choices worked side by side with residents of Queens Walk Apartments in Hobart to design and plant a water-wise native garden which was made possible with the help of a grant from TasWater. With over 90 native shrubs and trees planted on the day, residents were extremely happy with what their hard work achieved. A new pathway has been laid to encourage people to wander through the garden and enjoy the native plant environment. Residents have proudly claimed that the garden will bring them many years of enjoyment, a place to gather with others, or to sit, relax and ponder. Native Garden
Mural Art Project The Shorewell Mural Project emerged as a result of the Strengthening Communities Pilot Project conducted in Burnie and facilitated by Mission Australia. A Community Development working group comprising local Shorewell residents and committed community members has met weekly since 2015 to progress the project. Housing Choices' Community Development Officer assisted Mission Australia to form the group, help facilitate the development of the project and provide practical assistance. A park near the local plaza was selected due to its location close to Shorewell Park residents and its need of beautification work to enhance the local area amenity. The project was divided into two stages: stage one was completed in January 2016, and stage two in April 2016. Both stages were timed so that local school children could contribute to the mural during school holidays. A Housing Choices Tasmania Resident Community Fund grant of $10,000 was used to help buy materials. The completed mural is a proud talking point in the Shorewell community and beyond, and the local community takes great pride in showing it to visitors to the area. Housing Choices will continue to provide support for future beautification projects and community activities.
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Building for the future
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