CWH News

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – CHANGES TO LEGISLATION AROUND RENTAL AGREEMENTS

The main piece of legislation that guides how CWH manages your legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. There have been changes to what the Act says about domestic and family violence. From 28 February 2019:

• Tenants experiencing domestic violence can now end their tenancies by serving a DV termination notice, with relevant evidence, and vacating.

• A victim-survivor of domestic violence will be protected from breach fees and costs for property damage in some circumstances.

Reflect RAP (Reconciliation action plan)

Why a RAP?
CWH believes it has a role to play in building a pathway for Reconciliation. This requires a good understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) culture and history as well as contemporary issues.

RAPs help us, as a sector,  ensure that we are working with and being guided by ATSI people on making sure our housing services are culturally safe and accessible, and that we are playing a role in addressing the dispossession, disadvantage and hardship faced by ATSI peoples. 

CWH at Mardi Gras Fair Day 2019

Several months ago, our resident advisory group ‘Tenants’ Voice’ raised with us that they would like to have a CWH stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day, with support from CWH staff. Mardi Gras fairDay is a large community event that signifies the opening weekend of Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Over 80,000 patrons flock to Victoria Park in Camperdown for a day filled with live entertainment, over 200 stalls, and food and drink outlets.

CWH ANNUAL RESIDENT SURVEY

At City West Housing (CWH) we are committed to providing the best possible service for our residents and improving our understanding of the service areas where we excel and where there are opportunities to improve.

CWH is working with the Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) to administer our 2019 Tenant Satisfaction Survey. By now you should have received  a letter from CHIA NSW, along with a copy of the  2019 annual resident survey to complete. You can complete the survey either online or hardcopy. 

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

2018 CWH AGM

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.

Pyrmont Network of Services (PUNS) networking event and workshop

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. 

What is ‘rental arrears’ and how does it impact your tenancy?

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. 

TV Group member attends seminar with Energy & Water Ombudsman

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.

Green Square Social Hour

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’.