Communitylink

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Link Housing Ltd ACN 003 0840 928 (02) 9412 5111 Level 12, 815 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood www.linkhousing.org.au

autumn2016

Hello from Andrew............................1

North Sydney Crime Prevention......2

Work experience..............................2

Credit defaults.................................2

Gentle reminder...............................2

Tenants Information Day..................3

Comings and Goings.......................3

Link Housing achieves a first!..........3

Link’s Awards of Excellence...........4

Taronga Celebrates Centenary.......4

LinkSocial - Cockatoo Island............4

TAG’s Corner...................................4

Want to be computer savvy?.........5

LinkFutures - Ed. Scholarship..........6

Sewer Blockages.............................5

Outreach Office Opening Times.....5

Ability Links......................................7

Link Housing cookbook!..................7

Daylight Savings..............................7

Work Opportunites for Women........8

Art Exhibition...................................8

In thIs Issue

hello from Andrew

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2016. It is proving to be a busy year with Government Policy announcements, and exciting tender opportunities. In addition our Board will be holding their annual Strategy Day on 17 March (St. Patrick’s Day of course).

It has not all been positive news, we have a small tightknit group of 35 staff, which work for you (our tenants) at Link Housing. We were all devastated to learn that one of our amazing team, passed away on 2 March 2016. Many tenants will know April Baggett, who started with Link as a Housing Manager, and for the past year our Allocations Manager, reviewing every application and allocating every home.

April is a huge loss and will be missed hugely by her family and the team at Link Housing. We showed our love and respect at her funeral on 14 March 2016. May she Rest in Peace.

Losing such an amazing staff member has made me reflect on lots of things; the importance of supporting each other; showing we care; and valuing my own family and loved ones as much as possible.

It has also increased my resolve to provide even more quality, secure homes, for individuals who need them. Having a decent home is a platform on which we can all build our futures – the team at Link are determined to dust ourselves off, and provide the best service and highest quality of homes that we can.

I hope you are all well, and I look forward to saying hello again soon.

Andrew McAnulty, CEO, Link Housing

Photo of April

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north sydney Crime Prevention Initiative

North Sydney Council has partnered with NSW Police and the NSW Department of Justice on the Be Safe Not Sorry crime prevention initiative. It aims to reduce theft, including from mailboxes and identity theft. Police from Harbourside Local Area Command are offering a free residential security audit of homes and North Sydney Council will offer up to a $200 subsidy if residents carry out work to deter theft. It’s as simple as installing dead-locks, window locks, security screens, sensor lighting or an alarm and asking for a rebate! An application form and more information are on the Council’s website: http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community_Services/Safety/Be_Safe_Not_Sorry

For a free safety audit phone the Crime Prevention Officer, North Sydney Police on 9956 3199. For more information or to apply for a subsidy from North Sydney Council contact Eric Poulos,Social Planner on 9936 8193. Feel free to pass on this information to friends, family and your networks.

Work experience - expressions of interest

Link has been working in partnership with our repairs and maintenance contractors and we are offering our tenants an opportunity to get some practical work experience and training. Work will be across a variety of trades from general handyman work to carpentry and plumbing. We are looking for expressions of interest from people wanting to retrain or start a career in the trades. Please register your interest by calling Suzanne Sheerin on 02 9412 5104 by 30th April 2016.

Credit defaults

Credit default listings is where you may have been late on paying a bill or you may have not completely paid for the account by the due date. Credit defaults can remain on your credit history for five years and can make it difficult to obtain credit, whether it’s for a phone contract, a home loan or a business loan.

Some people are credit listed for debts they have struggled to pay due to financial hardship. In other cases, the customer is unaware they have an outstanding debt until they check their credit report after a credit application is rejected. Often this debt relates to an unpaid final bill on an energy account at a premises after the consumer moved and didn’t provide the retailer with a forwarding address.

There are rules that need to be followed to place someone on a credit listing. When these rules haven’t been met, it can be removed. Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW, Financial Ombudsman, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and financial counsellors can provide assistance to investigate the matter free of charge.

Many people seek help from “credit fix” agents who charge large sums of money for the same service. Don’t get caught up paying large sums of money to fix your credit rating when you can get the service completely free.

Gentle reminder

Please remember to inform Link as soon as you change your circumstances or personal details. It is very important that you inform us of any events that affect your income as soon as it happens.

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Link housing achieves a CustomerServicefirst!

Link Housing achieves a customer service first!It’s with great pleasure that Link Housing can announce we have achieved certification and accreditation against the International Customer Service Standard. Link Housing is the only community housing organisation in Australia to currently hold this standard.

It demonstrates Link’s commitment to continually improve our service to all our tenants and stakeholders and to work with our tenants to meet their needs.

Our Link Right customer service strategy and commitment formed the foundation of our customer service promise. Here’s an update of what we are working towards:

You said, we did...Keep me Informed • Website updated regularly

• Tenant information days programed • Policy updates in newsletters

Get it Right • Received and dealt with effectively 15 complaints and 5 appeals • Complaint outcomes used to improve policy

Provide Timely Response

• Mystery Shopping Program Completed • Monthly survey of maintenance repairs • Customer Service Training of Staff

Be Professional • Attained the International Customer Service Standard!

Respect My Rights

• Encouraged appeals and complaints when tenants disagree with a decision or service received • Tenant’s awareness of complaints and appeals have resulted in 3 external complaint and appeals

tenants Information Day - 10am to 1pm Wednesday 27th April 2016

Link Housing are cancelling the April regional meetings (5th, 12th and 19th April) in favour of a Tenant Information Day!

After consultation with Link Housing’s TAG group and talking to some of our tenants, Link has decided to replace April’s regional meetings with a tenant’s information day. The event will be held in Chatswood with a full itinerary of workshops and information sessions planned. Morning tea and a lovely lunch will also be served throughout the day. A full agenda and formal invite will be sent out closer to the date.

In the meantime, if there are any particular issues you would like to be discussed or workshops that you think would be useful to you as a tenant, please call me on 02 9412 5104.

Comings and Goings

The amazing Dorothy Tuagalu has left the assets and maintenance team to take up a community development role south of the bridge. Her very big shoes have been filled by Djamel Boukerche who is ready to take all your repairs calls. He can be contacted directly on 9412 5113.

Link Housing current Chief Operations Officer, Samantha Male, will be setting off to pastures new in April. Link has already begun the recruitment process for Sam’s role and we hope to introduce our new colleague in our winter newsletter.

Link are also in the process of recruiting two new housing managers over the coming months as a result of Elizabeth Reid leaving and Natasha Carson’s maternity leave. You will be informed of their names as soon as the posts have been filled.

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Linksocial Outing - Cockatoo Island

Link are very happy to announce the destination of our next social outing – CockatooIsland! Only a short ferry ride from Sydney’s city centre is Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour’s largest island and one of Australia’s most fascinating historical sites. Follow your passion for maritime or convict history with a guided tour that will take you through the islands amazing history. Alternatively, enjoy a walk around the island at your own pace.

The event will take place on tuesday 12th April 2016. The whole day will be completely FReebut numbers are limited to 30 so get in fast!

Call 02 9412 5111 to register your interest. The first 30 people will be sent final details of the day closer to the time.

tAG’s Corner

Have you considered becoming a valued member of our Tenant Advisory Group (TAG)? TAG is a forum for tenants to raise issues, discuss options, plan actions and obtain support to improve the quality of life for themselves, their neighbours and the broader community.

What would I have to do?Members of TAG enjoy being involved in a wide range of services and activities including: • Participation in meetings and events • Discussing issues around repairs, tenancy or welfare and generating solutions • Providing feedback on Link’s policy and procedures directly affecting tenants • Advise on how Link communicates with tenants • Assist in planning community programs including competitions, special events, forums and the education scholarship • Providing advice on how tenants can participate e.g. surveys or workshops

Link housing Awards of excellence

Link announced it annual awards of excellence winners in December. Awards were given to employees for their outstanding contribution to Link housing in two different areas of the business.

For teamwork and Leadership...

Michael Bacon and April Baggett

For service excellence...

Keith Stephens“I am very honoured & surprised to have been selected for this award & would personally like to thank all of the people who thought that I was deserving of this award.” - Keith Stephens

Thank you for all your hard work and the amazing contribution you make to Link and all its tenants!

taronga Celebrates Centenary with $1 entry

Taronga is inviting everyone to spend their birthday with animals for just $1, to celebrate 100 years of bringing people and wildlife together. The Zoo,which officially opened in Mosman in 1916 is offering a $1 entry ticket to visitors on their birthday throughout its Centenary year. People can register on Taronga’s website to receive a $1 voucher to use on their birthday. You’ll also get a special 100 birthday badge to wear and keep as a great Centenary memento.

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how much of my time would I have to give?As a member of TAG, you can be involved as little or as much as you would like to participate in. However you are required to attend two of the four office meetings and one of your regional group meetings or tenant information days.

Who can sign up?All current tenants of Link are eligible to become a member of TAG in their local area.

What’s in it for me? • Create new friendships with other tenants that continue to grow outside of group meetings • Let your voice be heard • Be a source of information and voice for fellow tenants in your community • Enjoy the satisfaction of your views and input influencing the way Link Housing works with tenants and the community

What can I achieve? • A new skill set, including the ability to discuss issues and put forward valuable views effectively • Opportunity to chair meetings • Knowledge on the organisation and how a Community Housing organisation operates. • A sense of well-being and giving back to the community

Here are some comments from our existing TAG members:

Becoming TAG members has been a great opportunity. We have gained an understanding of the needs of tenants and how we can provide safe and secure environments, by working directly with Link Housing. It has been wonderful to form links with tenants and the provider.

As TAG members we have been able to work together as a team to forge common goals for the future of all Link Housing tenants. The TAG meetings have been a great learning place, and given us a deep appreciation for our tenants. This gives us a sense of worth and the joy sharing with the community as a whole.

We would encourage as many who are physically able to step up and volunteer for this position. It is a privilege to serve as a TAG member, its rewards are infinite character building and enhancing our interacting skills. We learn also from one another and keeping our unity as a team.

- Ian and Remy Robb

Want to be more computer savvy?

Do you want to know how to use social media like facebook and twitter? Do you want to be able to skype or facetime your family living abroad?

Link Housing will be running a couple of half day short courses. Tenants will learn how to be more tech savvy and make the most of all the apps and features that social media has to offer. The courses will be run on May 11th from 10 am to 1pm at Link Housings head office, Level 12, 815 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, 2066. Lunch will be provided. Please register your interest by 30th April 2016.

In the meantime there are a number of courses out there that offer FREE or very inexpensive basic computer courses. Check out these websites for more details:

northern Beacheshttps://www.nbcc.nsw.edu.au/courses/Computers/Computers+for+Seniorshttps://www.nbcc.nsw.edu.au/courses/Computers

Macquarie/Ryde/Chatswood–FREE!!https://www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au/courses/IT-computer-training/tech-savvy-seniorshttps://www.macquarie.nsw.edu.au/IT%20Computer%20Training

hornsby/Ku-ring-gai http://www.hkcc.nsw.edu.au/index.php/select-a-course/118-computer-basicshttp://www.hkcc.nsw.edu.au/index.php/select-a-course/144-tech-savvy - ALMOST FREE!

For FRee courses being run throughout nsW during seniors week…http://www.nswseniorsweek.com.au/events/Techsavvy

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LinkFutures - education scholarship

There’s still time to get your application in for Link Housing’s 2015/2016 scholarship program. The program provides opportunities for Link Housing tenants and members of Link Housing households to access monetary assistance towards a recognised course of study or to buy resources and equipment needed for a course of study. One of our recipients shared their story with us:

“I was very fortunate to be the recipient of a Link Housing study grant in 2013. I was enrolled in the Community Services Work Certificate IV course at Meadowbank TAFE and the grant assisted me with my study expenses during that year. I did the course because I was working in the mental health area and wanted a related qualification to help me with my career path in the community services area. The course was great and I gained lots of practical skills in how to support people in need as well as gaining a valuable qualification.

After I graduated I got a job working for an early childhood intervention service that I had visited during my work placement. I stayed there for a year and then got a permanent part time position working in a community mental health organisation in a peer support role.

Last year I decided to take my qualifications to the next level and enrolled in psychology at Macquarie University. I really enjoyed my first year and am looking forward to continuing with the course again this year.

I encourage anyone interested in doing study to give it a go and take on the challenge. It has been such a good experience for me and Link Housing were fantastic to give me that extra support to help make my dreams come true.”

- Sandra L Perrin

Applicants must be a Link Housing tenant or household member and already be enrolled in a course. You can apply for the scholarship atwww.linkhousing.org.au. Or call the office on9412 5104 to have the forms posted to you.

sewer Blockages

Sewer blockages are not a pleasant subject, but is one that can affect any of us if we aren’t careful. It could present in the form of slowly draining sinks, overflowing trap gullies, or strange gurgling noises coming from pipes. In some unfortunate cases, the first sign that you have a problem with sewer choke is when the water in your toilet bowl backs up and does not drain away.

Raw sewage overflow into your bathroom or toilet is a situation you want to avoid, and not have to fix after the event. There are several causes of sewer blockages with the most common being:

Flushing Foreign Objects down the toiletThese foreign objects don’t break down and can form a blockage inside the drain. Items such as disposable nappies, wet wipes, cotton buds, and tampons are not designed to be flushed down the toilet and yet many people do so. The odd soft toy may also get accidentally flushed by a child.

Other foreign liquid substances like fats, oils, paints and chemicals cause blockages when poured down the drain. They will either build up inside the drain or eat away at the drains themselves, allowing foreign material to enter the drainage system. Either way it can spell problems.

Sewer blockages are on the increase and causing havoc with our water systems at the expense of you the taxpayer!

OutreachOfficeOpeningTimes

•Burdekinoffice 2 Victor Road, Brookvale. 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. 9.00am to 12.30pm. No disabled access.

•RydeCentrelink 19-27 Devlin St, Ryde NSW 2112. Every Tuesday. 9.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 4.30pm.

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Ability Links

Ability Links supports people living with a disability, their families and carers to live the life they want, as equal and valued members in their community. Linkers can help you achieve your goal, your way.

One positive example of linking in practice is Sophie, a young woman who enjoys drama, dance and her dog. Sophie was keen to get some work experience or volunteering opportunities to help her gain skills for her long term goal of finding paid work.

The local Linker was aware that the local PCYC manager is committed to creating opportunities for young people to complete work experience at the centre. The Linker was able to arrange an initial meeting for Sophie at the PCYC. Following this, Sophie and her family took the initiative in completing the recruitment process. Sophie has now been at PCYC for one year developing her skills in office work and taking payments.

Sophie’s love of dance meant she wanted to explore and learn a new dance style. The local Linker found a dance school that offered Sophie a choice of classes to join. She has now completed her first concert with this new dance school and still attends her other dance classes.

With these new links to her community Sophie has grown in confidence and is now starting to think about finding paid work. The manager of the PCYC would be happy to recommend her to potential employers. She has met new people, built up experience of travelling by public transport and had the opportunity to try some new activities. Sophie has also taken up another opportunity to volunteer at her local Neighbourhood centre. She enjoys doing this and being around the activities at the centre.

If you would like to work with a Linker in your local area all you need to do is to contact the Linkers whenever you need to and in a way that suits you. For more information please call 02 8830 0768, email abilitylinks@uniting.org or, to find all your local Ability Links providers see www.abilitylinksnsw.org.au

Celebrity chefs contribute to LinkHousingcookbook!

As you may know, Link Housing is on the lookout for yummy recipes. These are to go in our very own Link Community cookbook. Several top celebrity chefs, including Pete Evans, Stephanie Alexander and Julie Goodwin have all contributed some of their recipes for our book.

If you want to be in the company of cooking legends, send your recipes in for inclusion in our cookbook. Recipes must be simple and relatively inexpensive to make.

Daylight savings

Daylight savings end on the 3rd April this year. Change your smoke alarm battery with a long life battery when you adjust your clock. House fires occur more frequently during the winter months, and making sure you go in to winter with a working smoke alarm makes good sense.

If you have a hard-wired smoke alarm, these still have a battery as a back-up and the battery needs to be changed as well.

Are you looking to return to work? Does your resume need updating? Would you like a refresher on Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint?

This course explores a range of career options and is an excellent pathway to further study including business administration, marketing, real estate, accounting, community services and more. Gain the knowledge and confidence to land your dream job!

When: 27th April to 17th June (8 weeks) Days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm Location: Northern Beaches Campus, 154 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale Enquiries: Daena Tyerman, Outreach Coordinator, 9448 4426 Cost: Free for women aged 15-30 receiving a Centrelink benefit Free for people with a disability $80 for women aged 30+ receiving a Centrelink benefit $220 for everyone else

Certificate I in Access to Work and Training (10087NAT)

WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

Are you looking to return to work? Does your resume need updating? Would you like a refresher on Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint?

This course explores a range of career options and is an excellent pathway to further study including business administration, marketing, real estate, accounting, community services and more. Gain the knowledge and confidence to land your dream job!

When: 27th April to 17th June (8 weeks) Days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm Location: Northern Beaches Campus, 154 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale Enquiries: Daena Tyerman, Outreach Coordinator, 9448 4426 Cost: Free for women aged 15-30 receiving a Centrelink benefit Free for people with a disability $80 for women aged 30+ receiving a Centrelink benefit $220 for everyone else

Certificate I in Access to Work and Training (10087NAT)

WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

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Work Opportunities for Women

Art exhibition - “What a home means to you.”

CallingallArtists!

Link Housing is inviting the community to take part in an art exhibition. Artists can create any artwork they like using the theme: “What a home means to you”. It’s an opportunity for all our tenants to showcase their artistic talents.

For more information about the exhibition or how to enter your artwork, please call Suzanne Sheerin at Link Housing on (02) 9412 5104. suzanne.sheerin@linkhousing.org.au. Deadline for entries is Friday 20th May 2016.

exhibition details:Venue: Warringah Creative Space 105 Abbott Road, North Curl CurlDates: Thursday 2nd June 10am to 4pm Friday 3rd June 10am to 4pm Saturday 4th June 10am to 4pm

www.linkhousing.org.au

Newsletter Design by Samuel Luke 2016