Summer 2025
2025 End of Year Resident Lunches P3 We are making it easier to contact us! P4
Celebrating kindness at Common Ground P7
Residents and staff at our 2025 Light Square End of Year Celebration.
HChoicesSA
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 South Australia, we are pleased to share that work is underway on the New Generation Catherine House development - a purpose -built crisis and recovery accommodation project in the CBD. Once complete, it will provide 52 self-contained apartments, on-site support, and welcoming community spaces for women in need. 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 Housing Choices South Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where this publication is produced, the Kaurna people, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are part of the Housing Choices community.
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Above: Residents and staff enjoying end-of-year celebrations. Below: Common Ground music group performing at the events. 2025 End of Year Resident Lunches
Our end-of-year celebrations at Light Square and at the Klemzig Community Hall brought residents and staff together for fun, food, and connection. Residents enjoyed a great mix of activities, including a scavenger hunt for all ages, Christmas quiz, candy-can count and raffle prizes. The Common Ground music group also performed at the events, creating a great atmosphere for everyone who came along. Everyone enjoyed free drinks and a delicious catered lunch, followed by desserts from the Common Ground cooking group. The group made coconut and chocolate truffles inspired by Community Connections Officer Jessica’s Brazilian recipe. Their decorated Christmas-tree cakes were also a hit with attendees as a festive dessert option. A special thank-you also goes to Haydon from our Photography Club who captured the celebrations so beautifully on camera. It was wonderful to have our residents involved in different ways to make these events so special.
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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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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: Common ground residents cooking up a storm in the NEST Program.
OzHarvest NEST program The Nutrition Education Skills Training (NEST) Program, delivered by OzHarvest, has been making a meaningful impact at Common Ground. Through practical cooking sessions and nutrition education, residents are learning how to prepare healthy, affordable meals while building confidence in the kitchen. The program is run by OzHarvest in the NEST program facilitator Diana, whose guidance has created a welcoming and empowering space where participants can connect, develop new skills, and enjoy delicious food together.
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 Alert SA app, visiting cfs.sa.gov.au or calling the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361 . 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.
Below: Amazing watermelon snacks made by residents in the NEST Program.
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.
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Spring Gardening Competition winners
Our 2025 Spring Gardening Competition brought in some truly outstanding entries, and we’re excited to share the winning gardens and the residents behind them. Winners received a $100 Bunnings gift card and a certificate to celebrate their amazing gardens.
Champion of Cheerful Flowers – Kym (above)
Blooming Balcony Champion – Lilly (above)
Heavenly Herb Garden Champion – Stephen (below)
Dazzling Decorations Champion – Robert (above)
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Above: Kindness Award winners Jaqueline, Shane and Manisha with Supportive Services Director Julie Duncan (right).
Celebrating kindness at Common Ground
Our Kindness Award Lunch brought together residents and staff to celebrate the acts of generosity that make our community stronger. During the event, we recognised individuals who consistently show compassion, support, and encouragement to others at Common Ground. It was an afternoon of good food, and positive conversations and showed that a little bit of kindness goes a long way to create community.
Say hello to Pet Social!
We are introducing a new regular feature in Home Stories that celebrates the animals who brighten our lives every day. Each edition, we’ll feature a resident’s pet and their story, and they will win a $25 voucher and personalised pet pack . Want to be featured? Send a photo and a short story about your pet to communitydevelopmentsa@hcau.org.au To kick things off, we’re introducing you to Louis , the much-loved dog of our Community Engagement Officer, Sally. Louis is an 11-year-old kelpie and border collie mix whose motto is “ball is life” - though these days, naps and fishy treats are just as important. We look forward to celebrating the pets who make your house feel like home.
Above: Community Engagement Officer Sally and her dog Louis.
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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: communitydevelopmentsa@hcau.org.au Post: 192 Waymouth Street Adelaide South Australia 5000 Only one entry per household is allowed. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. Good luck!
Useful contacts
Vinnies Emergency Assistance: Adelaide Metro: 1300 729 202 between 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday. Regional South Australia: Visit your local Vinnies Shop.
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Lifeline: 13 11 14 QLife: 1800 184 527
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 SANE: www.sane.org/
192 Waymouth Street Adelaide SA 5000
1300 312 447 housingchoices.org.au facebook.com/HChoicesSA
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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