Summer 2025
We are making it easier to contact us! P3 2025 End-of-Year Resident Celebrations P4 Caring for our pets P6
Residents at our 2025 Hobart End of Year Celebration.
HChoicesTAS
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Hannah Harvey Executive Director – Customer Services Foreword from
Welcome to a new year with Housing Choices. As we step into 2026, I’m pleased to share some updates, reflections, and news from across our communities. We ended last year on a high with our end-of-year lunches across the country. These events were a wonderful way for our residents to enjoy a shared meal, connect with staff and neighbours, and celebrate the end of another year together. Thank you to
everyone who came along and helped make them such a positive way to finish 2025. Reflecting on the year that has been we have made a huge impact with delivering several development projects across the country including 210 new homes that add to our social and affordable housing stock and house more people in secure accommodation. I also want to sincerely thank all residents who completed our 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey in December. Your feedback plays a central role in shaping our direction as an organisation. It helps us understand our residents’ experiences, focus on what matters most to you, and continue strengthening the services we provide. We look forward to sharing the results with you in our next edition. We’re also pleased to share that this February marks the launch of our new digital Contact Centre, designed to make it easier for our
residents to connect with us in the way that suits them best. Whether you prefer to call, email, message, or use new digital channels, you will have more choice and a smoother experience when you get in touch. You’ll find more information in this edition about the launch, what it means for you, and what to expect. In Tasmania, we officially opened the expanded Queens Walk development in November, now the state’s largest social and affordable housing project, delivered in partnership with Homes Tasmania. This milestone brings 65 modern, high- quality homes to residents and revitalises a much-loved community. As we look to the year ahead, we’ll keep building on our foundations and delivering services shaped by what matters most to residents. I wish everyone a great start to the year.
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.
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We are making it easier to contact us!
What’s changing? For all your enquiries including maintenance you can now reach us using: • One phone number • One email address • New digital options: SMS, WhatsApp, and website Live Chat All enquiries go to the same Contact Centre team and are recorded in one system. This means you won’t need to repeat your details, and our team can help you faster. Our Contact Centre is staffed by experienced Customer Service Officers who work from our Housing Choices offices. Having one team and one system helps us respond quickly, provide more consistent service, and better understand your needs over time. From Monday 2 February 2026, Housing Choices will have a new Contact Centre and updated contact details. This will help us respond faster, provide consistent service, and make it easier for you to get the help you need.
Our new contact details From Monday 2 February 2026 , you can contact us via:
Phone: 1300 312 447
Email: contact@hcau.org.au
SMS & WhatsApp text function: 0451 266 242
Live Chat: housingchoices.org.au
You’ll also see these details on the fridge magnet and flyer included with this newsletter.
Transition period Our old contact methods will remain active for a short period to make the change smooth. Over time, the new details will replace our maintenance hotlines, local phone numbers and emails.
If you have questions or need help, please get in touch. Our team is ready to support you.
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2025 End-of-Year Resident Celebrations
This December, residents across Tasmania came together for five festive end-of-year lunches held in Cooee, West Ulverstone, Hobart, Latrobe and East Devonport. Each event included a free lunch for residents, complete with bon bons and candy canes at every place setting to bring some Christmas cheer. There were fun touches throughout the day, including Christmas activity books with colouring-in pages and “Dear Santa” letters for events with children attending. Residents also enjoyed the chance to win a gift hamper in our door prize draw. Staff attended each event to connect with residents, share conversations and reflect on the year. Led by Community Engagement Officer Bree, the lunches were a wonderful opportunity for residents and community members to come together, celebrate and enjoy a relaxed end-of-year gathering.
Above and right: residents at our end-of-year lunches in Cooee, West Ulverstone, Hobart, Latrobe and East Devonport.
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Above: New Queens Walk resident Julie (front left) with Homes Tasmania CEO Eleri Morgan-Thomas (front right) and Housing Choices Executive and management staff.
A warm welcome to Queens Walk’s new residents In November we officially opened the expanded Queens Walk development - now Tasmania’s largest social and affordable housing project delivered in partnership with Homes Tasmania. With 65 brand-new modern and energy efficient homes added, Queens Walk now offers 149 homes right in the heart of Hobart, giving more Tasmanians the place they can call home. Julie, one of the first new residents to move into the new development says she already feels at home in her new place: “I’m so happy here. I’ve never looked back; this really is home. Having this place means I can live comfortably, stay close to work and still be part of the community.” A huge thank-you to our existing residents on this site for their patience and cooperation throughout the redevelopment and we look forward to welcoming all new residents at Queens Walk into the Housing Choices community.
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Caring for our pets
Having a pet brings comfort and companionship, but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether you already have a pet or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to consider the costs involved, how pets affect neighbours, and what’s needed to keep animals safe and well cared for.
Keeping pets safe in hot weather Always provide shade and fresh water. Walk dogs in the early morning or evening. Never leave pets in cars or enclosed spaces. Watch for signs of heat stress, including heavy panting or drooling.
Planning for pet costs Pets have ongoing costs such as food, vet check-ups and flea and worm treatments. It’s also important to plan for unexpected medical emergencies. Residents are responsible for any property damage caused by pets, including scratched doors, torn flyscreens or stained carpets. Free financial advice is available through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 .
Being mindful of neighbours
Check your legal requirements Dogs must be microchipped and registered and cats must be microchipped and desexed, unless exempt. All pets must have access to food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Check with your local council for any additional requirements.
Keep dogs on a lead outside your home and use local dog parks for off-leash play. Keep cats indoors at night to protect wildlife and neighbouring properties. Be mindful of ongoing noise, such as frequent barking.
If you need support If caring for your pet becomes difficult due to illness, age or unexpected circumstances, help is available. RSPCA Tasmania provides welfare advice, emergency vet assistance, desexing programs and surrender options. Contact them on 1300 139 947 or via rspcatas.org.au .
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Staying safe this bushfire season We have already seen many bushfires across the country this Summer so it’s important to take a few simple steps to keep your home and household safe during bushfire season.
Above: Clyde the cat.
Prepare your home and garden Clear away dry leaves, branches and rubbish from balconies, courtyards and garden areas. Regularly mow lawns and trim back dry or overgrown plants where you can, especially near doors, windows and air-conditioning units. If using a BBQ this summer, keep it away from flammable materials, never leave it unattended, and make sure to turn it off after use. Be ready for emergencies Stay informed by downloading the TasALERT app , visiting fire.tas.gov.au or calling the Tasmania Fire Service on 1800 000 699 . Have a bushfire plan, especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area so you know what to pack, when to leave and where to go. For advice and examples of bushfire safety plans, visit your state emergency services website or app listed above.
Pet Social is a new feature in Home Storie s, where we share the pets who bring comfort and companionship into our residents’ lives. To kick off our first Pet Social winner, we’re introducing Clyde the cat. Clyde is Lee’s support cat and helps her manage her mental health. Clyde is the younger brother to Bonnie, completing the iconic duo, but Clyde holds a particularly special place in owner Lee’s heart. “He literally is my lifeline I don't know how I would be without him. I have CPSTD and anxiety and he is just amazing. If I am sad, he is straight there making me laugh,” said Lee. “Whenever I bring fresh flowers in from the garden, he has to stop and sniff them on the way through the door,” Lee said. A big thank you to Lee for letting us get to know Clyde and the impact he has made on your life. Pet Social
Have you thought about contents insurance?
Contents insurance is optional, but it can help protect your personal belongings if they’re damaged or lost due to accidents or emergencies, such as a fire. Having cover in place can provide peace of mind. If you’re considering contents insurance, take time to find a provider and level of cover that suits your needs and budget.
Want your pet to be featured in the next Home Stories? Send a photo of your pet and a short story about them to communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au Each selected entry receives a $25 gift voucher and a personalised pet pack!
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Home Stories Summer puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher! To celebrate our diverse and multicultural country – our crossword is filled with delicious foods from around the world. 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.
AWXTPHCREPERE OSPUIATYNMVIN PUHMZNEBXZQSC TSGFZBJLKWAOH JHLYAXSELFVTI K IMCHIWKRAATL STRUDELZBALOA FALAFELAKPKID KHOSUMMUHYAQA DUMPL INGQRBOP IDBIRYANIVBYL
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID: Sushi Paella Hummus Kimchi Pizza Gelato Enchilada Baklava Falafel Crepe Dumpling Risotto Biryani Strudel Injera
Tell us the remaining word for a chance to win a $50 Bunnings voucher! Send us your answer before Friday 27 March 2026 by: Email: communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au Phone: 1300 312 447 Only one entry per household is allowed. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. Good luck! Congratulations to Edwina, the winner of last edition’s puzzle
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: 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
1300 312 447 housingchoices.org.au facebook.com/HChoicesTAS
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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