operations overview Roberta Buchanan | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
“A citizen organisation has belief in humanity; a belief that with the right conditions, it is human nature to want to contribute positively and meaningfully to the community and society that we are all part of.” From Citizens by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad
All our residents do, whether it is in their local community, at Housing Choices or both. In fact, for the second year we have actively reached out to residents such as Allira, Carly and Cindy to contribute to this annual report. Throughout the year, we have sought new ways to activate how residents can contribute and participate at Housing Choices. Residents have the richest insights to support Housing Choices to deliver on our business pillar to ‘Transform the resident experience’. Around the country you will read examples of residents participating in our business. From past and present clients of Catherine House actively supporting fundraising efforts (South Australia), residents informing our community development programs (Tasmania), to resident involvement in the procurement of suppliers of cleaning services (Victoria)and residents involved in developing guiding principles for letter writing in Western Australia. There are many ways residents can inform and influence how we do business. A personal favourite highlighted in this report is our feature on residents in specialist disability accommodation co-designing their new homes. Housing Choices is only at the start of our journey in increasing ways our residents can contribute to our organisation, it is a good start, and it is gaining momentum. We know that through more residents being involved in our organisation we will build deeper trust, increase our transparency and accountability to residents and stakeholders, but most of all continue to raise our aspirations for Housing Choices. If you want to know more about what we have planned next year, just wait and see!
Housing Choices is an organisation that holds this belief deeply. We contribute to people having the right conditions, through the provision of homes and services. In this annual report, you will read stories from residents that highlight that with the right conditions and a place to call home, how residents are positively contributing to their local community. James who since finding his home through the Victorian Government’s Homelessness to a Home program is now involved in his local football team; and Kevin, who since finding his new home at Mellor Street, has found his “green fingers” enjoying contributing at his local community garden. These are only two examples of hundreds of stories about the positive impact that comes from investment in social and affordable housing. Access to adequate housing is not only a human right recognised in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights but investing in housing makes good economic sense. This was highlighted recently by the Give Me Shelter study by SGS Economics and Planning for Housing All Australians. The study found that for every $1 invested the return is $2. Failing to invest will result in higher mental health service costs, compromised educational opportunities and significant productivity losses for businesses, with staff unable to find affordable homes nearby. Housing Choices is well prepared to partner with all levels of government to increase supply of social and affordable housing in local communities. What I really love about stories such as James's and Kevin’s, is that when they found a home, they also found their ability to contribute meaningfully to their local community and they have a lot to contribute.
regulatory compliance
Housing Choices Australia Limited is registered as a housing association under the Housing Act 1983 (Vic) which subjects it to the regulatory oversight of the Registrar of Housing Agencies. Housing Choices Tasmania Limited and Housing Choices South Australia Limited are registered Tier 1 community housing providers under the National Regulatory System for Community Housing. Housing Choices Western Australia Limited is regulated under the Community Housing Regulatory Framework as a Tier 1 community housing provider in Western Australia. Housing Choices take pride in our regulatory performance with 100% compliance achieved across the group and all performance standards required determined as met.
Artwork Left: Singlet for Cecil – Stephanie Kooy (WA)
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2021-22 annual report
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