Spring 2024
A new chapter for the Bessell Family P3 Get your garden spring ready P4 Celebrating NAIDOC Week P8
HChoicesTAS
Kim’s farewell
From the Executive General Manager
What’s my story? I joined Housing Choices as Executive General Manager Customer and Community Services early this year. My job is to support all the people at Housing Choices who support all our residents, across the country. To take up this wonderful opportunity I moved to Australia from the United Kingdom, along with my partner and our four kids. So, I know how important it is to feel settled, safe and connected to community. Like you, the staff at Housing Choices look forward to each issue of Home Stories - because it makes us feel more connected to you. Thanks to all the people across the 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. Happy reading, Hannah Harvey Executive General Manager, Customer and Community Services
After eight and half years at the helm of our Tassie operations we farewelled General Manager Kim Bomford at the end of September. Thank you, Kim, for your tireless work supporting our team to provide safe secure and affordable housing and opportunities for our residents, particularly in Hobart and the Northwest. For over two decades, Kim has been a passionate housing advocate for the people of Tasmania. While we’re sad to lose her from the Housing Choices family, we know Kim isn’t done yet!
Hi everyone, I was so happy to be invited by the Home Stories editorial crew to provide a ‘little something’ from Housing Choices’ national head office, for the first time. 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 a great read for residents, for me and all our staff it is your stories that inspire us!
In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices Tasmania acknowledges the Traditional Acknowledgement of Country
Housing Choices Tasmania Resident Christmas party save the date Latrobe ................. 3 Dec East Devonport.... 5 Dec Hobart................... 5 Dec Wynyard................ 12 Dec Somerset............... 13 Dec Ulverstone............ 17 Dec
Custodians of Country throughout lutruwita (Tasmania) 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.
Front cover: Joan in front of her new home in Shorewell Park.
2
2
A new chapter for the Bessell Family: finding comfort and joy in Shorewell Park
After 23 years in Smithton, the Bessell family has embarked on an exciting new chapter, relocating to Shorewell Park. This move has not only brought them closer to extended family and essential medical services but has also transformed their daily lives in ways they hadn’t imagined. Joan Bessell is particularly thrilled with their new home, a highlight for her is the sunsets she can see from her window, and the established garden beds and plants have sparked a new found passion for gardening. Joan has always loved roses, and her new garden features an array of her favorites: Black Beauty, Fragrant Plum, Just Joey, Mr. Lincoln and Champagne. Joan enjoys spending time sitting in her garden enjoying the fragrance of her roses and listening to her water feature. As spring approaches, she and her daughters, Sammy Jo and Karyn, are excited to enhance their garden further. New additions will include dahlias, kangaroo paw, and pink lavender, all intended to provide a burst of colour and life to their
outdoor space. Joan likes to attract birds to her garden and her favourites are blue wrens and honey eaters and enjoys frequents visits from both. The Bessell family shares their home with two cats, Shadow and Dawnie. Joan has thoughtfully ensured that her feline companions enjoy the outdoors safely by providing them with an enclosed outdoor space. This way, she can indulge her passion for both gardening and birdwatching without compromising the safety of her pets. The positive impacts of the move extend beyond Joan’s personal enjoyment. Sammy Jo, Joan’s daughter, has benefited professionally from the relocation as well. She participated in hospitality training at the Library Bean Café, a collaborative initiative between Housing Choices and the Burnie Library. The training proved invaluable, helping Sammy Jo secure a position at a local café and furthering her career aspirations.
Joan said the whole family love their new home and it has been a great move for them all.
Queens Walk Development Update
The new tower block buildings at Queens Walk in Hobart are under construction and are due to be completed in 2025. Housing Choices would like to thank the current residents of Queens Walk for their continued co-operation while construction progresses.
3
Getting your garden spring ready: a quick guide
As winter fades and the first hints of spring emerge, it's time to prepare your garden for a new growing season. Here’s a concise guide to help you get your garden spring-ready and ensure a bountiful and vibrant landscape.
1. Clean up winter debris Start by clearing away any debris left over from winter—dead leaves, branches, and old plant materials. This not only tidies up the garden but also prevents the buildup of pests and diseases. Rake the soil to remove any remaining thatch and to help aerate it. 2. Prepare the soil Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, and amend it as needed with compost or organic matter. If the soil is compacted, use a garden fork or tiller to loosen it, improving drainage and root growth. 3. Prune and trim Prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. This helps promote healthy growth and improves the overall appearance of your garden. For certain plants, such as roses and perennials, early spring is the ideal time to trim back old growth to encourage new shoots. 4. Check tour tools Ensure your gardening tools are in good working condition. Sharpen pruners, clean and oil garden shears, and check the handles and blades for any damage. Well-maintained tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient. 5. Plan and plant Decide what you want to grow this season. Start seeds indoors if you’re planning to grow plants that need a head start. For direct
9. Plan for pollinators Enhance your garden’s appeal to pollinators like bees and butterflies by planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers. Include native plants that are well-suited to your local environment and attract beneficial insects. 10. Enjoy the process Gardening should be a pleasurable experience, so take time to enjoy the process. As you prepare your garden for spring, savor the fresh air and the promise of new growth. Your efforts will soon be rewarded with a vibrant and flourishing garden.
sowing, prepare your garden beds by loosening the soil and mixing in compost. Early spring is a good time to plant cool- season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas. 6. Mulch and fertilise Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Choose an organic mulch, such as straw or bark, which will also improve soil quality as it decomposes. Fertilise your garden with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients for the growing season. 7. Water wisely With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s crucial to establish a good watering routine. Early spring often brings unpredictable weather, so monitor rainfall and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. 8. Monitor for pests and diseases Keep an eye out for early signs of pests and diseases. Spring is the time when many insects and fungal problems begin to emerge. Address any issues promptly with natural or chemical treatments as needed to protect your plants.
Spring planting
Artichoke Potato Tomato Pumpkin Silver Beet Cucumber Celery Spinach Eggplant Chilli Capsicum Lettuce
Sweetcorn Parsnip Peas Climbing Bean Dwarf Bean Butter Bean Beetroot Carrots Radish
By following these simple steps, you’ll set the stage for a successful gardening season. Happy gardening!
4
Pizza in the park: a delightful community gathering in Smithton Recently, Housing Choices hosted community event titled "Pizza in the Park," funded generously by the Mental Health Council of Tasmania. Held at the Wedge Street Park in Smithton, the gathering was a wonderful occasion for residents to come together, enjoy delicious pizza, and engage in a variety of fun activities (pictured below) .
The event successfully attracted a large turnout from the local community, with residents of all ages participating enthusiastically. Attendees joined in games, laughed, and connected with one another and with Housing Choices staff. Among the highlights of the event were classic park games that brought out the inner child in everyone. Totem tennis, ball games, and the ever- popular seesaw were met with a great sense of fun by all who attended. The presence of young participants was a particularly pleasing aspect of the day, as they not only embraced the games but also entertained staff with their lively humour and playful energy. Their engagement underscored the event's success in fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. Overall, Pizza in the Park was a resounding success, fulfilling its aim of bringing people together for an afternoon of fun and connection. The event was a
testament to the positive impact of community initiatives and the importance of creating opportunities for residents to bond and engage with each other. Thanks to the support from the Mental Health
Council of Tasmania, Housing Choices was able to create a
memorable experience that will be cherished by the Smithton community.
Do you qualify for free home internet?
To apply, follow the steps below: 1. Contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet 2. They’ll ask you some questions to see if this offer is right for you. 3. If you qualify, you’ll get a voucher. 4. Use the voucher to connect through your chosen participating internet provider before 31 December 2024.
5
Knit One, Give One (KOGO) Latrobe: weaving community spirit into every stitch KOGO Latrobe is a community group supported by Housing Choices. It is part of a broader network of Knit One, Give One organisations dedicated to making a difference through crafting. Their mission is to knit or crochet items such as blankets, scarves, and hats that can be distributed to a variety of charities and community service providers across the Northwest coast of Tasmania. What sets KOGO Latrobe apart is its emphasis on community involvement. Volunteers, ranging from seasoned knitters to enthusiastic beginners, come together to contribute their skills. The group offers a welcoming environment where everyone can participate, learn, and make a positive impact. Their efforts create a ripple effect of generosity and kindness that inspires others to contribute and engage in acts of service. Participants gather weekly at the Latrobe Bowls Club, sharing techniques, stories, and friendship. So far this year a total of 126 items have been completed. Items include knitted and crochet rugs, scarves, slippers, children’s knitwear, beanies and gorgeous knitted teddy bears.
1
2
3
Above: Image 1. Leanne (left) and Norm. 2. Katrina. 3. Dorothy.
Above: Knitted and crochet donations.
How to get involved
• Donate Handmade Items: Contribute your knitted or crocheted creations to the cause. Items such as blankets, scarves, hats, and gloves are always in demand. • Volunteer Your Time: Join one of the group’s meetings. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and engage in meaningful work. For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, please contact KOGO Latrobe 1300 312 447 or give Katrina from the Community Development team a call on 0455 068 197.
6
HCT kids art competition
Celebrating NAIDOC Week at Hub 108
HCT would like to invite all resident children to enter our kid’s art competition. Each age group will have a winner of a $30 voucher with the overall winner receiving a $50 voucher. Age groups are: Under 5, 6-9 years, 10-13 years and 13-16 years. The artwork must be a drawing or painting completed ONLY by the child. Entries close 20 November 2024.
Above: HCT staff member Karen.
Above: Artwork made by young participants at the Naidoc Week event at Hub 108.
NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and honour the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year, Hub 108 hosted a NAIDOC Week event, featuring an Aboriginal woman and Housing Choices tenancy officer Karen as the guest representative. Karen brought her wealth of knowledge and passion for Indigenous culture to the event. Her presence was a highlight, offering attendees valuable insights into Aboriginal heritage and contemporary issues. Karen's storytelling and discussions provided a deep connection to the traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities. The event at Hub 108 was a hive of creative activity, with activities planned to celebrate and reflect Indigenous culture. The playdough workshop provided participants to use natural items collected from the beach. Attendees
created textured and colourful playdough
designs, integrating shells, seaweed, and other natural elements. It was a wonderful way to connect with the environment. Jewellery making offered participants the chance to design and craft their own unique pieces. For those who enjoyed a more relaxed, the colouring station and key ring design workshop were perfect. Designing and decorating key rings allowed individuals to take home a personalised keepsake from the event, symbolising their connection to the celebrations.
Housing Choices Contacts Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm 1300 312 447 Emergency After-Hours Maintenance 1 300 512 583 Maintenance know how
Cutting extra house keys
Additional keys can be cut at: Any Jacksons Security Store Statewide or Matrix Security Ulverstone. The cost for each key is $15, residents are required to show ID along with the key for their property in order for the key to be cut. Upon vacating property, all keys supplied, and any additional keys cut will need to be returned to Housing Choices.
The event at Hub 108 was more than just a
series of activities; it was a celebration of community. Through creative expression, storytelling, and cultural education, attendees connected with each other and with the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
7
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.
Share your beautiful and creative garden for your chance to win a $100 Bunnings voucher. Your garden entry could be a favourite flower, a vegetable Spring Gardening Competition
S H Y E X F E O C
P
E D B R E
E
Z
E R
L O W E R S Z Q W A
A V K E
J
Y M U K
I
D Q D N W F
S H K O H
I
N
S
T P
T O V G B R O C Y B
W O A
Z R C N Z H L
T U O
O T
I
V G U L M J
I W E B A
P W
Z X N P O L C W F
T
E
L N H R Y
L
E N S
E C V U B N
garden, a potted plant or a creative patio area.
K H N E D
I
O P
R M B P
I
S A
P
L
I
N G J K
L
A certificate of recognition will be sent to you and all entries will go into the judging to win a Bunnings Voucher. We would love to visit you and take a photo of your garden to share in our resident newsletter. Entries close on 20th November 2024. To register or nominate someone, please call Shelby on 0455 077 759 or Katrina on 0455 068 197.
FIND THESE WORDS
GROW BLOOM BEES POLLEN
FLOWERS RAINBOW
BREEZE NESTING GARDEN SAPLING
SEEDS SOIL HATCH WEED
PLANT PRUNE
To go in the draw, contact our Community Development team with the remaining word by calling 1300 312 447 or emailing communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au. Make sure you include your name, home address, and contact number. Entries for the competition close Friday 6 December 2024 . Maximum one entry per household. A lucky Shorewell Park resident was the winner of our Winter word search draw. Congratulations!
Hobart Level 7, 39 Murray Street Hobart TAS 7000
Devonport 5 Steele Street Devonport TAS 7310
Shorewell Plaza 11A Wiseman Street Shorewell Park TAS 7320
General Enquiries 1300 312 447
Maintenance
hctinfo@hcau.org.au housingchoices.org.au
1300 512 583
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.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online