Spring 2024
Victoria in Bloom P3
Energy Relief P4 'Home is where the art is' Competition P7
HChoicesAU
From the Executive General Manager I am so happy to introduce this latest edition of Home Stories. I know your real interest in Home Stories is to keep in touch with local friends and community - and rightly so. But I thought you might like to know how important Home Stories is to us too. While it’s always a great read for residents, for me and all our staff it is actually your stories that inspire us!
To take up the wonderful opportunity to work with Housing Choices I had to move, along with my partner and our four kids, all the way from the United Kingdom to Australia and set up a new home for all of us. So, I know how important it is to feel settled, safe and connected to community. The stories you tell make us so proud of the work we do in supporting you. The staff at Housing Choices look forward to every issue of Home Stories - because it makes us feel more connected to you. Thanks to all the people right across the national Housing Choices family - staff and residents - who bring our communities together. And thanks to those who share their stories here and inspire us along the way. This edition of Home Stories features some Spring themed stories, from Cultivating Community Garden workshops to the Victoria in Bloom Garden Competition. It also has some handy tips and information to keep costs low. This includes information
Hannah Harvey Executive General Manager, Customer and Community Services exhibition. It is a spectacular way to showcase the work of our incredibly talented residents. the hard work that has gone into the ' Home is where the art is' Competition. Thank you to the resident artists that submitted their artwork. I encourage all readers to have a look at the virtual you to have a look at – it is important to keep informed on government bill relief and how it affects you. In this edition, we also celebrate
on the Energy Bill Relief Fund, which I encourage
Cover: 'Rainbow Lorikeet' by artist Dave Moore.
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.
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The 2024-25 Victoria in Bloom Garden Competition is open for applications! Victoria in Bloom is a gardening competition for anyone living in public or community housing in Victoria. It is organised by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. The competition recognises and rewards gardeners who are creating beautiful green spaces either on their own property or in a communal area. There are nine award categories. You can enter your garden in up to two categories. Victoria in Bloom Garden Competition
To inspire you, here are some images of the incredible community garden in Preston, who progressed to the State Competition.
How to register your garden
When you register, you will need to share your:
• Name, address, and telephone. • Email address (if you have one). • The award category you would like to enter (you can enter your garden in up to two categories). For more information and a registration form, visit https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/ victoria-bloom-garden-competition call 8633 4357 , 8633 4362 or email the Victoria in Bloom program manager at vicbloom@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Registrations close on 22 nd November 2024.
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Energy Relief
The Australian Government is providing extra funding to expand the Energy Bill Relief Fund. All Australian households will receive a $300 rebate to be paid in quarterly instalments on your electricity bill throughout 2024 and 2025. In most cases, your electricity provider will automatically apply the bill relief to your account, and you will not be required to do anything further. If you live in an embedded network – such as where you receive electricity from your strata or landlord in an apartment building or village- you will be eligible for a rebate through an application to the state government. To reduce administration and due to the complexity of embedded networks, households in embedded networks will receive one payment of $300. For more information, head to the Victorian Government Energy Bill Relief Fund website, where you can find fact sheets and frequently asked questions. https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/ households/help-paying-your- energy-bills/energy-bill-relief-fund
Housing Choices Australia residents located within the City of Darebin had the opportunity to expand their gardening skills and knowledge with the help of Cultivating Community. Cultivating Community is a not-for- profit organisation that manages community gardens, provides work pathways for CALD, deaf and hard of hearing individuals, offers education and learning programs and more. Over Winter and Spring, two of HCA’s block buildings had the chance to engage in workshops specially curated by Cultivating Community. These workshops focused on particulars such as soil health, propagation, and worm farms. The Community Development and Engagement Team hope to further engage Cultivating Community in other block buildings around Victoria. Cultivating Community
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Money Saving Shopping Tips
Good Neighbour Award Do you know someone who: is friendly or helpful? provides assistance to others and contributes to the community? is respectful and mindful of others? maintains their property well? volunteers in the community? Here is your chance to recognise them and their positive impact! Just tell us who and why they are the best neighbour and you will both be in the running to receive an award. Those nominated for a Good Neighbour Award will go into the draw to receive one of twelve x $250 Vouchers, and all residents who place a nomination will also go into a draw to receive two x $100 vouchers.
Growing grocery prices mean we need to be taking extra steps to make sure we’re getting bang for our buck. Here are some tips to stretch your dollars for this week’s shop.
Plan and prep your meals and write a shopping list. By doing this, you can plan around specific ingredients, rather than buying items you don’t need. By prepping meals ahead and freezing, you’re also less likely to splurge on convenience items when you want an easy option. Shop around and shop the sales. Get to know the prices of items you buy often, and shop around for the best price. Many supermarkets mark down products that are about to reach its best before date. If you see bulk chicken or beef that are heavily reduced, buy it and freeze to use later. If it’s on sale, get larger quantities of anything that has a long expiry date or is non-perishable, such as cans of tuna or pasta. Always check the unit cost. This makes it easier to compare the price by weight of similar products. Don’t forget to look on top and bottom shelves, as often, the lower-cost items will be out of your eyeline. Find alternatives to fresh. Opting for snap-frozen or tinned alternatives is a healthy and affordable option. Frozen berries or vegetables are great to keep in the freezer for when you want that extra health kick to your meal, or a quick smoothie.
To nominate your Good Neighbour, please contact our Community Development Team via email communitydevelopmentvic@ hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447.
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Pet Social
Congratulations to Laura and her gorgeous feline babies, Mademoiselle Poupee Chaton & Le Marquess Flou Pantalons. This wonderful pet family has won a $100 voucher. Here’s a little insight into what makes these cats the best.
National Mental Health Month is celebrated every October. Mental Health Month encourages us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, and the wellbeing of others. This month-long event centres around World Mental Health Day on October 10. There are many ways to get involved in Mental Health Month activities. Organisations, including the Black Dog Institute, run programs throughout the month that encourage solidarity. The Black Dog Institute holds ‘One Foot Forward’ each year, where you can join the walk for mental health. Mental Health Month
Mademoiselle Poupee Chaton (above) is very smart but getting into her senior years. She can play fetch and is harness trained, and much to her mother’s (Laura’s) dismay has learnt how to open all the cupboards, the bathroom door and my wardrobe.
Le Marquess Flou Pantalons (above) was
purchased for Mademoiselle as a companion, as she was indoor and needed a lot of constant attention and play. Laura absolutely adores these cats, wouldn’t trade them in for anything.
Our Pet Social is a quarterly feature in Home Stories . Residents have been sharing their special pet photos and stories. Don’t forget to submit your favourite pet photo and story to be nominated for a $100 gift card to communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au
Housing Choices Resident End of Year Celebrations
Save the date
Drill Hall 26 Therry Street Melbourne
Visit their website find out more and register for free. One Foot Forward supports the 1 in 5 Australians who experience mental illness each year. https://www. onefootforward.org.au/
4 th December Wednesday 12.30 - 3pm
Invite enclosed!
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The ' Home is where the art is' Competition for 2024 has officially ended. Thank you to the 36 artists who submitted over 70 pieces of artwork. All artwork has been judged by our esteemed Resident Advisory Committee and by HCA Property, Housing, Community Development and Engagement, Property Development and Specialist Housing Group teams. We’d like to take the time to thank all our artists for sharing their artwork with us. Art, in all its forms, is a personal and meaningful means of expression, and we’ve loved seeing all the talent our Victorian residents have to share. 'Home is where the art is' Competition
Above: Resident Art Work Group members – Dorian, Tristana, Markrit, Alex and JK.
Above: 'Blue Wren' by Dave Moore.
Later this year, we will invite all resident artists who submitted their work to an Artist Luncheon to celebrate their amazing achievements. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our Resident Artist Work Group. Their input and knowledge is integral to making ' Home is where the art i s' as resident-focused as possible. This year, our ' Home is where the art is' Exhibition will look a little different. Alex has put their technological chops to the test to hold a virtual exhibition, which is available for you to view online. View the exhibition at this link: https://www.artsteps.com/ view/66d14242285a4b0c12f75751
Above: (Left) 'Home Colours' by Tadros Hanna. (Right) 'Soccer' by JK.
Above: 'Stop looking down, look up and around' by Samantha Standaar.
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Home Stories Spring 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.
DOUGROWET IHKOSRESSDHHM HOMYBABNNFOCAAESAPBUUF UBMRPAUDRAMTTCSDEPSSOG OLEROFBEESLACE IRAE IAAB POASLFGNEDRAGFDNECDGGR QOHALEOYNOMRAHEDENBCCE TMPAES IONTDS I ESNEUKCCE IRSRNICAASPI LUTJJMKADZ PEADPXSLAWNMOWERCHHLTE EVASSFLOWERSAKPL I0STHU GEUAWTCE IWLHASHCWBOECI NDGP INENRAGGTLODDTLRSP I EULRHATCHPNOWENURPVAO TCRIDURETLCMANKEELZI SA SHANADDRFRA INBOWPMETOL ESBGATEADAFFODI LSGSLSF NWUGDRENYTTTADEEAI EEDL TORDENUWEEDFGQFPLANTWS
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID FLOWERS RAINBOW
GROW BLOOM BEES POLLEN
BREEZE NESTING GARDEN SAPLING
SEEDS SOIL HATCH WEED
DAFFODILS TULIPS BUTTERFLY LAWNMOWER
PLANT PRUNE
Please tell us the remaining word before Friday 6 December 2024 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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