Evolve Housing News, September 2023

WIN Movie Tickets

FREE to enter until Monday 18th September.

See page 5

IN THIS ISSUE

Harbour Cruise

2-hour cruise in Sydney’s gorgeous harbour for residents.

Page 2

Imaginate Events

Footy Fever & Junior Inventors

Page 4

Win Movie Tickets

We have 2 prizes to give away.

Page 5

Lidcombe Rise Handover

Our brand-new social housing building.

Page 5

School Student

Broadband Initiative

Are you eligible?

Page 6

Spring Cleaning

Time to get rid of the Winter blues.

Page 6

Smoke Alarms

A visit from our professional Essential Fire Safety providers.

Page 7

Holiday Events see page 4

RAG Chat

The Resident Advisory Group (RAG) has been working hard to provide some inclusive activities including the recent Sydney Harbour BBQ Lunch cruise. There are also some exciting activities being planned including a social outing and a Bingo Day for later this year.

We have also been having discussions with Evolve Housing’s Information Technology (IT) team about the new IT system that provide residents with improved experiences, such as significantly reducing the amount of time our residents spend on the phone when they call our Contact Centre.

There will be an opportunity for residents to nominate and join the RAG for the 2024–2025 period. More information, please send any questions to Rob Costa via: community@evolvehousing.com.au

First Aid course

On 26th July 2023, we ran a one-off FREE First Aid course for five residents at our Parramatta office.

Evolve Housing Cruise

Thirty-six of our amazing Evolve Housing residents joined us on a spectacular 2-hour cruise in Sydney’s gorgeous harbour!

The residents were treated to a delicious buffet lunch and enjoyed each other’s company as they cruised by the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. There was also some onboard commentary which was welcomed with lots of laughs, as everyone mingled, went outside to enjoy the sun and the stunning views, and to also take selfies.

Evolve Housing is grateful to everyone who joined in, contributing to the warm and friendly atmosphere that made the day so special.

Acknowledgement of Country

Evolve Housing acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land where we deliver our housing services. We acknowledge and pay our respects to all Elders past, present and future. We welcome all First Nations Peoples to our services, as we walk together towards reconciliation.

Women’s Coffee Club

Women’s Coffee Club is a space for women to come together to build social connections. Have a chat over coffee and cake on us! Our next catch up will be 10am–12pm on Wednesday 11th October 2023 at the Flying Zebra Cafe (68 Bankstown City Plaza). For more information, please contact Terina on 0412 806 461 or via: community@evolvehousing.com.au

NAIDOC Week Celebration

We were joined by the talented Indidgdance group, featuring the incredible performers Taryn, Ryka, Majeeda, DJ, and Billie who then took us on a mesmerising journey through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances.

Ididgdance was formed by Taryn, who is of Torres Strait Island descent on her mother’s side (Moa and Darnley Islands) and Aboriginal descent from her father’s family (Wuthathi Tribe). Taryn took it upon herself to teach her family rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural dance as well as contemporary Indigenous Dance. She also encouraged Evolve staff to get involved and together they shared in the rich cultural expressions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Staff and residents were also given the opportunity to show off their artistic skills as they painted their very own Boomerang thanks to Indigenous artist Ryan Harris from 2DeadlyDesigns.

At Evolve Housing, we firmly believe in celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and embracing the wisdom and strength that comes from unity, and this is further shown with our very first RAP.

Our RAP supports us in collaborating and sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise to build strong relationships with First Nations Peoples and communities. It assists us in creating a culturally safe organisation.

At Evolve, we believe in the power of unity and recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we provide our services. Our RAP represents our commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures, embracing their wisdom, and taking tangible actions towards reconciliation.

Through our RAP, we aim to create a workplace that celebrates diversity, empowers Indigenous voices, and ensures equal opportunities for all. We will actively engage with local Indigenous communities, promoting cultural understanding and providing platforms for sharing knowledge and experiences.

NAIDOC Week has reminded us of the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and supporting the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

To read our Reconciliation Action Plan: issuu.com/evolvehousing/docs/2023-04-reflect-rap-a4

EVENT ROUNDUP

Imaginate events in JULY

We had a great turnout of over 90+ residents attend our Imaginate school holidays activities!

Kids First Aid welcomed children and their families to learn some valuable basic First Aid skills to use in emergency situations. Lots of information was shared and practical activities to participate in. The following

Events in SEPTEMBER — OCTOBER

week we had plenty of fun playing laser skirmish at Code Red Laser in Rosehill. Children weaved between the narrow passages of the maze, doing their best to avoid the line of fire and collect as many points as possible! Lunch was provided and plenty of prizes were won at both events! Keep an eye out on our Evolve Housing — What’s on page for future school holiday programs for kids of Evolve Housing!

Imaginate program provides fun-filled activities for children and young people during the September/October 2023 school holidays!

JUNIOR INVENTORS

Imaginate Footy Fever ROOTY HILL

Activity: Learn the rules and skills of the NRL and AFL

Imaginate Junior Inventors YAGOONA

Activity: Learn the fundamental concepts of circuits, coding and critical thinking.

Date: 28th September 2023

Time: 1pm –3:30pm

Location: Yagoona Community Centre 176D Cooper Rd Yagoona

Date: 5th October 2023

Time: 10am–2:00pm

Location: Angus Memorial Park (Corner of Beames Avenue & Watt Street, Rooty Hill)

There will be food provided and prizes to be won! Keep an eye out via the Evolve Housing - What’s On page for more information or to book: bit.ly/eh-whatson

COMPETITION CORNER

WIN Movie tickets

To keep the family entertained during the September school holidays we will be holding a Find-a-word competition with Hoyts Movie tickets as the prize!

The prize:

We have 2 prizes to give away. Each winner will get a $100 Hoyts gift card.

How to enter:

Locate the listed words in the grid that are horizontally, vertically and diagonally correct, then take a photo of the completed find-a-word when you’re done. Send the photo by SMS to Terina on 0412 806 461. Use the subject line “Movie Tickets”. Please include your full name, Evolve Housing address and phone number.

All correct entries will go into the running to win, then we will draw 2 winners randomly.

Please note you must be an Evolve Housing resident to enter. Entries close midday Monday 18th September 2023, and we will contact the winners directly.

Movie: Find a Word

Lidcombe Rise Handover

Evolve Housing is thrilled to announce that we have officially taken over the keys to our brandnew social housing building in Lidcombe!

In this development, there is 63 social housing apartments comprising of 21 one-bedroom apartments and 42 twobedroom apartments, which Evolve Housing is managing on behalf of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) on a 20-year lease.

We have started moving in very excited residents into the units that are designed to offer comfort, support, and a fresh start to individuals and families seeking affordable homes in Western Sydney.

We‘re exceptionally proud to be partnered with the Billbergia Group and the NSW Land and Housing Corporation on this project’s delivery. We thank them for their incredible work.

Evolve Housing is honoured to announce that our 2021–22 Annual Report won the incredible Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA) Gold Award at the 73rd Australasian Reporting Awards ceremony.

Our team was awarded the fantastic Gold Award for Distinguished Achievement in Reporting. We were also one of six finalists for the Community & Welfare Sector Award!

Spring Cleaning

With warmer temperatures just around the corner, it’s time to get rid of the Winter blues and welcome Spring! From the bedrooms to the kitchen, here are some tips to help you with your spring cleaning.

Bedrooms and Wardrobes

• Wash and pack away winter bedding; replace with summer bedlinen.

• Wash or replace pillows.

• Turn, rotate and air your mattress.

• Empty drawers and remove any items that are no longer needed. Wipe clean and organise your remaining items using drawer containers or dividers.

• Sort the contents of your wardrobe into ‘keep’, ‘donate’ and ‘bin’ piles to make more room.

• Clean your empty wardrobe, then organise your clothes, placing similar items together.

Kitchen

• Clear out the pantry, remove expired foods and organise similar items together.

• Empty and clean fridge, defrost the freezer if needed, and discard expired food.

• Tidy drawers and cupboards. Throw away anything broken.

• Clean all surfaces including benches and cupboard doors

• Clean all appliances, including the oven, cooktop, extractor fan, microwave, dishwasher.

Bathroom

• Empty bathroom cabinets, removing expired medications and old cosmetics. Dispose of safely. Organise contents by storing similar items together.

• Clean grout and replace broken seals around the shower, bath or basin.

Living Room

• Dust blinds, light fittings, ceiling fans, floor.

• Clean windows inside and out.

• Wash soft furnishings – cushions and curtains

• Clean doorknobs, light switches, trims, skirting boards and picture frames.

School Student Broadband Initiative

To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is working with NBN (internet provider) and participating organisations like Evolve Housing, to provide free NBN for 12 months for families who currently don’t have internet at home.

If you have school-aged children, you may have received an SMS from us requesting your consent to send your address details to the NBN for the purpose of checking eligibility to the NBN School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

If you have completed this consent form and are eligible for the initiative, we will contact you with a voucher for

12 months free internet access. To provide consent to send your address to NBN for the purpose of checking eligibility please complete this form:

https://forms.office.com/r/jeCGLjCJzV

For more information on this initiative please email: community@evolvehousing.com.au

Be part of the Evolve Housing Communication Panel

What does the Communication panel do?

Checks letters, newsletters, fact sheets and other documents published by Evolve Housing ensuring they are easy to read, are easy to understand and are set out in a way that encourages people to read them. Commitment is important part of this role. All the work is done online via email so it can be done at home as long as you have access to the internet.

If you’re interested, please send your expression of interest to community@evolvehousing.com.au

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Charging your e-scooters

...and other electrical equipment

Electric micromobility devices like e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards are becoming increasingly popular. These devices use lithiumion batteries and come with associated risks, such as fire, explosion, radiation, heat, and chemical and electrical hazards.

Fire and Rescue NSW created a list of ways to best reduce incidents involving these technologies, including:

• Only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.

• Only use chargers that are supplied with the device, or certified third-party charging equipment that is compatible with the battery specifications.

This is particularly important during winter when we are all using heaters to keep warm.

Evolve engage professional Essential Fire Safety providers, Firetection, Willowdene Constructions, and Smoke Alarms Australia, who conduct visits to check that all necessary items in your unit are working. You will be able to choose a specific time for the visit, which should take approximately 15 minutes.

Please help us keep you safe by ensuring you allow contractors to check your smoke alarms. If you’re worried about your smoke alarm call 1800myevolve (1800 693 865).

• Check that chargers bear the Regulatory Compliance Mark, to show that they meet the relevant Australian Standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).

• Avoid leaving LEV batteries or devices unattended while being charged or charging overnight.

• Don’t charge or store LEV batteries/devices on surfaces such as beds, sofas, or carpet. Keep them away from highly flammable materials such as blankets, clothing, and paper.

• Install a smoke alarm or a heat alarm is installed in garages where a LEV is stored and/or charged.

• Don’t use LEV batteries/devices that show signs of swelling, bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage (cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed).

Want to help make a difference to fellow residents, then this might be for you.

Visit from Minister for Social Services

Hon. Minister Amanda Rishworth MP

Opportunity Pathways

If you’re looking for a job or wanting to improve your current job situation, Evolve Housing has the program just for you!

Evolve Housing welcomed the Hon Minister Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services / Member for Kingston to hear about the outstanding achievements of the Opportunity Pathways Social Impact Investment Program!

The Minister was introduced to three successful participants of the Opportunity Pathways program and listened to their powerful stories of overcoming adversity to get to where they are today.

Since the new Opportunity Pathways Social Impact Investment Program commenced in July 2022, Evolve Housing has successfully placed 103 participants into employment.

Evolve Housing applauds the efforts of the NSW and Federal governments for investing in programs like these which encourage people to undertake employment and education avenues that they may otherwise think would be out of reach.

Financial Assistance grants

Did you know we provide financial grants to our residents?  KEY grants — supports adults with educational expenses who are looking to or are currently completing tertiary education such as TAFE or university.

Highschool Help — supports high school students with educational expenses that attend high school.  GO grants — supports children with expenses related to physical or cultural activities.

For more information please contact our Community Development worker Terina on 0412 806 461, see our website Evolve Housing or email community@evolvehousing.com.au

Opportunity Pathways is a voluntary program that provides support to social and public housing clients to access employment, training and work opportunities. By joining Opportunity Pathways, you or your household members can be supported in finding employment and sourcing opportunities to obtain training and qualifications. Opportunity Pathways is open to all residents in South West Sydney..

If you are on the waiting list for social housing you are also eligible to apply. For more information call: 1800 PATH2WORK (1800 728 429) Or email: pathways@evolvehousing.com.au

evolvehousing.com.au/whats-on or by calling 1800 myevolve (1800 693 865)

@evolvehousing evolvehousing

How to make a compliment, complaint or appeal

At Evolve Housing, we acknowledge that compliments, complaints and appeals provide valuable feedback.

If you would like to leave us a compliment (thanks!) we would love to hear from you! Please visit:

https://bit.ly/Evolve-Housing-Compliment-Complaints-Appeals To make a complaint, please email ihear@evolvehousing.com au

You are also able to reach out by phone on 1800 693 865, or by mailing us at 9–13 Argyle Street, Parramatta 2150 NSW

If you are unhappy about a decision made about your tenancy you can lodge an appeal within three months from the date of the original decision.

To lodge an appeal, please fill out our Appeals form on our website: http://bit.ly/Appeal-Evolve-Housing or by contacting our office on 1800 693 865