Winter 2026
Listening and Learning from Residents P3 Resident Art Showcase P4 Dealing with Damp & Mould P8
Resident artist Hannah, a first-time exhibitor at our 2026 Resident Art Showcase.
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Foreword
around the country, giving me the opportunity to spend time in Perth, Mandurah and the surrounding communities. During my visit, I toured a range of existing properties and new developments, including our new homes in Falcon, which will soon welcome their first residents. Seeing both established communities and future projects provided a valuable insight into how we continue to grow and respond to housing needs across the regions. I was also pleased to return to WA for the official opening of our new East Perth office. The occasion included a moving talk from Trish, chair of our WA resident advisory committee and an exhibition showcasing artwork created by residents. It was wonderful to welcome our partner organisations and the Hon. John Carey MLA, Minister for Housing and Works, to celebrate the occasion. A particular highlight was hearing directly from resident artists who shared their creativity, personal stories and reflections on the role housing, community and art have played
in their lives. It was a privilege to hear these experiences and celebrate the talents within our resident community. Going forward my focus is on listening, learning and building on the strong foundations already in place. I look forward to meeting many more residents in the months ahead and continuing to strengthen the communities we're proud to support. Thank you for the warm welcome I've received across the country so far. I look forward to meeting many more residents and continuing to build on the strong communities that make Housing Choices so special. Warm regards, Leilani Frew Chief Executive Officer Above left: Leilani at our East Perth Office Opening with advisory committee Chair Trish, HCA Board Chair Rebecca (L) and Hon John Carey MLA, Ministor for Housing and Works (R). Above right: Leilani visiting our new development in Falcon with HCA staff.
Having joined Housing Choices Australia as CEO in June, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and say hello to residents across our communities in this Winter edition of Home Stories . Since joining Housing Choices Australia, I've been fortunate to visit many of our communities across Australia. Here are a few highlights from those visits. The highlight of these early months has definitely been the conversations I've had with residents. Hearing your stories, experiences and ideas has given me valuable insight into what matters most and has reinforced why the work we do is so important. Western Australia was one of my first stops as I travelled
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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Above: Group facilitator Aley from CHIA NSW with residents at our Cockburn focus group.
Above: Group facilitator Aley from CHIA NSW with residents from at our Mandurah focus group.
Listening and learning from residents
In our last newsletter, we shared the results of our 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey and the actions we were taking. Since then, we have continued listening to residents through our recent pulse survey and resident focus groups. Resident focus groups In May we held 10 resident focus groups across Australia with new and long-term residents. In WA we held focus groups in Cockburn and South of Mandurah. These groups were run by an independent organisation Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) and discussed important topics raised in the 2025 survey including: ∞ what good housing service looks like ∞ what works well and what could be improved ∞ tenant rights ∞ communication ∞ customer service Thank you to the residents who took part in these groups. We’ll receive a report in late August and look forward to sharing the findings with you.
Pulse Survey results In June we sent a short online survey to a sample of our residents. The survey asked about your most recent contact with us and how you found our communication and customer service. Key Results 1,400 households completed the survey 78% said staff were helpful 84% said staff treated them
where 71% of residents were satisfied with communications and
69% were satisfied with response times. We also received positive feedback about the helpfulness of staff, face to face interactions and enquires around inspections, maintenance, resident groups and offers of housing. What you said we
could do better We also heard that we could improve your experience when
with respect and professionalism 73% said staff clearly
explained the process or information
communicating with you by email, about feedback or complaints, debt and repayments, and about the outcome of your enquiry. What’s next? The feedback from our surveys and focus groups will be reviewed to help improve our services.
72% were satisfied with response times 70% felt their enquiry was handled well 64% were happy with the outcome of their query What you said we did well We heard that residents are seeing improvements compared to our 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey,
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This year we had another amazing collection of incredible artwork, photography and craft on show at our 2026 annual Resident Art Showcase in Rockingham. Each year we say it can’t keep getting better and it does! We welcomed 5 new artists to the fold and reconnected with so many returning artists, family and friends. We had 43 artists aged from 23 to 90 take part, with more than 195 pieces on display and 112 visitors and staff through the doors. On the day we sold more than $4,000 worth of artwork from 20 artists, some who had never sold before, with all monies going directly to the residents. Some artists have been working on their craft for months and each year come up with original pieces that continue to wow and inspire us all. We had several prize winners including the Dean Baylis Memorial prizes generously donated by Ursula, Dean’s mother which honours the impact the Resident Art Showcase had on Dean’s life. If you wish to be involved in the Housing Choices resident art community contact Alex, Community Engagement Officer on 1300 312 447 or via our new community engagement email cewa@hcau.org.au It's not a room of strangers, but a room of friends... It feels like I'm part of a community." Allan – exhibiting artist since 2020 Resident Artists shine bright at the 2026 Resident Art Showcase
Above: Steph – winner of the Favourite Artwork Award.
Above: L-R Housing officer Tim with artist Malcolm joint winner of the Dean Baylis award.
To see a video from the day and hear from staff and residents scan the QR code!
Above: The wave artwork by Jarred - joint winner of the New Artist Award.
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Above: Resident artist Allan's expressive portraits on show.
Above: Underwater Playground by George - joint winner of the Packer's Prize.
Above: Dean Baylis Award Custodian Ursula holding Suzanne's artwork – joint winner of the Dean Baylis Award.
Above: Artwork from Favorite Artist award winner Tamara with her family collecting the prize on her behalf.
Above: Welcome to our Home artwork by Trish - joint winner of the Packers Prize.
Above: Celina and her miniature craft creations - joint winner of the New Artist Award.
Above: Resident crafter Lisa's Purple Lantern.
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Above: Residents taking part in the artists panel (L-R) Melanie, Sydney, George, Community Engagement Officer Alex and Trish. Resident Voices in the spotlight at East Perth office opening
CEO Leilani Frew, HCA Board members, executives and stakeholders including Hon John Carey MLA, Minister for Housing and Works came together for a very special official opening of our new East Perth office in June. Trish, chair of our resident advisory committee, spoke beautifully of her life's journey and amazing contributions to her local community.
Guests toured a special in-house art exhibition and had the chance to listen to residents Melanie, Sydney and George, who shared their experiences as artists, reflected on the role creativity has played in their lives and the importance of stable housing.
Spring 2025
Make your payments more secure and win P3 Updates to our Rent Policy P5 Money Matters sessions round up P6
Resident Sylvia at our Bunbury Quiz Afternoon.
Have your say on Home Stories
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We want to make sure this newsletter supports you. We would love to hear what you think about Home Stories . Please tell us: ∞ what you find helpful ∞ what you would like to see more of ∞ how we can improve future updates
Please scan this QR code to complete the short feedback form.
If you prefer to give feedback about Home Stories via phone or email contact us on 1300 312 447 or via contact@hcau.org.au .
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Anyone with a valid WA driving licence can now claim the WA Goverment's one-off $100 Fuel Support Payment to help ease household budget pressures. How to Claim Get the app: Download and log into the ServiceWA app. Make sure your Digital ID is up to date: You need two identity documents to set this up. Submit details: Enter your WA driver's licence and bank account details. Get paid: The $100 is deposited directly into your bank account. Alternatively, if you do not wish to use the Service WA app you can claim via an eForm, download a paper form or collect the form in person from participating public libraries. Completing the e-form or paper form may take up to 8 weeks to process. For more details check the QR code below. Key Rules Eligibility: You must hold a valid WA driver's licence, provisional licence, or learner's permit and have a WA residential address. Status: Your licence cannot be suspended, cancelled, or expired. Deadline: You have until December 31, 2026 to make a claim. Have you claimed your $100 Fuel support payment?
Calling all resident writers!
Are you a budding writer, poet or wish to tell a story for the first time? It's time for our annual Writing Competition. You can submit a short story, poem, essay or reflection - it's up to you. It can be a new piece or something from years past. The optional theme this year if you need inspiration is - A special memory or experience. If you want a reminder of last year's winners scan the QR code below. Winners will receive a prize, and selected entries will be published in our next resident newsletter. Want to enter? Submit your entry our new WA community engagement email address cewa@hcau.org.au. Competition closes Friday 30 October . Maximum 2 entries per person.
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Dealing with Damp & Mould
Condensation and mould can occur on any surface, look unpleasant, and can increase the risk of illness. Mould is usually black but can be other colours including greens, yellows, pinks, grey, or white.
Above: This edition’s winner of Pet Social is Upton, Melanie’s loveable 12 year old Labrador cross Golden Retriever.
Tips to prevent mould in your home:
Open windows to ventilate rooms during the day especially when showering, cooking and washing to help remove moisture from the air.
Treating mould in the home: If mould appears, treat it as soon as possible. You can spray it with white vinegar, leave for an hour then wipe clean with water and dry.
Pet social Melanie shared Upton's story: "Upton came to me from Sydney in 2015 as an assistance dog but failed after six months. I chose to keep him as his skills are amazing and he's still eager to help me at home. He knows how to take off my hat, scarf and shoes, put dirty laundry in my washing machine, pick up things I drop, open and shut doors including the fridge, and put rubbish in my bins. When we walk, he picks up litter from my street and neighbours' yards. I carry it home and put it in the bin. In the 4.5 years I've kept records, we've picked up over 17,000 items. Pretty good for an old dog."
Use your kitchen fan when cooking
Open your curtains or blinds everyday - sunlight helps stop mould. Wipe water droplets off walls, windows and windowsills when you see it. Clean your exhaust fans regularly (if you struggle to reach ask a neighbour or family member to help). Always use the exhaust fan when you shower or take a bath and leave it on until the steam is gone. Keep your home at a constant temperature, rather than heating in bursts when it is cold or wet outside.
What should I do if I take actions to prevent mould and condensation but the mould won’t go away? If you are having problems keeping the mould away or have further questions please contact your housing officer or our
If you can, hang washing outside to dry.
Keep floors clear of clothes, especially if wet. Make sure shoes and clothes are dry before putting them away.
If you have a pet you'd like to feature in Pet Social, send a photo and a short story to cewa@hcau.org.au to be included in the next edition of Home Stories and win a prize.
maintenance team on 1300 312 447.
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Have you checked your gutters and gully?
It's time to save the date! Our much-loved End of Year Lunches are back, giving residents the opportunity to come together, connect with neighbours, meet Housing Choices staff and celebrate another year as a community. To help us reach residents across the regions where we work, we rotate event locations every two years. This year, we're excited to be hosting lunches in Bunbury, Gosnells and Rockingham. All residents are invited to select the location and date that suits them. Come along for a free delicious catered lunch, raffle prizes, quizzes and fun! Save the date for our End of Year Lunches
After a wet and windy winter, it is a great time to check your gully and gutters.
Gutters
Checking your gutters Gutters that are clogged by debris and leaf matter may cause water to leak into your property. We recommend standing as far back as possible to get a good vantage point of your gutters to see if there is any debris or build up. This is a lot safer than getting on a ladder. If your gutters need cleaning due to being clogged by leaves and natural debris, please call through to 1300 312 447 and talk to our maintenance team.
Bunbury Wednesday 2 December
Gosnells Wednesday 9 December
Gully
Checking your gully The overflow gully on your property is connected to the wastewater system. You will usually find it outside near your bathroom, kitchen or laundry and it’s designed to release any wastewater away from your home in the event of a sewer blockage. Please help protect your home and take a moment to check your gully to make sure it is not covered by pot plants, landscaping, or other objects and is free of leaf matter. If you are not sure where your gully is located, ask a housing officer during your next inspection.
Rockingham Wednesday 16 December
Please RSVP by contacting our new WA community engagement email address cewa@hcau.org.au or call 1300 312 447 . When you get in touch, please let us know which event you would like to attend.
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Trish from Mandurah (left) highly recommends booking an assessment and has found significant savings already. Resident Review: How Energy Ahead helped me
Worried about your electricity bills? Energy Ahead is a free WA Government program aimed to help households reduce their electricity bills. How Energy Ahead can help Energy advice: Personalised advice over the phone, online, or at home. Free home energy check: A 2-hour assessment to find exactly where you can save power. Free energy-saving items: get free items like pedestal fans, heated throws, clothes airers, or LED light globes. Free appliance replacement: Some eligible households may get inefficient appliances replaced for free. Who is eligible? All Synergy customers who are on a low income or are experiencing financial stress are eligible. How to apply Find your Synergy Account Number Visit the website www.thefwc.org.au/ energyahead ; or call (08) 6253 3500 Energy Ahead Program: Free support to lower your bills
"At first, we thought we knew a lot about how to save on power. Then after discussing it at length, we said why not contact Energy Ahead? We both might learn something. So, we booked in for a home visit. Adam from Energy Ahead turned up and showed us a few things we knew already like the type of globes we should use and doing the washing, drying or dishwashing out of peak use times. Adam then showed us how to keep track of our power through our account on Synergy website (amazing) we didn't know about that. Then came the big user for us - cooling and heating. Shock horror, we knew nothing! What a game changer for us to find out by using the dry or humidifier setting on your air conditioning control you can keep your place cool or warm and cut over 50% of your power usage WOW! We even received a low wattage electric rug as a freebee worth over $100. We were so happy we decided to do this. 10 months on and we've saved more than $300 on cooling and heating! All I can say is Do it!"
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Rene's road to success – the power of perseverance
Rene has been a resident with Housing Choices for more than 15 years and a regular attendee at our resident groups. In 2023, Rene took a brave leap and returned to study as a mature student. "It was daunting at first," Rene shared with us after his first semester. "But now everything is rolling along smoothly. Sometimes it’s just a matter of perseverance and the brain cells will eventually become active!" Rene’s dedication paid off, and he recently graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering. Alongside this achievement, he is proud of the positive changes he has made in his life over recent years. "Looking back, I can clearly see how far I've come and the positive impact changes I have made have had on my health, wellbeing and outlook on life," Rene reflects. Rene credits much of his success to having a stable and secure foundation. "Having a safe roof over my head provided the stability I needed to rebuild my life and opens the road to new opportunities." Rene is deeply grateful for the support he received over the years. "Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the support and encouragement shown by the Community Engagement team, lecturers, friends, family, and fellow students. This kindness has made a lasting difference." Today, Rene looks to the future with renewed confidence and hopes his journey will inspire others. "Progress may be gradual, but every step forward is worthwhile." We are incredibly proud of Rene's achievement and wish him every success in this exciting new chapter.
Above: Rene with his Advanced Diploma Certificate.
Above: Alex, Community Engagement Officer and Rene meet up again at recent Community Connections Group in Armadale.
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Home Stories Winter puzzle Win a prize!
HAVE A COZY NIGHT IN WITH THESE WORDS IN THE GRID: SNOW is not actually in the grid. Words may be forward, backward, up, down or diagonal. Find all the words in the word search except for one, which
JVJUMPERTSKRH SEVOLGWQJSNOW LTYCDZFSJQHCU BEANI EHCSKSBT HLOMNHDA I I KVH LCIBTSORFSIEE SHMZSOCFL I I JR T I LMZSSOUPNAM VLDRHAWYAVGTA OLJNIARXDTSUL EYLEYEODKDVOS
JUMPER RAIN SOUP CHILLY COAT THERMALS GLOVES
BEANIE SKIING BLIZZARD FROST SCARF FIREPLACE
To go in the draw, contact our Community Engagement team with the remaining word by calling 1300 312 447 , emailing cewa@hcau.org.au or posting to PO Box 165, Victoria Park WA 6979.
Make sure you include your name, home address, and contact number. Entries for the competition close Friday 23 October 2026. Maximum one entry per household. Congratulations to Leo from Hall's Head , last edition’s puzzle prize winner.
Useful contacts National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Ask Izzy: askizzy.org.au Carers Gateway: 1800 422 737
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)
Perth Metro Office Level 2, 6-8 Bennett Street, East Perth WA 6004 PO Box 156 Victoria Park WA 6979
Peel Office 4 Stevenson Street PO Box 1200 Mandurah WA 6210
South West Office 1 st Floor, 25 Victoria Street PO Box 1539 Bunbury WA 6230
All Enquiries 1300 312 447 contact@hcau.org.au
0451 266 242 (SMS/WhatsApp)
facebook.com/HChoicesWA
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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