Autumn 2025 2024 Resident Survey snapshot P3 More homes, better homes across the country! P5
International Women's Day Celebrations P7
Resident Janet at her latest Op Shop fundraiser supporting the Devonport Dogs Home.
HChoicesTAS
1
we are committed to making a positive impact and ensuring everyone has access to an affordable, comfortable, and supportive home. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we hope you enjoy reading about the progress we are making together. I would also like to take this opportunity to share a good news story with you. A former Transitional Housing Management (THM) tenant, who had been homeless for five years, started his tenancy with us in 2020. With the support of our partners, Thorne Harbour, he has stabilised his physical and mental health, secured employment, and rebuilt his life. By the end of 2024, he reached an incredible milestone- purchasing his very own one-bedroom home and becoming a proud homeowner. This is a strong reminder as to why we do what we do - helping people find stability, security, and a place to call home. The Community Engagement Team in Tasmania is evolving,
and we’re excited to welcome some fantastic new team members on board! If you see them around, be sure to say hello and give them a warm welcome. I am also thrilled to introduce our new Director of Housing Services, Cynara Miles. Originally from Perth, Cynara brings over two decades of experience in the housing and community housing sectors. She is deeply committed to enhancing our services for you, our residents, through our national services model. Cynara is also passionate about addressing the needs of diverse and vulnerable communities, ensuring that we continue to improve and meet everyone’s unique requirements. We are incredibly fortunate to have Cynara join the Housing Choices team and she is looking forward to meeting you as and when opportunities arise. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome when you see her.
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and found some time to relax and recharge. This edition of Homes Stories is packed with exciting updates, stories, and important news. We’ve included a special section highlighting some of our most anticipated housing projects underway across Australia, where we’re not only building more homes but also improving the quality of living for people and families in need. From Hannah Harvey Executive Group Director Customer Services
From new developments to community initiatives,
Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation Housing Choices Tasmania acknowledges the Traditional 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.
2
2024 Resident Survey snapshot
A huge thank you to all residents who took part in our 2024 annual survey! With 33% of Tasmanian residents sharing their feedback, your input is essential in shaping our services. While the survey is conducted nationally, we’re highlighting state specific results to make sure what you see aligns with your experiences locally. Our learnings from each state will allows us to focus on local improvements but also share best practices across the country as we move toward a national service model, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for our residents across the country. We’re now developing local and national action plans based on your insights and will share updates in the Winter edition of Home Stories .
Your satisfaction with our services
81 %
satisfied with condition of home 82 %
79 %
82 %
satisfied with repairs and maintenance service
satisfied with repairs and maintenance quality
satisfied with neighbourhood
satisfied with resident involvement 73 %
satisfied with communications 82 %
72 %
satisfied with how we take your views into account
1. Repairs and Maintenance. 2. Overall condition of home. 3. Communications with Housing Choices. 4. Your neighbourhood as a place to live. Areas of service most important to residents
1. Understanding more about maintenance and repairs. 2. Understanding more about rent and rent reviews. 3. Social and wellbeing activities. 4. Dealing with anti-social behaviour. Activities residents are most interested in
Survey prize draw winners
Congratulations to the winners of our survey prize draw! 10 residents from across WA, VIC, SA, and TAS were randomly selected from all national survey respondents to receive a $100 gift voucher. Our winners are Glen, Alice, Scout, Michael, Anne, Beverley, Gaylene, James, Jayleesa, and Kylie.
3
Ask Izzy – support service online tool With the changes to the Community Engagement Team in mind, we take this opportunity to share a great and handy resource. Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby. Ask Izzy has over 450,000 support services for you to explore, covering topics such as food, money help, health and wellbeing, work and much more.
Do you know someone who is a particularly good neighbour and ticks some of the boxes below? Housing Choices Australia would like to help you thank them and recognise their contribution to the community Good Neighbour Initiative
by rewarding them. Is your neighbour:
Friendly and helpful? Mindful of others? Respectful of others’ privacy and lifestyles?
Simply head to https://askizzy.org.au/ and explore or scan this QR code .
Or does your neighbour: Help others?
Contribute to the local community? Do good deeds for others?
Maintain their property? Alert others to danger?
The Good Neighbour Initiative recognises the impact that good neighbours have on our wellbeing.
Resident OP Shop Last week our resident Janet held another Op Shop. The turnout was great, with a constant stream of people coming despite the wet and stormy weather. Janet raised $237 which we have donated to the Devonport Dogs Home. Keep an eye out for her next Op Shop which will be in 3 months’ time. Thank you to everyone who has supported this event in the past and hopefully, in the future.
To nominate a Good Neighbour, give us a call on 1300 312 447, send us an email at communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au or tell your Housing Officer. One good neighbour and one nominator will be awarded with a certificate and voucher each quarter. If you have nominated a particular neighbour before, please nominate a different one, so everyone gets a chance to be the best neighbour! This Quarter's winner is from Shorewell Park.
4
More homes, better homes across the country!
New and affordable homes at Riverwalk Estate, Werribee Victoria
Tasmania Construction at Queens Walk is well underway
Western Australia 30 new homes coming to Busselton
Residents have now moved into our 18 new homes at Riverwalk Estate in Werribee, delivered in partnership with Homes Victoria and EveryOne, a division of Metricon Homes. Eight of the houses were purchased by our valued partner Aboriginal Housing Victoria. We hope our new residents enjoy their beautiful homes and look forward to building a vibrant and welcoming community here - a part of the expansive Riverwalk Estate!
Great things are happening at our Queens Walk community in New Town, Hobart! Construction is proceeding smoothly for two new buildings, alongside the iconic 1950s towers that were renovated and expanded by Housing Choices over the last decade. This upcoming development will deliver 65 new architecturally designed social and affordable apartments for people in need. Located in the scenic surrounds of Cornelian Bay, the project will feature secure bike parking, improved landscape lighting, and inviting recreational spaces — all close to public transport and a range of outdoor facilities. Delivered in partnership with Homes Tasmania, this new community will offer comfort, connection, and convenience in a beautiful, well-connected location. Thank you to our wonderful Queens Walk residents, who have been so patient and cooperative during construction.
Located 220kms south of Perth, Busselton is a beautiful coastal town - home to the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, built in 1851! We’re excited to announce Housing Choices will build 30 new social and affordable homes here by the end of 2026, in partnership with the State Government and Development WA. Located opposite Churchill Park, a short walk from Busselton’s downtown hub of Queen Street, our residents will have easy access to public transport, shops, services, and amenities. The architect- designed development features 22 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom apartments, all with environmentally sustainable features. We can’t wait to kick off this exciting project.
5
Whilst Autumn has only just begun, it’s a great opportunity to remind you that our Spring Garden Competition is running this year. If you are an avid outdoor gardener, tend to your indoor plants or just want to give gardening a go, this competition is a great opportunity to work on your green thumbs. Gardening is an amazing way to get in touch with nature but also has great benefits to mental and physical health. All types of gardens can be entered, from veggie to flower to indoor sanctuaries. Share photos of your garden with us to get the Spring Garden Competition
Resident Spotlight: Julie – a beloved part of the Queens Walk Family
Housing Choices resident Julie has been a cherished member of our Queens Walk community for over 11 years. As one of the first tenants to arrive after the last major refurbishment in 2012, Julie has watched Queens Walk evolve into the vibrant, welcoming community it is today. She loves the central location, close to all the amenities and conveniences she could ever need. She has fond memories of spending time in the common areas and is looking forward to watching the new accommodation and exciting landscaping come to life once the current redevelopment program is finished. Julie is also excited to welcome new residents to the Queens Walk community; or as she calls it ‘home’. She’s grateful for the support of Housing Choices staff,
who she praises as being fantastic in helping create a space where everyone feels welcome. Queens Walk, originally known as Stainforth Court, was built more than 60 years ago as part of a social housing initiative for Hobart after the Second World War. The site was completely
chance to win one of four $100 Bunnings vouchers . Make sure to include some background info on you, your garden, and what your garden
rejuvenated in 2012, when the area was
reborn and renamed, and management was taken over by Housing Choices Tasmania. With a strong focus on placemaking, Housing Choices built a thriving Queens Walk community, a place where many Tasmanians in need of safe and secure housing could proudly call home. Like Janet, we too look forward to welcoming our new residents to become part of this enduring, historic residential project that will provide even more safe homes in central Hobart.
means to you. Send your photos in by Monday, 3 rd November . Your gardens will be judged by members of our Resident Advisory Committee. This year, we have four categories you can submit your garden under: • Best vegetable garden • Best flower garden • Best backyard • Best indoor sanctuary
To enter the competition, send photos of your garden to communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au
Happy gardening!
6
International Women's Day
On the 5 th of March, the East Devonport Neighbourhood House buzzed with excitement as the community gathered to celebrate International Women's Day. The sun beamed down, casting a warm, golden glow on the vibrant gathering of about 50 people, all coming together to honour the women in their lives and beyond. It was a day of joy, relaxation, and reflection, where every detail was crafted to make the occasion feel special. As guests entered, they were greeted with cheerful smiles and a delicious lunch spread out before them. The organizers had prepared an assortment of takeaway lunches, allowing everyone to enjoy a satisfying meal while mingling and soaking in the atmosphere. There were fresh salads ingredients, pasta and chicken. Some guests enjoyed their lunch on the long communal tables, while others opted to take their food to go, ensuring that no one left hungry. The afternoon continued with a delightful array of activities to pamper and refresh the
perfect for a self-care session at home.
attendees. A refreshing treat that added a splash of fun to the day were the Mocktails. The drinks, made with fresh fruit juices and garnished with mint and citrus, sparkled in the sunlight as people enjoyed themselves and exchanged stories. It was an event not just about celebrating women, but also about enjoying the simple pleasures of life and community. One of the most popular experiences of the day was the pampering, hand massages and glitter tattoos. Soothing, calming hand massages were offered to anyone in need of a moment of relaxation. The massages provided a serene break from the busy celebrations, leaving everyone feeling rejuvenated and appreciated. The glitter tattoos added fun to the day. The sunny day also brought with it an extra special surprise: goody bags filled with wonderful pampering products. The bags, which were carefully curated, included lotions, scrubs, and other indulgent treats,
During the event the air was filled with laughter and conversations, creating
a warm and inclusive atmosphere. It was a
celebration of not just the achievements of women but the power of community, unity, and self-care. The East Devonport Neighbourhood House had truly created a space where everyone felt valued, relaxed, and empowered. The International Women's Day celebration was a reminder that no matter how big or small, each gesture of appreciation counts. Whether it was a mocktail shared with a friend, a soothing hand massage, or the simple act of enjoying a good meal in good company, the day was a beautiful tribute to the strength, beauty, and resilience of women everywhere.
7
Home Stories Autumn 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 Aussie Classics in the grid! Lamington Uluru Crocodile Dundee Platypus ACDC Wiggles Mad Max Pavlova Kakadu Bondi Wombat Mate Milo Vegemite
M A D M A X E
E X H Y U W
I
Z R
Y C M E
T B Q P
L O
L A U M O X Z N C M N M B K V R B R T W Z C L U U Y T L U A T V B M F G D K J L O P T Q L A M I N G T O N V C I P L A T Y P U S P L A B D W I G G L E S O R T D X N I V B U D A K A K M T W O P O C R O C O D I L E Q B B A Q D E D A L J
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 June 13 2025 . Maximum one entry per household
Useful contacts
Emergency Relief Tasmania: 1800 647 995 Monday to Wednesday from 12:30pm – 2:30pm
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Lifeline: 13 11 14 QLife: 1800 184 527
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 SANE: https://www.sane.org/
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.
8
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker