Spring 2023
More new developments P3 Out and about P4 Brisbane St Blooms Again P6 Keeping on TRAC P7
HChoicesTAS
From the General Manager
Kim Bomford General Manager Housing Choices Tasmania about our Resident Greeting Card Artwork Competition. Kind regards, around the corner so be sure to save the date for your end of year resident celebration! More information is on page 6 , where you’ll also find the details Homeless the Hon Julie Collins MP, in Shorewell Park. We look forward to delivering more crucial social housing in the upcoming months. I also want to send out a big thank you to everyone who completed the resident survey, which was distributed in August. We’re now collating and reviewing this important information which will be used to help us improve the way that we deliver our services over the next 12 months. And just like that, Spring has sprung! And so has our annual Spring Garden Competition. If you have a beautiful or creative garden, be sure to send in your nomination – you've got to be in it to win it. The festive season is just
The Housing Choices Australia Board and Executive have made a public statement supporting the ‘Yes’ position on the Voice to Parliament Referendum, which will be held on 14 October this year. They are proud to support the Voice to Parliament as a step toward achieving the three key elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart - Voice, Treaty and Truth Telling. We are respectful of individual opinions of our residents and colleagues and encourage everyone to seek out information about the Voice referendum to inform your views and personal position on this issue. Voice to Parliament Referendum
Hello and welcome to the Spring edition
of Home Stories . The year is flying by as
we continue to deliver on core business and build our portfolio and presence within the community. It’s been a busy and exciting time! Over the last three months, we have added another 39 properties to
the Housing Choices Tasmania portfolio.
Our new East Devonport development includes our first Specialist Disability Accommodation units. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners Possability and Devonport City Council. Thank you! In July, another 24 two- bedroom units were officially opened by Federal Minister for Housing and
Some information and resources on the Voice
referendum that may be useful are available on the Housing Choices website.
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.
Front cover: Brisbane Street resident Daniel has recently has recently started helping out in the garden and enjoys contributing to the space.
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More New Developments
Specialist Disability Accommodation in East Devonport Our East Devonport
The 24 two-bedroom units are a result of a partnership between Housing Choices Tasmania, Homes Tasmania and NHFIC Housing Choices Australia CEO David Fisher attended the event and said: “It’s only via cross-government co- operation – from Federal through to State to local government, that we can start to address one of the biggest challenges of our times, housing supply and affordability.” Image 2: L-R: Kim Bomford, David Fisher, the Hon Julie Collins MP and Senator Anne Urquhart with residents Lauree and Lisa in Shorewell Park. no affordable private market rentals which met their needs. “There’s still lots of health issues for Sean, but the stress of not knowing where we’re going to stay has gone. There's a bus stop for me to get the bus, there’s a shop up the road. I don’t have to worry about that stuff anymore... Sean can walk straight into the home, into the shower, around the bench.
priority applicants from the Tasmanian Housing Register. Image 1: L-R: Clint Edwards (Oliver Kelly Group), David Mazengarb (Possability), the Hon Guy Barnett MP, Senator Anne Urquhart, Kim Bomford (Housing Choices Tasmania) Anna Balmforth (Homes Tasmania), Will Harkness (Housing Choices Tasmania) and Jaron Coward (Starbox Architecture) at the launch of our East Devonport development.
development was launched by the former Minister for Housing the Hon Guy Barnett and Senator Anne Urquhart on Saturday 24 June. The East Devonport development comprises of 15 units and a community centre. Five of the units are Specialist Disability Accommodation units and will be made available to eligible NDIS participants in conjunction with our partner, Possability. The remaining 10 social housing units have already been allocated to
24 new units in Shorewell Park On Thursday 27 July the
Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, the Hon Julie Collins MP, Senator Anne Urquhart and Roger Jaensch MP joined us as we met with residents Lisa and Lauree at our newest project in Shorewell Park. Lisa & Sean Lisa showed us around her new Shorewell Park home which she moved into in July with husband Sean, after a period of poor health and housing insecurity. “It’s a lot less stressful,” said Lisa. In some cases, Sean’s hospital stays had to be extended due to not having a safe, appropriate place to go home to. The couple had been moving between staying with family, Airbnb's, motels and the local caravan park, as there were
Above: Lisa enjoys a cuppa in her new home.
It’s just such a relief,” said fulltime carer Lisa.
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Out and about
East Devonport Midwinter Feast
was supported by the Housing Choices Tasmania Community Grants program. Over 100 families contributed to the mosaics, which were based on the artworks and handprints of local kids and took over six months to complete. Knit One, Give One Group Our Knit One, Give One Group has been spreading the warmth by knitting and crocheting winter woollies for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. The Latrobe group love getting together every Monday and putting their amazing skills to use, making incredible woollen items for donation. They're always looking for new members to
join in the fun and are happy to share their skills and secret tips to teach first time knitters or crocheters. Chapters Café Training Sessions A first group of residents have completed a work ready program with West North West Working in preparation for work experience at Chapters Café. The café is the result of a partnership between the Burnie Library and Housing Choices Tasmania, and gives residents the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in a busy café environment.
Devonport residents gathered together on Thursday 27 July for the annual Midwinter Feast at the East Devonport Football Club. The event was supported by Housing Choices Tasmania and organised by East Devonport Neighbourhood House, who put together a hearty spread of warming dishes and crowd favourite raspberry and peach cake for dessert. East Devonport Mosaic Unveiling We were excited to attend the East Devonport Child and Family Learning Centre’s celebration of the mosaic project ‘Through The Eyes of Children’ in July, which
Image 1: Nova, Nadine, Izzy, Rebecca and Allie all had a great time at the Midwinter Feast. Image 2: Lisa and Karen cook up a storm. Image 3: Montana and her daughter Amaya at the mosaic unveiling. Image 4: Declan and Sonny came along to spot their artwork on display at the mosaic unveiling with mum Kelsie. Image 5: Work Ready! Alyssia from West North West Working with Charmaine, Lenoie and Sammy-Jo. Image 6: Diana is always happy to share her tips and tricks at our Knit One, Give One group. 4
Resident Greeting
Next Steps Incentive
Card Artwork Competition
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Are you:
enrolled in training or studies?
Do you have festive flair? We are looking for resident artwork to use for our end of year resident greeting cards. The creator of the winning art will receive a gift card to the value of $200. This year, the theme is ‘Festive Families’. We know that beliefs and celebrations look different for all our residents and their families. This is your chance to show us what this means to you! The artwork can be in any medium – photography, painting, drawing or anything in between. To discuss an idea, find out more information or submit and artwork, please contact our Community Development team by email at communitydevelopmenttas @hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447. Submissions close Friday October 13.
a Housing Choices Tasmania resident, or the child of a resident? aged between 15 and 25 years or in grade 10 and continuing your training or education? The Next Steps Incentive provides up to $1,000 to help Housing Choices Tasmania residents cover the out-of-pocket costs of education or training. If you are studying or training at TasTAFE, a Support School, College or University you could be eligible! All eligible applicants can receive help with their application. To check your eligibility and start your application, please contact our Community Development team by email at communitydevelopmenttas @hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447 .
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Save The Date: End of Year Celebrations We’re looking forward to celebrating another great year with you all! Further details will be provided, but for now please save the date for our end of year functions: Friday 1 December – Moonah Monday 4 December – Latrobe Thursday 7 December – East Devonport
Follow us on Facebook!
Tuesday 12 December – Somerset/Wynyard Friday 15 December – Cornelian Bay Tuesday 19 December
Did you know Housing Choices Tasmania is active on Facebook? Join us for up-to-date competition and community event information, resident stories, and tips. www.facebook.com/HChoicesTAS/ 5
– Ulverstone/West Ulverstone TBC – Christmas in the Park – Shorewell Park.
Spring Garden Competition
Above: The section of garden designed by resident Wayne.
Our annual Gardening competition is back for another year! Share your beautiful and creative garden for your chance to win a $100
Some of the challenges in the space include lack of light and sunshine, and getting people actively involved in the garden. A morning tea was arranged, and residents were invited to share their ideas for the space. During the meeting, it became clear that the residents had two wishes. Firstly, to see the garden continue to be a space that all residents could use and enjoy, while keeping it pleasant to the eye. Secondly, the residents were keen to utilise the raised garden beds to grow herbs and veggies. To assist with this, Housing Choices Tasmania utilised funds available to support resident engagement activities to “chip in” with the costs to cover a planting of potatoes which will be ready for residents to enjoy later on in the year. With and increased focus and interest in garden, residents like Daniel are now spending more time enjoying the shared space. By working together to make decisions about the garden Housing Choices Tasmania and residents have continued to build on the hard work of Wayne, while providing a space for all to benefit from. It's great to see the increased resident involvement in the garden and can’t wait to see everyone enjoy the fruits of their labour.” said Lisa.
Bunnings voucher. Your Spring Garden
Brisbane St Blooms Again Set in centre of the Hobart CBD, Housing Choices Tasmania’s Brisbane Street apartment complex is home to a diverse mix of residents. As you step through the doors from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a calming internal courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by 35 apartments that make up the complex, making it central to the day-to-day life of residents. Over the years residents Robert and Wayne played an active role in the planning and maintenance of the garden. Wayne in particular had a strong affinity with the garden, having planned the landscaping for one section of the space, with Housing Choices Tasmania funding the planting of the plot. Sadly, they have now both passed away, which left the garden at a crossroads. The Housing Choices Tasmania team worked with the community at Brisbane Street, to find out how they’d like to use the outdoor space.
Competition entry could be a favourite flower, a vegetable garden, a potted plant or a creative patio area. A certificate of recognition will be sent to all entrants, and all entries will go in the draw to win a Bunnings voucher. To make a nomination, please request an entry form by contacting our Community Development team by email at communitydevelopmenttas@ hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447. Entries close Thursday 30 November.
Birthday Club
Congratulations to our recent birthday club winners, who have each received a $20 voucher. If you would like to join our Birthday Club, please contact our Community Development Team by email at communitydevelopmenttas@ hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447.
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Keeping on TRAC
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, and help Housing Choices Tasmania to improve the services we offer our residents? Then perhaps you’d like to consider joining the Tasmanian Resident Advisory Committee (TRAC). As a TRAC member you would be part of a small group making a big difference, by discussing emerging issues and offering Housing Choices Tasmania advice and recommendations from a resident’s perspective. The TRAC is an important part of the decision-making process at Housing Choices Tasmania. The TRAC provides input that can guide our decisions around service delivery, operations, policy updates and community development and engagement activities. It also gives residents the opportunity to raise collective issues and concerns. Being a part of the TRAC isn’t complicated, explains long standing committee Chair Gavin. “Everyone gets comfortable, we have a cup of coffee and a biscuit… It’s a general business meeting; everyone gets a copy of the minutes, everyone gets a copy of the agenda. It’s a matter of reading your minutes, seeing
Above: TRAC Chair Gavin prepares for a meeting with TRAC member Tania.
that they’re correct and then we vote on it. The agenda is what’s happening in the meeting. We go through it one point at a time.” It isn’t a huge time or financial commitment, either. “We do four meetings a year. Once we get talking, it doesn’t take long for an hour and a half to go, I can tell you that!” says Gavin. We’re looking for a diverse range of residents to join the TRAC and help shape the way our services are provided. We are particularly interested in expanding our membership to include more residents in Southern Tasmania. “If you struggle with literacy challenges but would like to be involved in the TRAC please let us know. We can work with you confidentially
to make sure you are able to bring your unique skills and experience to the meetings and set you up so that you would not have to read in the meetings,” says Sam van der Meulen, Team Leader Inclusive Communities. “It’s important for us to make sure we have input from across Tasmania, so our meetings are held online via video conferencing. TRAC members can join the meeting from one of our offices in Hobart, Devonport or Shorewell Park or dial in from home if they prefer,” adds Sam. If you’re interested in joining, Gavin has one final piece of advice: “Go ahead! You’ll get a lot out of it. And it broadens your horizons. It’s a fantastic thing to be on.”
If you would like to discuss becoming a TRAC member please contact our Community Development team at communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au or 1300 312 447 . 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.
Good Neighbour Award Do you know someone who: is friendly or helpful? provides assistance to others and contributes to the community? is respectful and mindful of others?
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maintains their property well? volunteers in the community?
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Now is your chance to recognise them! Anyone can nominate a Housing Choices Tasmania resident for this award. All nominees go in the yearly draw for our Neighbour of the Year award. To nominate your Good Neighbour, please contact our Community Development team by email at communitydevelopmenttas@ hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447.
FIND THESE WORDS
Pollen Home Birds
Spring Gardening Sunshine
Flowers Blooming Nest
Butterfly Picnic Tea
To go into the draw, please contact our Community Development team by email at communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au or by calling 1300 312 447 . Make sure to include your name, home address, contact number and the missing word! Maximum one entry per household. Entries close Monday 13 November. A lucky Ulverstone 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.
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