ABC NEWS: Calls to put money into low cost housing rather than retirement savings In the wake of the latest Gratton Institue report, ABC Newsreached out to CWH for a special feature
On Thursday, December 6 we held the 24th CWH AGM at Customs House, Sydney. Our annual report was presented,
Chair Mike Rollo presented current and future strategic initiatives which have yielded strong results and promise a positive outlook for 2019 and beyond.
CEO Leonie King presented a review of the year highlighting areas of growth, the work we have undertaken and to answer any questions our shareholders had.
Rene McKenzie-Low, Head of Community and External Engagement, as well as a CWH resident from the CWH TV group, presented the launch of the new Community Impact Strategy. The document will help inform resident community engagement and community building in the future.
We farewelled Director Clare Petre after more than two years of service. Clare made an invaluable contribution to CWH, including her guidance in the Community Engagement and Housing Services Committee.
CWH also welcomed two new Directors Maree Walk and Diana D’Ambra, we wish them well in their tenure on the board.
CWH as a committee member of the Pyrmont Ultimo Network of Serves (PUNS), attended a networking event and workshop on the 22 and 23January. PUNS was founded in 2016 to work collaboratively to improve coordination and delivery of social services and programs to Ultimo and Pyrmont communities, and enable more effective and efficient use of available resources.
Rental arrears occur when a resident has not paid their rent in full past the due date.
To maintain registration as a Community Housing Provider CWH is required to ensure that rent outstanding as a percentage of total potential rent is not greater than 2.5%. We also rely on rent to cover the cost of our operations, including maintenance. This is why it is important to us that residents keep their accounts in advance. Another reason is that having your rent in arrears puts your tenancy at risk.
CWH and their housing coordinators work hard to encourage and support residents to sustain tenancies including being a point of referral to services.
On 30th October one of our TV group members attended a seminar with the Energy and Water Ombudsman (EWON). The agenda covered the role of the EWON (Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW), how the electricity system worked, what help was available for incorrect bills, case studies were included, meter access and issues, sustainable payment plans, shopping around for best energy deals, how to read and understand bills and water issues.
On Thursday the 29th of November, CWH in partnership with the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre (JACC) brought together CWH residents from the Green Square area for an event we called ‘Social Hour’.
This Community Impact Strategy sets out how we at City West Housing (CWH) will work together with our resident communities to address issues that are important to them.
We have worked together with our Tenant Advisory Group, Tenants’ Voice to identify the following goals:
AQUALAND LEAD CONSORTIUM SHORTLISTED FOR WATERLOO METRO QUARTER DEVELOPMENT
Fast growing Australian property company Aqualand has been shortlisted for the next phase of the NSW State Government’s Waterloo Metro Quarter Development, the Request for Tender stage (RFT). Aqualand’s team includes CPB Contractors and community housing partner, City West Housing
Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their children in Australia today, with an average of one woman a week being murdered. Often limited availability of affordable and secure housing shackles women in unsafe environments.
Today we shine the spotlight and raise awareness for family violence and violence against women in Australia, however, domestic violence is a reality for millions of people that extends far beyond one day.
City West Housing’s latest data indicates over 3% of current residents sort out affordable housing to escape domestic violence, however, current Australian statistics indicate that the amount who have been affected could be much higher.
Meet Simone…
On October 18th City West Housing staff came together to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) by holding a Pink Ribbon Breakfast. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in woman, and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed before they turn 85.
This ‘Pinktober’ is especially poignant for CWH as one of our own, René was diagnosed in February of this year. René had no family history of breast cancer and no noticeable symptoms.
