Spring 2025 Make your payments more secure and win! P3 New support to help residents manage their tenancy P4 New competition - Pet Social P5
Residents enjoying ice cream at Queens Walk BBQ
HChoicesTAS
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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 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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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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Pet Competition We’re excited to reveal a new Home Stories feature – Pet Social! It’s a space for residents to share their favourite pet photo and story. Pets help us improve and maintain our mental health and wellbeing and for many of us, are our closest or only companions. We want to celebrate the love, joy and laughter your pet brings to your life. How to enter: Send us a photo of your pet with a few words about them and how they make a difference to your life. This can be a pet photo at home, on their travels, doing their favourite thing, or even dressed up in a costume! What do I win? The Pet Social favourite will receive a $25 gift card , a pet pack and will feature in the next edition of Home Stories . Submit photos by texting Community Engagement Officer Bree on 0436 408 572 or emailing communitydevelopmenttas @hcau.org.au. Above: Community Engagement Officer Bree’s dog Luna. A 1 year old Rottweiler and absolute goofball who loves all the pats she can get.
Left: Janet and her son with the ladies from YFCC making the donation. Right: Flyer for the next OpShop day.
Resident OpShop Day
In August, Housing Choices resident Janet hosted another Opshop day at Hub 108 in East Devonport. The turnout was fabulous with many people walking through the doors. Janet is always striving to help others in need and has created this OpShop day as a way to give back to the community after overcoming her own struggles. The OpShop day allows people to come along and fill a shopping bag for $5 and enjoy a hot coffee, along with some baked goods and a chat. Janet raised an incredible $330 in August which has been donated to YFCC to help young people within the community. Thank you to everyone who has supported this event in the past and hopefully, in the future. Our next OpShop day will be held on 18th November at 108 Tarleton Street East Devonport, from 10:30am-2:30pm.
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Left: Residents enjoying a chat and the BBQ. Right: Residents enjoying free ice creams together.
Queens Walk BBQ Despite the chilly, wet weather, Queens Walk residents came out to enjoy a fun community BBQ. The event was a small thank-you to residents for their patience during the new building construction. Everyone enjoyed a free BBQ lunch, ice cream treats, and games to keep the kids entertained. It was a great chance for staff to catch up with residents and for neighbours to connect.
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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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Share your beautiful and creative garden for your chance to win a $100 Bunnings Voucher. Your garden 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 you and all entries will go into the judging to win a Bunnings Voucher. We would love to visit you and take a photo of your garden to share in our resident newsletter. Entries close on 17 th November 2025 . To register or nominate someone please text Bree on 0436 408 572 or email communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au Spring Gardening Competition is back! Join us at a Christmas Lunch near you! With Christmas coming up we will soon be announcing the details of our Housing Choices Christmas Lunches! Residents will receive a text message with information about the lunch happening in your area. This year we are holding lunches in Wynyard, East Devonport, Hobart, Ulverstone and Latrobe. If you are interested in attending a Christmas Lunch in one of these areas – please text Bree on 0436 408 572 or email communitydevelopmenttas@hcau.org.au.
Quick guide to get your garden ready As winter fades and spring begins, it’s time to get your garden ready for a new season. Follow these steps for a thriving, vibrant garden: 1. Clean up debris – Remove dead leaves, branches, and old plant material. Rake the soil to aerate it and reduce pests. 2. Prepare the soil – Test soil PH and nutrients and add compost or organic matter as needed. Loosen compacted soil for better drainage and root growth. 3. Prune and trim – Cut back dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and perennials to encourage healthy new growth. 4. Check your tools – Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools. Well-maintained tools make tasks easier and more efficient. 5. Plan and plant – Start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden. See suggested plantings at the bottom of the article. 6. Mulch and fertilise – Apply organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich soil. Use a slow-release fertiliser to feed your plants. 7. Water wisely – Monitor rainfall and water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots. 8. Watch for pests and diseases – Insects and fungal growth thrive in spring. Keep an eye out for any pests and address any issues with natural or chemical treatments as needed. 9. Attract pollinators – Plant nectar-rich flowers, including natives, to welcome bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. 10. Enjoy the process – Take time to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy watching your garden flourish!
Spring planting ideas: Artichoke, Potato, Tomato, Pumpkin, Silver Beet, Cucumber, Celery, Spinach, Eggplant, Chilli, Capsicum, Lettuce, Sweetcorn, Parsnip, Peas, Beans, Carrots, Radish.
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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
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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: 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 Ernie, 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: https://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
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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