Spring 2025
Make your payments more secure and win P3 Updates to our Rent Policy P5 Yoga with Lea P7
Juliette at our Lino workshop for residents
HChoicesAU
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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 Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation 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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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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Pet Social
Ask Izzy
Our third Pet Social Winner for the year is Kimore. Rescued at the RSPCA by Llianne and her daughter Jade at 8 weeks old, Kimore is now 16. Where does the name Kimore come from? When Llianne and Jade adopted her, six-year- old Jade kept saying ‘cat come ’ere,’ which soon became Kimore. A day in the life of Kimore is one with a strict routine. Waking up at 6am, Kimore has her insulin and breakfast before taking on the day. Kimore wanders the house and sleeps in her padded hammock and before long, it’s time for lunch. Kimore has arthritis, but that doesn’t stop her from climbing onto Jade’s desk for her afternoon nap. To make it easier, the family has added steps so she can still reach her favourite sleeping spot. At 6pm, it’s time for dinner and her second dose of insulin. After spending an hour wandering between rooms, Kimore will lounge in her hammock, on laps and in boxes. At bedtime she takes over the family bed with her own blanket. If it isn’t arranged to her liking, she grumbles until it is. Then it all starts again the next day!
Ask Izzy is a free website and app built to connect people in need of support with services close to where they live. With thousands of services listed across Australia, it’s an easy way to find the right help when you need it. Some of the things you can search for include: • Everyday needs – food, clothing, housing and financial support. • Health & wellbeing – doctors, clinics, specialists and healthy living activities. • Support & counselling – mental health, addiction, relationships and more. • Work & learning – jobs, education, skills and training opportunities. • Social & community – local activities, recreation and ways to connect.
Congratulations Kimore and family on being our Pet Social feature for spring and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Pet Social is a feature in each Home Stories newsletter.
To access, simply visit askizzy.org.au or download the free app on your device.
We love to share how your pets make your lives better. Don’t forget to submit your favourite pet photos and story to communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au to be nominated for a $100 Petbarn or Petstock gift card.
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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.
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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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The Victorian Government has announced a new one off $100 Power Saving Bonus for households with an eligible concession card to help ease cost-of-living pressures. To be eligible, households will need to: 1. Have a recent residential electricity bill 2. Hold one of the following concession cards: • Health Care Card • Pensioner Concession Card • Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card Please note only one payment is available per household How to apply: • Apply online at the Victorian Energy Compare website compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ and click the yellow bar at the top of the browser. • Apply over the phone by calling the Victorian Energy Compare helpline on 1800 000 832 . • Apply in person at your local Neighbourhood House. For your application you will need a copy of your most recent electricity bill, details of your eligible concession and a form of ID such as an Australian driver licence, Medicare card, ImmiCard or Australian visa. Get your $100 Power Saving Bonus!
Looking for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)? Housing Choices Australia owns SDA properties across Victoria, including Metro Melbourne, with exciting vacancy opportunities now available. If you, a family member or friend are a NDIS participant and would like to know more please visit housingchoices.org. au/properties or for further information, contact our SDA Participant Engagement team at sdainfo@hcau.org.au or call 1300 312 447 .
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Yoga with Lea
Lea, a Housing Choices Australia resident, is a certified yoga instructor. Having taught yoga for many years, Lea would like to offer any interested Housing Choices Australia residents the chance to join her classes. Amongst her other classes, Lea will be running a class on the first Sunday of each month at 3pm . Lea’s yoga classes on the first Sunday of each month are payment via donation. All donations will go towards Tamminya House, emergency housing for victims of family violence. This is a great chance to enjoy yoga practice at a low cost, while supporting a good cause and doing something positive for your health.
Above: Yoga instructor Lea with Marusya.
Here’s a description of what to expect from Lea herself:
‘It is the perfect opportunity to unwind and de-stress through gentle movements accompanied by soothing live music. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this event is suitable for all levels. Come and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while taking care of your mind and body. Don't miss out on this unique experience! We will be learning about and practicing simple preventative and restorative body movements that can be used in everyday life. There will be elements of Tai Chi, Qigong, Yin Yoga, dancing, vocal and breathing exercises and meditation with Tibetan bowl. All participants will have the option to remain seated, in case they have difficulties standing up or lying down’.
Please note that these classes are located near Melbourne CBD.
If you are interested in attending a Yoga class with Lea, please contact Alex, Community Engagement Officer at communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au or visit Lea’s website, yoga-with-lea.com.au
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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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Our Spring Garden Competition is in full swing! We’d love to see your incredible gardens. No matter your gardening experience – whether it’s years or days – we want to hear from you. Gardening is a mindful activity that adds a bit of green to your day. It’s a great excuse to get outside (or in another room!), take some time out from your everyday routine, and tend to some seedlings, succulents or sage. Spring has truly sprung! All types of gardens can be entered, and you will go into the running to win one of four $100 Bunnings vouchers! Spring Garden Competition
This year our four categories are for the best: 1. Veggie Garden 2. Flower Garden 3. Outdoor Oasis 4. Indoor Sanctuary
Above: Previous Garden competition winner.
How to enter the Spring Garden Competition: 1. Take some photos of your garden or green space. 2. Write a few sentences about yourself and what your garden means to you. 3. Email your photo and garden story to: communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au 4. Use the subject line: Spring Garden Competition All entries will be shared with our Resident Advisory Committee, who will select the lucky winners!
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Save the date
Invite enclosed!
Housing Choices Resident End of Year Event
Above: Tristana and Juliette at our Lino print workshop. Stamped with story: Exploring home through lino print Following last year’s successful collaboration with Firestation Print Studio, HCA’s Community Engagement team organised another lino printing session for our resident artists to connect, share stories and, this time, work on a collaborative art project about ‘home’.
Drill Hall 26 Therry Street Melbourne Wednesday 3 December 12:30 – 3:00pm
New Housing Team in Victoria
Below: Residents learning how to Lino print with Firestation Print Studio staff
As you are aware, there have been some staffing changes at Housing Choices Australia, and we have appreciated your patience during this time. We’re pleased to let you know that all positions in the Victorian Housing Team have now been filled. With the team fully in place, we’re able to better assist you with any questions about your tenancy. Please note as a result of these changes, you may have a different Housing Officer. If you wish to speak with your new Housing Officer, please call us on 1300 312 447 .
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Above: Freshly made lino prints inspired by the theme of ‘home’.
During the half day session residents were able to join in as much as they felt comfortable, socialising and making their own unique lino prints inspired by the question ‘what does home mean to you?’. The space had a relaxed, paint-stained studio feel, and everyone worked around a large, shared table with guidance from the friendly Firestation Print Studio staff. The feedback from the day showed how much people value having a relaxed, creative space to connect, feel part of the community and support their wellbeing. It was amazing to see so many creative and personal takes on the idea of home and we are excited to share that these artworks will be part of the upcoming Home is Where the Art is exhibition.
Are you interested in print making in a fun and supportive environment? You might want to join Firestation Print Studio’s lino and print making club. From as little as $11 for a 3 hour session you can try your hand at print making at their studio in Armadale. To find out more visit their website www.fps.org.au/lino--print-club or find the studio’s contact and opening hours info below: Location: 2 Willis Street Armadale Victoria 3134 Open Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11am-4pm Phone: 03 95091782
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Home Stories Spring puzzle Win a $50 Bunnings voucher! 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.
W R
I
T
I
N G F
A X E M C
FIND THESE WORDS IN THE GRID:
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
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: communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au Post: Level 3, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Only one entry per household is allowed. The winner will be drawn from all correct entries. Good luck!
Useful contacts
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Victorian Government free Energy Assistance Program: 1800 161 215 SANE: https://www.sane.org/
Anglicare Emergency Relief: 1800 809 722 or find a service: https://www.anglicarevic.
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 Lifeline: 13 11 14 QLife: 1800 184 527
org.au/our-services/ financial-counselling/
Preston Office 137 High Street Preston VIC 3072 General Enquiries 1300 312 447
Head Office Level 3, 350 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Maintenance
info@hcau.org.au housingchoices.org.au
1300 321 185
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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