Message from the CEO With the excitement about the Big Housing Build still palpable, it’s important to remember that we are yet to deliver the 12,000 new homes the BHB is funding – and the Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot has brought us back to earth.
They have concluded that ‘Australians are facing a rental market that has never been less affordable.’ Some commentators expected the economic downturn caused by COVID to ease our rental crisis, but the opposite is true with regional areas particularly hard hit- and we are yet to see the impact of the removal of the COVID supplement. I fear that looking to the Federal budget for relief will be fruitless.
CHIA Vic has prepared a submission to the 10-year Strategy for Social and Affordable Housing and you can download a copy here. We are particularly encouraged by the Government’s interest in a long -plan for housing that spans electoral and economic cycles – hopefully ending the boom bust cycles we have experienced in the past. Putting people at the centre and seeing the system through a tenant lens has influenced our submission and the recommendations we make. I am eager to hear your views about our ideas and new directions.
Finally, I wish to thank all those who made our conference such a success – our sponsors, particularly Homes Vic and Morres, our speakers and all who came along.
Lesley Dredge
CEO, CHIA Vic
Any notion that an online conference might lack the colour, personalities and energy of an in-person event was quickly dismissed the moment delegates from right across the community housing sector came together for the Big Australian Housing Build Conference 2021. Here's what went down at the conference and how you can still get your hands on the information and resources shared...Read on
The ability to effectively and efficiently prepare grant applications or tender submissions is important for any organisation looking to access government or philanthropic opportunities. It can also be a stressful and resource-hungry process.
We’re pleased to announce our much-anticipated training event, Grant and Tender Writing for the Community Housing Sector, which will provide community housing organisations with essential information on how they can deliver successful grant or tender submissions, as well as outline the steps you can take to minimise the cost and workload of this process...Read on
The value of traineeships It's an issue facing many in the social housing industry: how can you attract and retain sufficient numbers of staff with the right skills and attributes? Marcia Baron from People and Culture Solutions, shares her insights into strategic workforce planning, as well as information about available grants and subsidies and when applications are due...Read on
Gas and electrical safety The tenancy law reforms that came into force on 29 March 2021 increase obligations on rental providers’ compliance, record keeping and disclosure obligations in relation to gas and electrical safety. Here's what you need to know...Read on
Aboriginal Community Housing launches new website Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd provides culturally appropriate housing services and support that puts the needs of communities and families first, and has recently launched a new website that combines functionality with art and design...Take a look
Take action: Everybody’s Home campaign To mark Youth Homelessness Matters Day, the Everybody’s Home campaign has launched an online petition to the Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge, to tell him young people who are homeless need adequate income support to afford rent, access to social housing, and support to recover from homelessness and to connect with education...Sign the petition
Pathways to regional housing recovery from COVID-19 The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute has released research that examines the consequences of COVID-19 for households in regional Australia – and the results may surprise you...Read more
Emma Barker-Perez, Social Outcomes Co-ordinator
"I'm delighted to have recently started in the Social Outcomes Co-ordinator role at CHIA Vic. My background is in social impact and inclusion with NGOs and consulting firms in Australia and internationally. I'm very much looking forward to working with members, government and other key stakeholders to support social and sustainable outcomes, particularly around the Big Housing Build and social procurement."
Stephanie Ng, Affordable Housing Business Development
"I have a background in project management and stakeholder engagement in the not for profit sector in Australia and overseas. Prior to my life in the not for profit sector, I worked as an engineer in the private sector. I’m looking forward to working with our members to uncover partnership opportunities with local councils and developers, and supporting local councils and developers to build their understanding of the community housing sector."
Margaret Ambrose, Communications Co-ordinator
"I’ve taken over the Communications Co-ordinator position at CHIA Vic at a time when, thanks to the Big Housing Build, communications have never been more important! I have a background in communications for NGOs and social justice organisations and I am looking forward to helping our members make the most of this great new opportunity."
