Summer 2024
Housing Choices New Strategic Plan 2024-29 P3 Resident advice: pet ownership P5 Spring Gardening Competition winners P8
HChoicesWA
From the Executive Director Operations For many of us, Summertime across Australia is a chance to rest and recover - slow down, take a break and spend time with neighbours, friends and loved ones.
end-of-year events and the winners of our Spring Gardening Competition. Around the country many of our residents enjoyed end- of-year celebration events, which are always a major highlight for Housing Choices staff as well. On behalf of everyone at Housing Choices I thank all our wonderful residents for their support and valuable feedback over the year, and we look forward to delivering more and better services to all our communities in 2025.
It’s also a great time to reach out to others who could be feeling isolated or alone. We should all take the time to check in on an old friend or neighbour, to just see how they’re doing. Reading Home Stories is always a fantastic reminder just how important – and how much fun – it is to feel and be connected to our communities. During my recent visit to WA, I had the privilege of meeting with our Advisory Committee of Tenants. Engaging directly with residents is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. It was wonderful to share updates about our business and vision for the future, and to hear residents’ valuable insights. I look forward to working with the committee to ensure that resident voices remain at the heart of everything we do. This newsletter is packed with useful information, including important seasonal safety reminders, tips for responsible pet ownership and advice on avoiding pests during the summer. You’ll also find photos from our
Hannah Harvey Executive Director, Operations
Cover: Quillum and Karen at our Hilton Tenant Lunch.
Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices WA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Noongar boodja (land) where we are based. We acknowledge their connections to land, sea and community and pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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It always pays to have a plan! Over the last year we’ve been working to update our Plan for Housing Choices’ future. We’ve had fantastic input from a whole range of experts, including residents, staff, partners and services providers. The result is our new Strategic Plan 2024-29 which was released in October. If you’re interested, you can find the Plan on our website at: https://www.housingchoices.org.au/ Housing Choices New Strategic Plan 2024-29 What does it mean for you?
about-us/our-five-year-strategic-plan/ But in a nutshell, what will it mean for you?
Our Plan focusses on 3 main aims
Build and offer more and better homes for people in need and
Become a vibrant and resilient, resident-focussed organisation.
Deliver more and better services to residents.
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create strong communities.
Everything we do will be with the diverse needs of our residents at top of mind. What works best for you, will ultimately work best for us. Nothing will happen or change in a big hurry. It’ll take some time for us to get our internal, staffing, and delivery systems in the right shape so we can become more efficient and responsive to your needs. But that’s the plan!
And at the centre of that plan is building a resident- focussed culture. We want to better maintain our existing homes, as well as build more homes, in more places, to help more people. But we will be making sure we stay utterly focussed on our current residents and their needs along the way. We will be shifting to a ‘national service model’ over time. That might
sound a bit ‘lofty’, but it’s really not. It’s about making it easier for you to get in touch with us, and easier for us to respond to your needs - faster and better. We’ll keep all residents informed as our new Strategic Plan progresses over the next five years. But our progress will be steady and, as with everything we do, it will be built to last.
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Summer reminders for residents
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Rent Review reminders
Be bushfire ready As bushfire season approaches, it’s important to prepare your home by clearing away dry leaves, branches, and rubbish, and storing flammable items away from the house. Please report maintenance issues like clogged gutters, overhanging branches or damaged water sources to help reduce bushfire risk at your property. It’s also important to stay informed by downloading the Emergency WA app or calling 13 33 37 to check your local fire alerts.
Enter our Tenant Tails pet competition
Return your rent review documents It’s important to return your rent review documents so we can confirm you’re eligible for affordable housing. Without them, we can’t confirm your household income, and this could mean paying maximum rent or risking your tenancy. If you’re having trouble with the forms, we can help over the phone, or you can visit our offices so we can complete the forms together. If you need more time to complete the forms, please let us know and we can arrange an extension. Include a subject in your emails When emailing your rent review documents or payslips, always include a subject line with your name and what the email is about (e.g., [Your Name] Rent Review Documents). Without this information, our security system may mark your email as spam, delaying the return of your documents.
No Pools, Spas, or Water Features
Above: Resident Raymond’s greyhound Gemma.
We know it is hard to beat the heat in Summer, but for safety reasons, residents are not permitted to have pools or spas installed in the property, including inflatable pools.
Do you have a furry or feathered friend who makes your house a home? We’d love to see them! Send us a photo of your pet with a little bit about them for
a chance to win a prize. Tenant Tails is all about
Going away? Please let us know
celebrating the joy pets bring to our lives while promoting responsible pet ownership. Whether they’re making us laugh or providing comfort, we want to celebrate the special role pets play in tenants’ lives. Submit your pet photos to Alex and Amy on 0437 887 675 or via amy.kidner@hcau.org.au by Friday 21 February 2025 .
If you’re planning to be away from your home for more than 4 weeks, please let your Tenancy Officer know. This helps us make sure your rent is covered, your property is cared for, and we know who to contact if needed while you’re away. If we can’t reach you and don’t know you’re away, it may appear the property has been abandoned, which could affect your tenancy.
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Resident advice: pet ownership
With recent changes to WA tenancy laws, it’s now easier for tenants to have pets. Pets can bring joy and companionship, but they also come with responsibilities. Our resident advisory committee has put together some helpful tips and considerations for anyone thinking of welcoming a pet into their home.
Get permission from Housing Choices first • Tenants still need to complete a Pet Request Form and have written landlord approval to own a pet.
Prepare for the costs • Tenants are responsible for property damage caused by pets, like scratched doors, torn fly screens or stained carpets. These costs can come both during and at the end of your tenancy. • Owning a pet can also include costs like vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, regular check-ups and emergency vet visits. • For help with pet costs and vet bills call a financial counsellor for free on 1800 007 007.
• Landlords can only refuse pet requests under specific
circumstances like when keeping the pet is against local government laws.
Register and microchip your pet • WA law requires dogs to be registered and microchipped by 3 months old and cats by 6 months old. • Some local governments offer cheaper registration for sterilised pets and can provide pensioner discounts.
Think about your neighbours • Keep dogs on a lead outside your house and use local dog parks for off-leash play. • Keep cats inside at night to protect local wildlife and prevent damage to neighbour’s property. • Be mindful of excessive noise like constant dog barking.
If you need help with your pet
RSPCA Pets in Crisis offers temporary rehoming for people escaping domestic violence. RSPCA also offers non-judgmental pet surrender services.
Pets of Older Persons WA (POOPs WA) offers free volunteer support for those over 60 who need help caring for their pets. Contact 1300 1100 92.
Pet Rescue is an online directory of short-term pet accommodation options for people in hospital or experiencing financial hardship. Visit www.petrescue.com.au.
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Keep it clean. Pests are drawn to food and mess. • Wipe down benches and dining areas after meals. • Empty bins regularly and use lids that seal tightly. • Sweep or vacuum floors frequently, especially in the kitchen. Top Tips for avoiding pests in the home Store food properly • Keep food in airtight containers to reduce odours that attract pests. • Avoid leaving pet food or water out overnight. Use seasonal pest prevention measures • Put store-bought baits in problem areas, such as under sinks or near bins and regularly replace them during Summer. • Use barrier sprays around doorways, windows, and the perimeter of your home to stop pests from entering. Declutter your space • Pests love to hide in clutter. Avoid leaving items, such as clothing, boxes, or bags, directly on the floor. Use shelves or storage containers to keep things organised and off the ground. • Dispose of old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes, which can attract pests.
Keeping pests out this Summer As the weather heats up household pests like cockroaches, ants and mice become more active searching for food, water and shelter. Taking extra steps in Summer to prevent pests can stop minor issues from becoming major infestations. As a resident, you’re responsible for basic pest prevention methods, such as keeping your home tidy and using store-bought sprays or baits to manage minor issues. If a serious pest problem happens because of avoidable reasons, like not keeping things clean, you might be charged for professional pest control. Have a look at the following tips to prevent pests and avoid pest control costs.
If you need any help or advice about pest control in the home, or if you currently have a pest problem, please contact our Maintenance Hotline on 1800 203 383.
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2024 end of year tenant lunches
Last month tenants in Bunbury, Mandurah, and Hilton came together to celebrate the end of the year at our annual tenant lunches. With 150 tenants attending across the three locations, the events were a great chance to relax, enjoy good food, and have some fun. Each gathering included a two-course catered lunch, table quizzes, games, and raffle prizes. These lunches continue to be a special time to come together as a community at a time that can be tough for many. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the events memorable!
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Spring Gardening Competition winners
Before
After
Best garden transformation
After 24 years traveling in a caravan, Kay and Alan were thrilled to finally have a home where Kay could create her dream garden. Over the past two years, they’ve transformed their sandy garden into a lush oasis, complete with a family heirloom bench made for Kay’s mother over 40 years ago. Now they have renovated their space Kay and Alan are helping their neighbours transform their garden.
Best unique garden Geoffrey has always wanted to grow cacti and now has a stunning outdoor collection of over 300 cacti and succulents. With plants of all shapes and sizes, Geoffrey loves how each one is unique. His collection proves you don’t need to grow in the ground to have a true passion for plants.
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Best flower garden Maria from Leda loves her garden of flowers which she called her backyard treasures. Maria plants roses, African corn lilies, snapdragons, lillys and freesia perennial bulbs in pots and enjoys seeing them multiply every year. Maria gets much joy from her garden and loves capturing the delicate beauty of each flower by photographing them in their prime.
Best Backyard When Monique moved into her Belmont home, the backyard was full of sand with a single plumbago plant. In just 16 months, she has created a thriving garden with cozy pockets of greenery, charming décor, and inviting seating areas. Monique says her garden continues to evolve and we look forward to how to will grow and change in the future.
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Hi Everyone, I’m Trish, the new Chairperson of our Advisory Committee of Tenants (ACT).
Firstly, I’d like to thank our previous Chairperson, Suzanne, for her incredible work over the years. She has been a fantastic mentor to all of us and was there from the very start. The ACT wouldn’t be where it is today without her dedication. I’m excited to take on the role of Chairperson because I’m passionate about helping people. My goal as Chairperson is to bring more tenants onto the committee and work with Housing Choices WA to ensure our voices are heard. I’ve been part of the committee for a few years, starting as a general member and then serving as Deputy Chairperson for the past two years.
Outside of the committee, I enjoy my veggie garden, fishing, and all kinds of crafts. I’d love to set up a drop-in craft day for tenants, their families and friends, to create a more community-focused space where we can learn from one another and share knowledge across generations. Look out in future editions for updates from me about what the committee is working on. You can also look forward to hearing from our new Deputy Chairperson Margaret and Secretary George in future newsletters.
Meet Trish – our new ACT Chairperson
Trish
Above: Trish.
Got questions about rent, maintenance, or managing neighbour disputes? Join our information sessions! Learn about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, ask questions, and share concerns with staff and fellow tenants over morning or afternoon tea. If you are interested in attending a group in your area, please contact Alex and Amy on 0437 887 675 or via info-wa@hcau.org.au. Join our tenancy information sessions
Maintenance Matters Information Session
1.00PM - 3.00PM COOLBELLUP
Thursday 6 February
Rent Setting Information Session
1.00PM - 2.30PM MELVILLE
Wednesday 26 February
Neighbour Disputes Information Session Maintenance Matters Information Session
10.30AM - 12.00PM BUNBURY
Wednesday 26 March
1.00PM - 3.00PM BENTLEY
Wednesday 9 April
Rent Setting Information Session
1.00PM - 2.30PM MANDURAH
Tuesday 15 April
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Information session snaps!
Here are some snapshots from our recent rent and maintenance info sessions – thank you to the residents who have attended these groups in 2024.
Above: Tenant Engagement Officer Alex (right) with tenant Fiona (left) at a Rent Information Session in Coobellup.
Above: (left to right) Julie-Ann, Quillum and Jackie at a Rent Information Session in Coobellup.
Above: Monique (left) and Christine (right) at a Maintenance Information Session in Gosnells.
Above: Douglas (left) and Alan (right) completing surveys at a Rent Information Session in Gosnells.
Above: (left to right) Dennis and Graham studying our new tenant handbook at a Maintenance Information Session in Mandurah.
Above: Property Services Manager Chantal (left) and tenant Penney (right) at our Maintenance group in Mandurah.
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Home Stories Summer puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher!
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.
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID:
B R V
Y
L
L
I
P Q E E R T
A L
E V U K
A O O K D E
S
WATTLE BANKSIA WARATAH
BOTTLEBRUSH KANGAROO PAW EUCALYPTUS STURT DESERT PEA
N Y T K S R
A C A C
I
A N Z C A
T W B M A
E P B
A N
LILLY PILLY DAISY
S
I N W L
E D F G A H L G
I
A T
B
I
E Q X Z W K
Y A
A D R Q X U A V T W Q S
V L Q B H T M Q P R
Z
L M Y R
L K J
T O
Congratulations to Elizabeth from Rockingham, last edition’s puzzle prize winner.
R Y
I
O P U W H U O
B C X M Y R S
P
S G
O F
I W A R A T A H H J K
Tell us the remaining word for the word search by emailing info-wa@hcau.org.au , messaging us through our Facebook page or posting it to us at Home Stories Summer Puzzle, Housing Choices Western Australia, PO Box 105, Burswood WA 6100. Competition closes Friday March 28 2025. The winner of a $50 Bunnings voucher will be drawn from all the correct entries after this date. Only one entry per household. Good luck!
Useful contacts
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788 (Perth region) 1800 676 822 (Peel region) Rurallink: 1800 552 002 (rural/regional WA)
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 WA Connect: waconnect.org.au/ Carers Gateway: 1800 422 737
Peel Office 4 Stevenson Street PO Box 1200 Mandurah WA 6210 P (08) 9534 0400
Perth Metro Office Level 7, 25 Rowe Avenue Rivervale WA 6103 PO Box 105 Burswood WA 6100 P (08) 9430 0900
South West Office 1 st Floor, 25 Victoria Street PO Box 1539
Bunbury WA 6230 P (08) 9722 7200
Maintenance Hotline 1800 203 383
info-wa@hcau.org.au housingchoices.org.au
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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