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.
HChoicesWA
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Hannah Harvey Executive Director – Customer Services Foreword from
Dear Residents, Spring is a time of change and growth, and Housing Choices has been busy this season building new systems, refining our structures, and growing our housing to support more people in need of secure accommodation.
Aligned with this season of change I also want to provide an update on our leadership. David Fisher, our CEO, has moved on from Housing Choices. We sincerely thank him for his commitment and leadership and wish him all the best in his next chapter. Stepping in as interim CEO is Michael Lennon, who many of you will know as a previous CEO of Housing Choices. Having a familiar face in this role provides stability while we continue the search for our next CEO. During this time, our focus remains firmly on supporting you and delivering high-quality services to all residents. I’m pleased to share that we have welcomed many new team members across the organisation. You may see these fresh faces in your local teams, filling roles as part of our new national customer service model. This includes our state-based Housing
Operations Managers, who are focused on ensuring our housing teams have the guidance and resources needed to provide the best possible support to residents. Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch our new national digital contact centre in the coming months. This will expand the ways you can reach us, helping us respond more quickly and improve the support we provide. As part of this process, we’ll be reaching out to you to ensure your contact information is up to date, so we can continue to stay connected. While Spring brings growth and change for Housing Choices, this edition also highlights updates that matter to you alongside some fun opportunities like the Spring Gardening Competition and details about our upcoming end of year events for residents.
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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Make your payments more secure and win!
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We’re encouraging residents to pay rent, water, and other charges using Centrepay or BPAY. These methods send your money straight into the right account, reducing the delays, errors, or lost payments that can happen with manual bank transfers.
Pay by BPAY or Centerpay to win a $50 voucher!
From November 2025 to February 2026 , each month two residents from every state who pay by Centrepay or BPAY will win a $50 gift voucher – we have over $1500 in prizes! • Already paying this way? You’re automatically in the draw. • Want to switch now? Set up your Centrepay or BPAY payments and you’ll be entered each time you pay by these methods.
Why pay with Centrepay? Centrepay is the easiest way to pay your rent if you get Centrelink payments. It’s a free service and means your rent is automatically paid from your Centrelink payments before they reach your account.
Why pay with BPAY? BPAY is a secure and reliable way to pay businesses through your bank. It uses a Biller code and a unique BPAY reference number, which means payments go into the right account without delays caused by incorrect payment descriptions.
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How to set up Centrepay: • You can set up and manage Centrepay deductions using myGov , via the Express Plus Centrelink app , at your nearest Services Australia Service Centre, or by contacting Housing Choices. • You’ll need Housing Choices’ Customer Reference Number and your Centrelink Customer Reference Number. • If you’d like help setting up a Centrepay deduction for your rent, or need the above details, please call us on 1300 312 447 .
How to pay with BPAY: • You can set up one off or ongoing BPAY payments at your bank branch or online via your bank’s app , online banking or phone banking . • You will need Housing Choices’ Biller code and your unique BPAY reference number. • Don’t have these details? Call Housing Choices on 1300 312 447 and we’ll provide them.
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Important Safety Reminder: E-Bikes and E-Scooters We have some safety reminders to share about e-bikes and e-scooters which have become a growing source of fires in the home in Australia.
Above: Our national Supportive Services team.
New support to help residents manage their tenancy Keeping well and managing your tenancy can sometimes feel overwhelming – and that’s where the national Supportive Services Tenancy Supports program can help. The Tenancy Supports program is delivered by our Tenancy Support and Sustainment Coordinators. They work one-on-one with our residents to provide short term supports to connect you with community services in your area and provide practical tools to keep your tenancy on track. Whether you’re experiencing health issues, financial stress, social isolation, or other pressures, these factors can impact your ability to manage your tenancy. The Tenancy Support program is here to offer support during those times. This team doesn’t manage your tenancy or carry out inspections but works alongside your Housing Officer to provide extra help when you need it most. If you are already linked to housing support, for example through Common Ground in South Australia, you may not be able to access the Tenancy Supports program.
Your safety is our top priority, please remember:
Do not charge or store e-bikes, e-scooters, or other light electric vehicles (LEVs) inside your home, hallways, or shared indoor spaces. Never charge near soft furniture items like couches, beds, cushions, or pillows. Store outside and away from direct sunlight. If stored indoors, keep them away from exits and pathways.
Lithium-ion batteries in these devices can overheat and pose a serious fire risk if not charged safely.
Use only reputable branded chargers and batteries that meet Australian Standards. Disconnect batteries from the charger as soon as the item is fully charged to prevent overheating of the battery or charger. Charge only in safe, well-ventilated outdoor areas (or in a designated mobility charging station if available in your building). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging. If batteries are damaged or discoloured, dispose of them in designated battery bins (e.g. supermarkets, Officeworks).
By taking these simple steps, you’re helping keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.
To find out more, speak with your Housing Officer or call us on 1300 312 447 .
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Updates to our Rent Policy
Housing Choices has updated its Rent Setting Policy and Practices to make the way we set, review, and talk about rent easier for residents to understand. Most residents at Housing Choices pay income-based rent , meaning your rent is based on your household income. This is usually 25–30% of your income plus 100% of any Rent Assistance you may receive.
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Up to a maximum of 30% of your assessable household income
100% of your Rent Assistance (CRA / DVRA) entitlement
Your rent (capped at maximum rent)
Income reviews twice a year For residents on income-based rent, we will review your household income every six months and adjust your rent if needed. We will also review your income any other time your circumstances change. If anyone moves in or out of your home or your household income changes, please let us know within 14 days. Having two reviews a year means rent changes are easier to manage. It also ensures regular payment changes, such as Centrelink increases, are picked up at a similar time for all residents. We want to reassure residents that a lot about how we calculate rent hasn’t changed. Your rent is still set based on residential tenancy law, relevant government policies, and housing program rules. For residents on income-based rent - your rent is still capped at maximum rent. This will be either your income-based rent or the maximum rent for your housing program, whichever is lower. One-page income review form Our Household Occupant and Income Review form is now just one page, so it is easier for residents to complete. Most residents may have recently received income review paperwork. Please complete and return this form if you haven’t already. If you have any questions about how to complete the form, please get in touch – we are here to help.
2 x
Year
1 x
If you want to know more about how the rent policy applies to you or have questions about the new process, contact your Housing Officer or call 1300 312 447 .
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Money Matters sessions round up Above: Residents at Money Matters group in Mandurah.
We know many residents are struggling with the high cost of food and rising cost of living so this spring the Community Engagement team rolled out five Money Matters information sessions in Armadale, Manning, Coolbellup, Rockingham and Mandurah. This was an opportunity for our residents to share cost-saving tips on how to live well on a low income and to meet their local financial counsellor. In each session, we covered key topics like food, bills, emergency relief, loans, wellbeing and entertainment. The financial counsellors were able to offer up-to-date information and provide handouts on local emergency services. Many residents also completed 6-month Food Bank referrals and booked a one-to-one appointment at the end of the session. Everyone who participated enjoyed the groups and learnt about low-cost local community resources. Resident outcomes 91% of attendees felt more confident contacting a financial counsellor. 91% said they learnt money management tips at the session. 90% said they were better able to handle a money emergency.
Above: Community Engagement Officer Angela (right) with resident Lisa (left) at Money Matters group in Rockingham.
What residents said: “The financial information and sharing was great. Lots of info and tips shared.” “Good to put a face to a name, so I feel more comfortable making an appointment.” “I don't feel so isolated now when it comes to money as I'm not alone.”
Want to connect with a FREE financial counsellor? To find a financial counsellor near you
contact The Financial Wellbeing Collective on 1800 932 050 or contact the Emergency Relief & Food Access Service on 1800 979 777 .
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Above: Residents at our 2024 lunches.
Join fellow residents and Housing Choices staff for a FREE delicious catered lunch this December with prizes galore. With lunches in Bunbury, Mandurah and Hilton we hope there is an event near you! We will have games, quizzes and raffle prizes. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring out the festive outfits and have some fun. Residents from all areas are welcome to attend one of the following events. Come to our festive end of year lunches!
Above: (L-R) Residents Sheryl, Di and Pat with their prizes. A winning afternoon of quiz fun in Bunbury
Above: Resident Zena and Community Engagement Officer, Angela.
In September, we hosted our very first Quiz Afternoon at the Bunbury Bowls Club, an idea that came directly from resident feedback. The event brought together two enthusiastic teams who competed in a light-hearted battle of knowledge. The room was filled with laughter, friendly banter, and plenty of smiles as the questions rolled on. Homemade treats added to the welcoming atmosphere, with Andrea from the Bowls Club baking chocolate cake and cookies for everyone to enjoy. Beautiful plants were donated as prizes and proved very popular with the winners. These events are an opportunity for residents not only to have fun, but also to feel more connected to their community, fellow residents, and Housing Choices. If you’d like to see an event like this in your area, get in touch with our Community Engagement Team on 0429 104 037 or via angela.lumley@hcau.org.au.
Bunbury Wednesday 3 December
Mandurah Thursday 11 December
Hilton Friday 19 December
Places are limited – please RSVP to reserve your place and get more details To RSVP to Bunbury or Mandurah events please call or text Angela on 0429 104 037. To RSVP to the Hilton event please call or text Alex on 0437 887 675.
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Not seeing our Facebook posts? Here’s how to stay connected
We love sharing tenant stories, updates, helpful tips, and community news on our Facebook page but we've heard from some of you that our posts aren’t always showing up in your newsfeed. Even if you’ve liked our page, Facebook’s algorithm doesn’t always show you everything. To make sure you see our latest updates, follow these simple steps:s: Go to our Facebook page by searching for Housing Choices Western Australia on the Facebook app or scan the QR code below. Step 1:
Above: A 2024 Gardening Competition winner.
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the return of our annual Gardening Competition! This is your chance to showcase the colour, creativity, and care you bring to your outdoor spaces, with several $100 Bunnings vouchers up for grabs. Gardening is a great way to boost wellbeing, enjoy the outdoors, and brighten up your home. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener we want to see what makes your garden special'. No garden is too big or too small, and every entry is welcome. To give your garden an extra boost, all residents who enter will also receive a free packet of seeds. Dig in & win: Spring Gardening Competition
Step 2: Click the
and
button.
Like
Follow
Step 3: Click the
button again to bring up
your newsfeed settings. Follow
Select “Favorites” under the Feed settings. Step 4:
New to our Facebook page? Come say hello and see what we’re sharing! Visit: facebook.com/HChoicesWA or use the QR code below , hit “like” and “follow” button and follow the above instructions to stay in the loop with news, support info, resident stories, and more.
To enter, simply send photos of your garden to the Community Engagement Team on 0429 104 037 or via
angela.lumley@hcau.org.au by Monday 17 November 2025.
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Above: John celebrating his 90 th birthday, walking in the South-West and having a go at lawn bowls at our Afternoon tea and bowls day in Bunbury. The joy of giving back: A volunteer’s story
John is a 90-year-old Housing Choices resident based in Bunbury who has volunteered all his life, giving his time and energy to causes and people in need. From activism and community advocacy to local volunteering work, John says, “I find volunteering as good for me as it is for the person or organisation I am helping.” One of John’s most meaningful volunteering experiences came through teaching adult men to read and write, a time that John recently reflected on in our writing competition. John was surprised initially that some of his students held very skilled technical jobs but went to great lengths to keep their struggles with literacy private. “They were keen to keep their secrets and chose to come to my home for lessons rather than a public place such as a library – they didn’t even want to see each other. “The lessons took place nearly every weekend for over a year using primary school books, which I bought from an op shop."
“Even after a few weeks, my wife commented that as they walked past her on their way out, they walked taller each time,” John recalls. The goal John had set for them to complete their studies was simple but profound: for each man to write a letter to someone they loved. When the day came the weight of this moment surprised John knowing just how far they had come and how proud and confident they now were. “He came dressed up in his Sunday best with a big grin on his face and handed me his letter to his mother for me to read. “As I read it, I got all choked up so that I couldn’t speak, so I just shook his hand and slapped his back as I gave it back to him. He nodded and, for the first time, waved to my wife as he marched proudly out.” John continues to protest, advocate and volunteer and he is a reminder that volunteering can bring so much connection, purpose, and joy - and that it’s never too late to make a difference. ‘It is important to be part of the world we live in’.
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Did you know verge collections are managed differently depending on your local council? Some councils now offer a pre-booked collection service, meaning you can book your verge collection when it suits you. This is usually done through your council’s website. Councils that provide this option include the City of Kwinana, City of Melville, and City of Swan. Other councils also offer pre-booked collections but through the website vergevalet.com.au, where residents book online for their waste to be collected directly from their verge. Verge Valet is currently available in the City of South Perth, Melville, Victoria Park, Mosman Park, and Fremantle. Meanwhile, some councils still run annual verge collections, which are pre-scheduled for each suburb. For example, the City of Rockingham, Armadale, and Mandurah each provide two green waste and one junk/metal collection per year. The City of Bunbury offers residents two green waste and two junk/metal collections each year. Understanding verge collections in your area
Above: Community Engagement Officer Angela (second left) and lodge residents.
Bunbury Lodge BBQs
Since July 2025, on the first Thursday of every month, residents at Bunbury Lodge gather with staff to share a BBQ meal together. More than just food on the grill, these BBQs provide a welcoming space where residents can connect, reduce isolation, and build a sense of community in the lodge. At our most recent BBQ, residents completed a short survey. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive: almost all said the BBQs helped them feel more connected to others, and all residents wanted them to continue. Many residents also expressed an interest in getting more involved in running the events and shared ideas of what they would like to see at these events and the lodge in the future. With resident input and ownership guiding the way, these gatherings will continue to strengthen connections, wellbeing, and belonging at the Lodge.
Below: Lodge caretaker Paul and Community Engagement Officer Angela.
To find out what system your council uses and when your next collection is due, visit your local council’s website . Be sure to also check the guidelines on what can and cannot be placed out for bulk rubbish or verge collection and always avoid blocking pathways or creating hazards when putting items out.
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Save money with Energy Ahead
WA resident writers shine
Worried about power bills? Did you know you can book a free in-home visit by a friendly Energy Coach?
This year we hosted our first Resident Writing Competition, and what a success it has been! We received more than 20 entries from residents aged between their 30s to 90s spanning from the Metro area down to Bunbury. We had such a rich, wide variety of stories, poems, and reflections - making it no easy task to select the winners.
Why it’s worth signing up: • You’ll get a home energy assessment that maps where your power is going. • You may receive up to $100 worth of energy-saving items (LED globes, a clothes airer, etc.) to help get you started. • You’ll receive a custom report and action plan full of easy, practical tips tailored to your home. • You’ll learn how to save on heating, cooling, lighting and appliances.
The Winners
The Mullet Poem – by Jacqui A funny, witty poem celebrating a true Aussie classic Favorites – by James Very clever, original piece of writing. For all chocolate lovers out there this will be a hit! The Light –by Kayleigh A dystopian short story that felt like a scene from the beginning of a Netflix mini-series. Beautiful themes of hope and connection. Five Minutes in my Shoes – by Maggie This poem painted a picture of precious memories from home and used our competition prompt. A Day in the Life of an Autism Mum – by Karen A moving personal reflection by a resident with great writing skills.
How to get started: This program is free for low-income
Synergy customers. You can book a visit by: • calling Energy Ahead on (08) 6253 3500 • emailing energyahead@thefwc.org.au or; • use the QR code in the image below to book via their website.
Check out the QR code to read our winning entries.
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To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia – our crossword is filled with things that can help boost your mental health. 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. Home Stories Spring puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher!
W R
I
T
I
N G F
A X E M C
G Z E W Q Y T R E N X I V A D E A I K F I D O E N R R A R L Y M A E U I R D E D N U K V N R N T T C F E E C T I R O C D I A I U T N I A N K I P S T T S L N I N N G S Y B H A I E N U N G O U A W Z I R D X E L G R M J G T H P G E Z S O S U N S H I N E C M R S V
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID:
Nature Sunshine Exercise Music Writing Laughter Friendship Gratitude
Gardening Walking Volunteer Mindfulness Meditation Craft Dancing
Tell us the remaining word for a chance to win a $50 Bunnings voucher! Send us your answer before Friday 10 December 2025 by: Email: info-wa@hcau.org.au Post: PO Box 105, Burswood WA 6100 Only one entry per household is allowed. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. Good luck! Congratulations to Athene from Mandurah , winner of last edition’s puzzle.
Useful contacts National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 WA Connect: waconnect.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)
Peel Office 4 Stevenson Street PO Box 1200 Mandurah WA 6210 P (08) 9534 0400
Perth Metro Office Level 7, 25 Rowe Avenue Rivervale WA 6103 PO Box 105 Burswood WA 6100 P (08) 9430 0900
South West Office 1 st Floor, 25 Victoria Street PO Box 1539
Bunbury WA 6230 P (08) 9722 7200
General Enquiries 1300 312 447
Maintenance Hotline 1800 203 383
info-wa@hcau.org.au housingchoices.org.au
12 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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