Humelife Winter 2023

Contents

5 Hume CeO Brad Braithwaite

A huge welcome to our new CEO

6 reconciliation Week 2023: A Journey Towards Healing

On Friday June 2nd, in the heart of Maitland Park, an important gathering unfolded to commemorate Reconciliation Week—a time to reflect on Aboriginal histories and cultures and work towards reconciliation in Australia.

8 rent it Keep it: Your key to renting successfully

If you’ve been struggling to secure a rental, manage your budget, or maintain your current tenancy, Hume Community Housing has an event tailor-made for you

10 Community noticeboard

Find out what services are available to you in your area as well as upcoming events!

17 Motto Farm

Create opportunities for people to prosper by building vibrant and connected communities

18 Together Home

Our customers explain how homelessness is an experience not an identity. Homelessness can happen to anyone. A job loss, a relationship breakdown, an illness, in fact any major incident in life can trigger a spiral into homelessness and despair.

20 Humepay

Find a payment option to suit you.

21 Capital Works

Hunter residents receive a $4.2 million investment in home improvements. Hume Community Housing was pleased to recently secure funding under the NSW Governments $300 million investment in capital maintenance works.

5

10

Welcome to our Winter issue

From Hume’s CeO Brad Braithwaite

Dear Hume Customers,

It is my privilege to welcome you to this month’s edition of Hume Life.

I am honoured to introduce myself as the new CEO of Hume Community Housing. As I step into this role, I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received from the Hume community.

First and foremost, I want to assure you that Hume Community Housing’s commitment to providing safe, secure, and affordable homes remains unwavering. Our mission is to create thriving communities where everyone has access to suitable housing, and I am dedicated to upholding this vision.

I am inspired by the amazing stories of Hume’s customers who have had their lives transformed with the support of the Hume team. As a busy dad to five kids, I know how hectic, challenging, and unpredictable life can be. I understand the pressures many of you are under with the

rising cost of living, and the rental housing shortage. I hope as Hume’s leader, I can help make a real impact by supporting Hume to build more homes and deliver services for those in need.

Building strong relationships with our customers is at the heart of everything we do. I encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve our services and make informed decisions that benefit the entire community. I look forward to meeting many of you over the months ahead and hearing about your experiences as a Hume customer.

I will be focusing on understanding the challenges and opportunities Hume faces in enhancing the quality of our housing, streamlining our processes, and expanding our support services. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering the best possible experience to our customers

in all areas, from maintenance and repairs to community engagement and resident support.

I look forward to serving you and working with you to create vibrant and inclusive communities that we can all be proud of.

Enjoy reading this Winter edition of Hume Life magazine!

Yours sincerely,

Brad Braithwaite Chief Executive Officer

P.S. I’m planning on cooking the delicious Garlic Butter Chicken recipe on page 26 with my kids!

HAve YOu FOllOWed us On sOCiAl MediA YeT?

We’re constantly sharing information about Hume and partner updates, events, resources, and services on our social media platforms. Facebook

Brad

attends the CHiA Conference & Maitland Homelessness summit

Would you like to hear more about our upcoming Hume Customer events via email? scan the Qr Code below and follow the simple steps to get email notifications about upcoming events in your area.

Left: Getting to know the CEO of Hume.

Above: CHIA Conference.

Hume All-Team Meeting.

A journey towards healing

On Friday June 2nd, in the heart of Maitland Park, an important gathering unfolded to commemorate Reconciliation Week—a time to reflect on Aboriginal histories and cultures and work towards reconciliation in Australia. At Hume we have many values including champions of change and creators of connectivity, committed to these values we organised a thought-provoking event that aimed to foster unity and understanding.

Approximately 40 individuals from diverse backgrounds arrived, each carrying their unique perspectives and stories. Gathered as one to enjoy a BBQ lunch, a sense of community filled the air. People were eager to connect and engage in meaningful discussions, all driven by a common purpose: to listen, learn, and take steps towards reconciliation.

The event’s highlight was the words and Acknowledgement to Country spoken by an Aboriginal elder, Michael Chenery. With wisdom and pride, he shared his insights and spoke on behalf of the Aboriginal people. He painted a vivid picture of their struggles, resilience, and the enduring effects of a painful history. His words carried the weight of generations, urging listeners to recognise and understand the experiences of the First Nations.

Creating a safe and respectful space, Hume led a yarning circle—a form of open conversation. Everyone was encouraged to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This circle became a platform for meaningful discussions, where participants explored the complexities of reconciliation, the healing that was needed, and the shared responsibility to create a more inclusive society.

During the significant reflections, it was a time to reflect on the milestones that shaped the reconciliation journey, such as the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision in 1992. These pivotal events recognised the rights and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, challenging the notion of ‘terra nullius’ and laying the foundation for reconciliation. This brought on the discussion that in late 2023, Australians will have the opportunity to participate in another referendum aimed at amending the Constitution to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, an independent and permanent advisory body. This Voice would provide valuable advice to the Australian Parliament and Government on matters affecting the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Empowering, community-led, inclusive, respectful, and culturally informed, the Voice seeks to shape a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

PeOPle Were eAger TO COnneCT And engAge in MeAningFul disCussiOns, All driven BY A COMMOn PurPOse: TO lisTen, leArn, And TAKe sTePs TOWArds reCOnCiliATiOn.

During the event, Tara Dever, CEO of Mindaribba, Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), approached one of our organisers with appreciation, she expressed the efforts of Hume to be able to provide a secure and safe environment, that allowed the elders to gather and share their stories as a community. Everyone engaged in activities that fostered their understanding of Indigenous cultures, promoting respect and appreciation. While enjoying a well-cooked BBQ and the kids had fun with some organised activities. As the event concluded, a heartfelt thanks were extended to all who attended the Reconciliation Week BBQ to acknowledge the past, embrace diversity, and foster unity.

Would you like to hear more about our upcoming Hume Customer events via email?

scan the Qr Code below and follow the simple steps to get email notifications about upcoming events in your area.

renT iT Kee P iT

rent it Keep it: Your key to renting successfully.

If you’ve been struggling to secure a rental, manage your budget, or maintain your current tenancy, Hume Community Housing has an event tailor-made for you.

Introducing the Rent It Keep It program—designed to help all ages with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rental landscape. Whether you’re a current customer or starting your first rental journey, this program will support you every step of the way. The program is free and is held in both Maitland, and Fairfield NSW,

It’s more than just a workshop; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and take control of your housing future. In just four hours, you will cover many vital topics, from understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant to practical tips for securing and maintaining a rental tenancy. The sessions are conducted in a welcoming, relaxed, and nonjudgmental environment, fostering

an atmosphere of shared learning and support. We even provide a free light lunch to fuel your learning.

Participants receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the session, which can be added to your customer record or submitted with any private rental applications. This recognition highlights your commitment to being a responsible and knowledgeable tenant and will give you an edge in today’s competitive housing market.

We acknowledge the NSW Department of Communities and Justice for developing this invaluable initiative, as well as our partners who support us in delivering the program.

So, don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity. Book your seat now for the upcoming Rent It Keep It session. Whether you attend alone or bring a support person, you’ll be taking a significant step towards securing your rental housing journey.

Remember, Rent It Keep It sessions fill up fast, so act quickly to secure your spot. Together, let’s unlock the path to successful tenancy and create a thriving community for all.

To book your seat or for more information simply give us a call on 1800 004 300 or follow the step on the QR code below.

Would you like to hear more about our upcoming Hume Customer events via email?

scan the Qr Code below and follow the simple steps to get email notifications about upcoming events in your area.

ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON RENT ASSISTANCE?

Because you live in Community Housing, you may be eligible to receive a payment towards your rent.

It’s called Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)

But I am not listed on the lease agreement? No problems. If you are sharing and are not a partner or dependent of the head tenant, and you contribute to rent, you may still be eligible for CRA.

How much rent assistance can I get? It depends on your income and household situation. You can find out by looking at the Notice of Rent Assessment we sent you.

What if I am eligible but choose not to apply for CRA?

Unfortunately, you may find yourself out of pocket each fortnight. If eligible, but you choose not to apply for CRA, you will still be charged a rent contribution that assumes you are receiving 100% CRA payment that you are entitled to.

RENT

If you tick any of the boxes below you may be eligible for CRA

•You receive an eligible payment from Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs; or

•You receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A; and you pay more than the minimum amount of rent set by Centrelink.

An increase to Rent Assistance has been announced in the 2023 Federal Budget, starting from 20 September 2023. It is now more important than ever to make sure you are receiving the correct amount of Rent Assistance so that you get the maximum increase when the changes come into effect.

How do I apply for CRA?

1. Contact Centrelink or MyGov

2. Tell them you live in Community Housing and let them know your weekly rent. TWO EASY STEPS

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

suPPOrT FOr YOu in YOur COMMuniTY

WesleY MissiOn (02) 9263 5177

Wesley Care Finder: Find local age care providers, plus many more services including; My Aged Care (1800 227 475), Older Persons Advocacy Network (1800 700 600), Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) & National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500).

eAsYBOndPAY 1300 022 663

Apply and pay your rental bond in smaller, monthly instalments.

sAMAriTAns (02) 4934 0814

Homeless Youth Assistance ProgramSocial work support for young people aged 12-15 who are homeless. hyap@ samaritans.org.au

CAsTle 1300 817 917

Supporting individuals to find a job or live more independently.

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

gOOdliFe FOOd CO-OP – FOOd BAnK/suPPOrT

MAiTlAnd

Old Maitland Gaol, John Street, East Maitland NSW 2323, office@ goodlifechurch.com.au

uniTing CHurCH

AusTrAliA –FOOd BAnK/ suPPOrT

MAiTlAnd

347 Ken Tubman Drive, Maitland NSW 2320, enquiries@nat.uca.org.au

sAlvATiOn ArMY COMMuniTY

WelFAre

(02)9757 1067

Food Bank/support Fairfield

473 Hamilton Road, Fairfield West

sT MerKOriOus CHAriTY

(02)9799 9954

Food Bank/support Fairfield

Fairfield Community Centre, 43 Harris Street, Fairfield

FOOd AssisTAnCe neTWOrK

Find all your local Maitland Food Drives. Food Assistance Network Maitland City Council (nsw.gov.au)

POrT sTePHens FAMilY And neigHBOurHOOd serviCes

If you require electricity/ gas bill assistance you need to visit a provider who provides EAPA.

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

national nAidOC Week is an annual event held in the first week of July in Australia, dedicated to celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres strait islander peoples. it provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and appreciate the oldest living cultures on earth. The week is marked by various activities and events held across the country.

More information:

national nAidOC Week | nAidOC naidoc.org.au

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

FAirField, MAiTlAnd OuTreACH OPTiOns And surrOunding AreAs

All services provided by third party organisations and subject to availability.

raymond Terrace / Port stephens area

dara’s van Hot Meal and a drink

Monday (Nelson Bay 6pm – 8.30pm)

Wednesday (Raymond Terrace 5pm – 7.30pm)

Nutritious meal and drinks for those experiencing homelessness.

Orange sky laundry available to have clothes washed and dried. Community shower facility**

Hope Cottage Tuesdays 10am - 12pm Listening ear and emergency food relief for individuals and families Food Care 4981 1852 Wednesday 11am - 1pm Free coffee and food parcels

Tanilba Bay Baptist Church Winter Thursday lunch 12.30pm - 1.30pm Meal (Lunch or dinner depending on the season)

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

Maitland / rutherford

COMMUNITY nOTiCeBOArd

Provides information and support for individuals, families and groups of consumers who are experiencing debt problems. 1

Provides career guidance, digital literacy training and assistance to communicate transferable skills, increase job readiness and target job searches for adults over 45 years old.

Suite 303, Level A, 25 Smart Street, Fairfield, NSW, 2165

problems.

Adults over 45 years old.

We dig building vibrant, healthy communities!

The cooler weather has bought out our mad-keen gardeners and we love nothing more than to see Hume customers growing vegetables and flowers, striking up friendships with neighbours as well as beautifying their environment. In early May, our Telopea gardening community were shovel-ready to kick start the community garden re-engagement activity. A big shout-out to Bunnings Rydalmere who generously provided all the necessities with $2,000 worth of building equipment, plants, soil and

fertilisers along with their time and expertise. We have our new raised beds ready to go and are looking forward to sharing with you some of the winter produce in the coming months and even some resident recipes to give you ideas on how to save money and eat well.

shout out to Theresa Polamalu-siteine and dylan davoodifar for your support on the day. #partnerships #sustainableliving #crossdepartmentalcollaboration

HuMe in BlOOM

Tues 26 sept competition opens for entries

Fri 3 nov competition closes

Thurs 16 Nov winners announced

Motto Farm

Creating opportunities for people to prosper by building vibrant and connected communities.

When things get tough, it’s important to know that help and good food are available to you. We want you to know about a wonderful place called Motto Farm. It’s a place where you can feel warm, get tasty meals, have fun, and not worry about being judged.

Motto Farm has a collaboration of services that make this possible including Catholic Care, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service, Hunter New England Health, Motto Farm and Hume Community Housing. At Motto Farm, they make sure to cook meals with lots of care and love. They get food from Catholic Care, and then the lovely staff cook the meals at Motto Farm itself. The kitchen smells amazing when the food is being cooked. When the food is ready, they serve it with a smile. They know that food is not the only thing that matters, but also how you feel when you eat it. All services are also there to answer any questions you may have.

They have activities for kids to enjoy while you’re there, we spoke with one customer from Motto Farm about her journey and why she enjoys coming to Motto Farm. Emma was feeling worried and unsure when she first went to

Motto Farm, as she gets anxious in new situations. But when she arrived, she saw other families having a great time. Both her kids lit up when they saw the fun activities available for them. They joined other kids in painting pictures, playing games, and story time. Emma said she watched them smiling, knowing that they were in a safe and caring place. During their time at Motto Farm, Emma and her kids made new friends and felt like they were not alone in their journey. The staff and volunteers made sure they felt comfortable and included in all the activities.

We also spoke with a Hume customer, John, he tells us how the warm meals and the non-judgmental atmosphere at Motto Farm changed his life. John has been homeless now for a year due to family disputes and being unable to work due to learning disabilities. He is now with Hume in temporary accommodation at Motto Farm and working with Hume to find a more permit rental. He loves coming to get his meals at Motto farm where he has met other Hume customers with similar stories. He met Jim, who he now says is one of his best friends, Jim has showed John how to catch public transport

around the local area. When times were tough, having a hot meal and a supportive community gave him a safe place to be.

Aside from hot meals and the exciting kid’s activities, Motto Farm also offers free immunisation programs for children. They care about your family’s health, they provide immunisation services right there at Motto Farm, making it convenient and easy for you. In collaboration with Oz Harvest, Motto Farm is starting cooking lessons. This means you can learn how to cook delicious and healthy meals for you and your family. They will teach you seasoned recipes and show you how to use fresh ingredients within a budget. It’s a great way to have fun, learn new skills, and make tasty meals for everyone to enjoy.

Motto Farm is an incredible place for our Hume customers and their families. If you are experiencing homelessness, remember, you’re not alone, relief programs like Motto Farm are available to give you warm meals and support.

Together home

Our customers explain how homelessness is an experience not an identity.

Homelessness can happen to anyone. A job loss, a relationship breakdown, an illness, in fact any major incident in life can trigger a spiral into homelessness and despair.

In 2020, during COVID the NSW Government realised how it was almost impossible to isolate if you were homeless people. In response they developed a wonderful program called Together Home. It was the first two-year support program designed to assist people experiencing long term homelessness into stable accommodation, making sure they also are given the necessary supports to manage their complex issues and transform their lives.

Today Hume is recognised as one of only a few community housing providers with the inhouse expertise to deliver all aspects of the Together Home program. Our team are leading the way in supporting long-term homeless customers successfully maintain stable housing and utilise supports over a two-year period.

With 96% of Hume’s enrolled participants remaining in our Together Homes program we know that homelessness is both fixable and is not a life-sentence.

We recently spoke with three inspiring customers who are near completing the program to find out what it has meant to them and where they see their future selves now, they are housed and able to maintain their tenancies.

Meet Heather…

• 7 years rough sleeping

• Substantial addiction issues

• Severe domestic family violence

• Disconnection from family and culture

Biggest changes in your life as a result of Together Home?

“Since joining the program, I have been working. I’ve had three jobs in the last twelve months, going from one job to another to find the right job. And yeah, I’m happy, comfortable where I at the Best Western –where before the program I used to get temporary accommodation.

I have also had my teeth fixed. I now have confidence in smiling. Now I’m showing my teeth instead of showing my past”.

Hume applauds the NSW Department of Community and Justice on this exceptional program that is genuinely transforming lives.

Meet Kat…

Homeless from age 16 and with a long history of domestic family violence trauma and foster placement abuse, Kat is 18 months into the program and making a success of her life.

How is Together Home program different from other services you have accessed?

“I would say the difference is that when you go with another service, you might get phone calls. And then they’re like, okay, goodbye. Whereas in the Together Home program, if I don’t answer the phone, there’s a house visit, and if I’ve gone missing in action, there’s a search party looking for me”.

They keep very close watch. And I feel like, because I stick with that one social worker and I see that one person for nearly a year and a half now we’ve got that relationship, and it’s like, that’s the main difference that I’ve seen.

I think a lot of other services should actually take up that thought. I’m no longer on heavy drugs. I attend appointments. I’m able to start making my own appointments now, even.

I’m slowly getting my social life back with my friends, my family. I’m getting my mental health on track. I’ve even gotten a job. Um, so it’s like so many positive things have come out of this program that I would not have been able to do on my own”.

WHAT’s Been A Big HelP is YOu HAven’T Been JudgMenTAl; YOu HAve Been THAT POsiTive reinFOrCeMenT.

i’M slOWlY geTTing MY sOCiAl liFe BACK WiTH MY Friends, MY FAMilY.

Meet Mark...

Over 5 years rough sleeping... substantial trauma history and involvement with the criminal justice system…- substantial unaddressed chronic health needs and frequent hospital admissions

How have you been treated in the Together Program?

“What’s been a big help is you haven’t been judgmental; you have been that positive reinforcement. You’d say, “come on, Mark, pick yourself up, get moving”. That’s been a massive help and I’m now four, five months without a drink and I’m hoping that I can go a lot longer.

For the first time in my life, I feel confident enough to go and get me motorbike license and that will open up so much more as well. But the biggest thing I feel that was a step in the right direction was when you guys got me housed and got me settled. You just didn’t drop me off and say bad luck and deal with it yourself.”

Choose a bill payment option to suit you

HumePAY

HumePAY is a way to pay your rent and other bills securely online through a new payment portal.

HumePAY offers a simple and easy way to view your outstanding rent, water and bond balances, and to make payments – anytime, anywhere.

Access HumePAY on our website at humehousing.com.au/makeapayment

Centrepay

Centrepay is a voluntary and easy payment option available to Centrelink customers. Use Centrepay to make regular deductions from your Centrelink payment.

Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrepay for more information on how to set up your Centrepay deductions.

You will need Hume’s CRN: 555014310J.

You can also ask Hume to set it up for you. You will need to complete a Centrepay Deduction Authority.

BPAY

BPAY is an easy and secure way to manage your rent and water usage bills through your online, mobile or telephone banking.

You can choose which account to pay bills from, and schedule payments on a date that works for you, so long as you have funds available in your account on the scheduled date.

renT Biller Code: 230565 Ref Number: xxxxxx

WATer Biller Code: 230565 Ref Number: xxxxxx

Call us

You can also contact us over the phone. Call us on (02) 9722 4300 and one of our friendly team members will take your payment over the phone – all you need is your debit or credit card.

Capital works

Hunter residents receive a $4.2 million investment in home improvements.

Hume Community Housing was pleased to recently secure funding under the NSW Governments $300 million investment in capital maintenance works. The funding is aimed at improving the quality and liveability of social housing managed by Community Housing Providers.

The program, managed by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will not only improve the condition and quality of homes that Hume manages, but also reduce future maintenance and cost of living expenses.

Hume successfully secured $4.2m to upgrade 403 properties in Maitland and Port Stephens. The selection process was determined by the Land and Housing Corporation based on Property Assessment Surveys identifying the homes most in need of upgrades.

The works includes new kitchens’, bathrooms and roof replacements along with new floor coverings and fencing.

One customer, Louise from Woodbury has been delighted with the installation of a bright new bathroom. “As a single mum with four youngsters, we struggled with the original bathroom and a reoccurring water leak.” Hume arranged a temporary portable bathroom while the works were underway. Louise said the contractors were pleasant and that most of the upgrade happened with a minimum of fuss. “I was able to choose the tile colours and paint and have some input into the design which made it exciting. We love the new look!” Louise too has also been busy beautifying her home, doing her own upgrades to the garden and outdoor living area. “Little by little the place we have called home for five years is coming together. I am very proud of my home.”

Victor Prasad, Hume’s Chief Operating Officer confirmed the renovation works are underway. “The quality and amenity of a home has a direct link to the health and well-being of customers; therefore, this injection of funding is not only transforming homes, but more importantly, transforming the lives of our customers.”

Another customer, Sharon from Rutherford learned her home would receive an external paint job along with new replacement fencing. “Thank you, Hume. I was so happy to receive the news, and I chose a modern grey colour theme. My home now looks so much nicer and more modern from the street.”

Hume’s local building contractors Kingston Building Australia and Programmed Facility Management, who currently deliver maintenance services to our customers across the Hunter, are undertaking the works. Importantly, the works are also channelling investment into the Hunter economy by boosting jobs for local trades and businesses supplying building materials and services.

This is Hume’s second major large-scale maintenance project in the Hunter. In 2022, we successfully renovated 70 homes in 70 days using $4 million in stimulus funding from the NSW Government.

Victor Prasad is confident that the standard of homes in the region is gradually improving. “We took over the management of close to 2,400 older properties in the area in 2019 from the NSW Government. With more than $8 million in government funding invested into these, we know there is still much more work to do. Hume is also investing millions in planned maintenance and responsive maintenance works to ensure homes are safe, and liveable. Our goal is to continue improving homes, along with building new homes in the region to address the shortage of affordable rental housing in the Hunter.”

sdA rental Properties now available

What is sdA?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are properties that have been approved for some people funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to live in.

iMPOrTAnT

Hume cannot assess your eligibility for SDA. You will need to contact your NDIS Support Coordinator to see if you are eligible for SDA funding and/or request a review of your NDIS plan if it is not included.

Bungarribee

great neighbourhood with parks, walkways, and a nearby zoo.

With lots of light and a modern style, this single-storey home in Bungarribee has one vacant room. The fivebedroom home is fully accessible, featuring wide hallways and ceiling hoists in most of the rooms – including bathrooms and the vacant room. The home also includes two living areas. This is a Specialist Supported Living (SSL) home and has 24-hour registered nurse support.

Merrylands

Modern and inviting, located in a peaceful neighbourhood.

Newly built: Modern and inviting, five-bedroom, twobathroom, three toilet home in a peaceful neighbourhood. Spacious, single-story home with well-maintained gardens, secured large back yard and exercising areas at the side, featuring open and modern kitchen, dining area, two large living areas, shared laundry and bathrooms with 24-hour staff support, air-conditioning and heating throughout.

Mount druitt

Accessible home, lots of open space and close to local services.

This bright, accessible single-storey home in Mount Druitt has three vacant rooms. With five bedrooms, a large living and dining area overlooking the garden, and a smaller living area at the front, this home has everything you need. The well-maintained property also features a generous backyard and a covered outdoor entertaining area with a BBQ.

Castlereagh

spacious home in a semi-rural location.

This single storey five-bedroom and three-bathroom home is situated on five acres of land and is in a semirural location. There are two large separate living areas to relax and watch the TV. The house also features a delightful, outdoor entertainment area overlooking the secure backyard and pool.

West Pennant Hills

Charming and warm home with a cosy outdoor area.

This charming and warm, single-storey home, with a cosy outdoor area to enjoy the birds, has two vacant rooms. The home has four-bedrooms, three bathrooms (including ensuites off two bedrooms), featuring shared living space, kitchen, dining, sensory room, laundry and double garage. The main bathroom has a ceiling hoist and brand-new shower trolley. Ceiling hoists are also located in each bedroom. The home has fully ducted air-conditioning and heating throughout. There is a van equipped for wheelchairs available for transport.

emu Plains

spacious home located at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

This home in Emu Plains has one vacant room. The home is spacious, with five bedrooms, two lounge rooms, two bathrooms, one separate toilet and has ducted air conditioning. There is also a large open plan kitchen, dining area, treatment room, laundry, and a small sensory room. There are ceiling hoists located in the main bathroom and three of the bedrooms. The home has a secure backyard with an outdoor covered area with a couple of raised garden beds to enjoy the plants and vegetables. There is also a house van available for transport. This Specialist Supported Living (SSL) property is newly constructed and purpose-built for residents that have more complex medical support needs in addition to Specialist Disability Accommodation. The home is staffed by Registered Nurses and other nursing support staff.

Want to look at our specialist disability Accommodation?

Find out more about SDA on our website and whether you are eligible. Then you can call (02) 9722 4300 and press option 4 to speak to our friendly Housing Options team!

Winter tips & tricks

Cost-saving Tips for this winter.

All Australians are feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, we understand that managing your expenses such as energy bills can be challenging.

Here are our top 5 tips for saving money this winter!

1 You may be eligible for the National Energy Bill Relief payment, a one-time assistance program provided by the Australian and NSW Governments. This payment offers $500 towards electricity bills for eligible lowincome households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families, and carers. Jump onto the Energy NSW website to check if you are eligible.

https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebatesgrants-and-schemes/national-energy-bill-relief

2 Compare energy providers: Don’t assume your current provider offers the best deal. Shop around, use the Service NSW website to company energy providers to explore better options.

service.nsw.gov.au/compare energy plans with energy Made easy

3 Buy an energy saving heater, the best energy saving heater on a budget on the market today is the Heller 2000W Upright Electric Fan Heater HUF6, this will cost you $40 on Amazon Australia. The model has two heat settings, an adjustable thermostat and carry handle for easy portability. You can also expect the usual safety functions, including overheat protection and tip-over switch, along with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.

4 Minimise hot water usage: Heating hot water accounts for a significant portion of energy use. Aim for shorter showers and avoid using the shower solely for warmth.

5 Minimise food waste: Poor planning contributes to significant food waste, costing households thousands of dollars each year. Use shopping lists and check your pantry and fridge before heading to the store. Cook cost saving winter recipes, some great recipes can be found at the back of this magazine.

sudoku

each of the nine blocks must contain all the numbers 1-9 within its squares. each number can only appear once in a row, column or box.

Winter

Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.

BLANKET BLIZZARD COLD EARMUFFS EGGNOG FREEZING GLOVES HOT CHOCOLATE ICE MITTENS SCARF SKATES SNOW SNOWMAN SWEATER

Budget buster recipes for winter

When you are keeping an eye on your budget, it’s good to know you can eat cheaply without sacrificing nutrition and flavour. Our cheap and easy recipes will have you whipping them up in a flash.

One-Pan garlic Butter Chicken with Mushrooms

serves: X ingredients

• 6 chicken thigh fillets large halved

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

• 200g button mushrooms small

• 100g butter chopped

• 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced

• 2 tbs fresh tarragon chopped

• 1 bunch English spinach trimmed

• Toasted crusty bread *to serve

• Mixed salad leaves *to serve

• 1 lemon cut into wedges *to serve

• 1 pinch salt and pepper *to taste

1

Sprinkle chicken with paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add chicken. Cook for 4 minutes each side or until browned. Transfer to a plate.

2

3

Cut half the mushrooms in half. Melt 40g butter and remaining oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add mushroom. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate.

Add remaining butter to pan. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until butter is golden brown. Add garlic and tarragon. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Return mushroom and chicken to pan. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Curried lentil and vegetable soup ingredients

• 1 tbs olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves crushed

• 1 onion diced

• 1 ginger grated

• 3 carrots diced

• 1 parsnip diced

• ½ green capsicum chopped

• 2 long red chillies thinly sliced

• 3 celery sticks diced

• 200g red lentils rinsed

• 2 tsp curry powder

• ½ tsp fennel seeds

• 2 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp black pepper *to taste

• 1 ½ L reduced-salt vegetable stock (liquid)

1

2

3

4

Saute garlic, ginger and onion in hot oil until onion is transparent.

Add carrots, celery, capsicum and chillies, saute until slightly tender.

Add spices and cook for several minutes until fragrant.

Add lentils and stock, cook for approximately 30 minutes, adding more stock or water if too thick.

4

5

Remove from heat. Add spinach to pan. Cover. Stand for 2 minutes or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve chicken with bread, salad and lemon wedges.

Tip!

Find budget friendly recipes on www.bestrecipes.com.au

Compliments, complaints and appeals

We welcome your feedback, as it helps us to improve our services. You can submit a Compliment, Complaint or Appeal.

Feedback takes different forms:

Complaint

• An expression of dissatisfaction with the standard or type of service we have provided.

Appeal

• A request to have an official decision reviewed as you don’t agree with the outcome

• If you still don’t agree with the outcome of an appeal, you can contact the Housing Appeals Committee on 1800 629 974 and they will conduct an independent review.

COnTACT us

general enquiries: 1800 004 300

general email: hume@humehousing.com.au

repairs email: repairs@humehousing.com.au

Anti-social Behaviour report

• If you are experiencing problems with your neighbours or their visitors, it is not recorded as a complaint

• Your Neighbourhood Officer will manage these reports and keep you updated on a regular basis.

Website: www.humehousing.com.au

Please like our page Hume Community Housing on Facebook to receive latest updates.

ABN: 66 647 041 988

There’s now even more ways to contact us: