Elected in 2016, Phillip brings his years of experience in legal issues, property, banking, and retail to the benefit of Hume
From stability to homelessness and back
Angela enjoyed the safety and security of a private rental for eight years until a relationship breakdown and rising rents plunged her family into crisis.
7
Biggest investment in social housing in Port Stephens
A partnership between Homes NSW and Hume Community Housing will see 13 new homes built in Raymond Terrace.
8
Fire safe: Why smoke alarm testing matters
We need your cooperation to make sure technicians can gain access to your property to service your smoke alarm.
11
Hume in Bloom gardening competition
Hume in Bloom is open to all Hume customers: take a photo of you with your garden and tell us your story for a chance to WIN!
12
Keeping mould out of your home
Mould is not only an issue during wet weather – it’s important to minimise the risks of mould in warm weather too
14 Community Notice Board
See what events and activities are happening in your area.
21 Tech Tips
In this edition, we will show you how to scan QR codes that you see at places like restaurant menus and medical centre check-ins. 4 8 7 11 14 21 6 12
Welcome to our Spring issue
From Hume’s CEO Brad Braithwaite
Hi Everyone,
We have enjoyed a couple of truly exceptional months – including announcing a much-needed new housing development in Port Stephens that will see three older homesites replaced with 13 beautifully designed townhouses. You can read about it on page 7.
We also accepted an important corporate award recognising Hume with a “2024 Change Champions” Award. As a growing housing provider on the path to becoming much larger, having a values-aligned and well-supported workforce that looks forward to coming to work every day to support you is vital. We will continue striving towards our goal of delivering exceptional customer service as one of Australia’s best and most impactful workplaces.
We enjoyed a rare opportunity for our entire team to come together to help plan our next fiveyear business strategy and to celebrate Hume’s 30th Anniversary year. With close to 9,000 customers and growing – we have never been more excited to be at the forefront of new housing developments.
Hume is stepping forward as a leader and innovator with a pipeline of new homes to be announced providing even more people in need with safe, secure homes. We look forward to sharing more announcements in the coming months.
Please enjoy the Spring issue of Humelife. The weather is warming up and it’s the perfect time to get into the garden to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Why not showcase your green thumb by entering our Hume In Bloom competition (read more on page 11).
It can be a balcony garden or a team effort with your neighbours. What a great way to build a vibrant community and have a chance of winning some great prizes. You can find out more in this issue.
Enjoy Spring!
Brad Braithwaite Chief Executive Officer
Moments that made us 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Did you know that Hume has always been dedicated to supporting marginalised communities?
Our roots are embedded in our connection to community, it’s in our DNA. For thirty years, we have worked in partnership with customers and local community organisations to deliver results.
Back in 1998, after securing land at 68 Hamilton Road, Fairfield, we worked closely with the Laotian community to design a townhouse complex that was culturally-sensitive, including ample gardens for growing herbs and vegetables and a purpose-built outdoor cooking area hugely important to Laotian food preparation.
In the same year, we were managing 374 properties and recognised for our “person-centred” services within our communities. On the back of this reputation, we received funding of $416,000 to purchase properties
Right: Hume employees comes together to celebrate our 30th anniversary.
Meet the Hume Board –Phillip Hepburn
Elected in 2016, Phillip brings his years of experience in legal issues, property, banking, and retail to the benefit of Hume.
Why did you join the Hume board?
I retired from Stockland about ten years ago and was looking for something that I could do to contribute back to society and use my expertise. Hume seemed like a great fit for me because I’ve got property, construction, and governance experience. I was also impressed by the calibre of the Board and management and thought my skills would be a good fit.
What are some of Hume’s achievements that have stood out for you?
Two major projects that have really stood out to me were the completion of the Fairfield and Warwick Farm developments. They are beautiful apartment complexes, and it was an absolute joy watching customers move into these high-quality homes. Both developments were built within tight deadlines and on budget which was an outstanding result as it is common for projects to be delayed and run over budget.
Another highlight was moving into the Hunter region and taking on the largest social housing transfer in Australian history. Also, the 5-year strategic plan we set in 2020 has provided clarity on what should be Hume’s focus and direction for ongoing success.
Could you talk us through your role in the Governance, Audit and Risk Committee?
The Governance, Audit, and Risk Committee is focused on ensuring Hume follows proper risk and compliance controls within the organisation as well as monitoring our financial viability and ensuring we are sustainable into the future.
As part of this, the Committee reviews Hume’s insurance program, financial and governance policies, and procedures and monitors the
I WAS ALSO IMPRESSED BY THE CALIBRE OF THE BOARD AND MANAGEMENT AND THOUGHT MY SKILLS WOULD BE A GOOD FIT.
risk and compliance frameworks. The Committee receives and considers reports from the internal and external auditor to ensure proper controls are in place and the financial reporting is accurate.
The Committee looks at how Hume is performing against the annual budget
set by management and approved by the Board. We also monitor Hume’s financial statements as well as any compliance reporting to Government bodies to ensure accuracy.
Can you share with us a little about yourself?
I’m married with two adult daughters. One daughter lives up in the Maitland area, so it’s always a good excuse to visit whenever there’s Board meetings and other functions in the Hunter. Late last year, I also became a grandparent and have a beautiful granddaughter.
I also enjoy travelling and have just recently returned from a road trip admiring the flowering canola in Central NSW around Temora.
SHARE, COLLABORATE AND LISTEN
In September, our 170-strong team had the rare opportunity to come together to help chart the direction for Hume’s next five years. Our five-year strategic plan will ensure we continue to deliver exceptional customer support for more people to access safe, affordable housing.
The next step in this planning cycle is to include the voices of customers across all programs along with our partners and stakeholders. This collaborative process over the next few months will ensure that Hume’s future is not only innovative and inspiring, but also aligned with the real needs of those we serve.
Deputy Chair, Chair of Governance, Audit & Risk Committee and Member
of Growth, Development & Sustainability Committee
B EC, LLB, LLM, Grad Dip Company Secretarial Practice
What else are you working on right now?
As I said, back in 2020, the Board set up a five-year plan which expires in June 2025. Recently the Board and management got together in Maitland to start work on the new five-year plan up to 2030. This will provide a road map for us to achieve the goals set out in the plan. This is a collaborative effort, and the Board receives input from the wider organisation as we go through the process.
Outside of Hume, I’m retired, so I’m working on my golfing handicap and keeping my garden neat and tidy!
We were also delighted to celebrate our 30-year anniversary, acknowledging the milestones and contributions made by Hume leaders and employees both past and present.
Angela’s story
From stability to homelessness and back
Many Australian families are, unfortunately, discovering the hardships of the current rental property market for the first time. Angela enjoyed the safety and security of a private rental for eight years until a relationship breakdown and rising rents plunged her family into crisis.
On a pension supporting four children including triplets and legally blind in one eye due to an autoimmune disorder, Angela was really scared about the future: “I simply cannot compete like other families with working parents.”
The family contacted government homelessness hotline Link2home and were moved into a motel. Angela began hunting “for something large enough, at a price I could afford. My children have been through a lot, and it was important we stayed close to schools, friends and transport as I am unable to drive.”
A motel booking during Taylor Swift’s Sydney concert saw the family moved out. Luckily, a family friend housed them for the weekend.
Angela knew nothing about housing services or community housing, but there was an assumption that she would know how to navigate the system. She was finally told to contact Hume.
Sheridan from our Housing Independence team reassured and explained everything to Angela. “Sheridan made the frightening situation we were in a lot less upsetting.” Angela was immediately moved into furnished temporary accommodation in a local suburb and helped to work with Homes NSW on revising her rental subsidy.
House hunting became a full-time job for Angela: “I scoured real estate websites daily making lists of open homes. I had family and friends help me inspect them.” Angela also worried her kids were struggling to adapt. “The unit was comfortable, but it wasn’t home, and they missed their own furniture and belongings.”
After four months, longer than a temporary stay is designed to be, the family secured a private rental in a suitable location. Angela emphasises that Hume, particularly Sheridan, were
life savers: “I looked forward to Sheridan’s visits – I felt I could debrief on my stresses and always ask questions without judgement or fear of being thought ignorant.”
Angela is just one of many customers Sheridan has supported in the past few months Sheridan told us:
“It’s tough out there and I’m seeing more and more families like Angela’s who’ve never had to seek help. I feel privileged that I can support them to escape the risk of homelessness.”
“It’s the best feeling in the world knowing they’re safe.”
Biggest investment in social housing in the past decade
A partnership between Homes NSW and Hume Community Housing will see 13 new homes built in Raymond Terrace through a land deal and funding from the Federal Government’s Social and Affordable Accelerator Fund (SHAF).
Homes NSW contribute the land where three ageing dwellings currently sit with Hume, transforming the site into six two-bedroom social homes and seven new affordable townhouses – an uplift of more than four times the homes previously at the site.
Hume will own the affordable homes and manage the social homes, which will remain owned by Homes NSW.
The partnership is made possible through the Community Housing Provider (CHP) Direct Dealing Policy, which provides CHPs opportunities to partner with Homes NSW in delivering more, better quality, fit for modern use homes for people in need.
This project is supported by the Port Stephens Council Raymond Terrace Masterplan, which brings together State and Local Government and the community housing sector in addressing the housing crisis through the delivery of greater housing diversity and affordability in regional NSW.
Hume has lodged a development application with Port Stephens Council and will receive a $1.5 million grant from the SHAF to deliver the project.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in addressing housing needs in the Hunter Region.”
“By working together with Hume Community Housing, we are not only revitalising the community of Raymond Terrace, but also setting a precedent for innovative housing solutions.”
Hume Chief Executive Officer Brad Braithwaite said: “Hume Community Housing is excited to be working alongside Minister Jackson and Homes NSW on developing innovative models for building strong communities and delivering more high quality affordable and social housing in the Hunter.”
“This is a relatively small pilot project, but we are very hopeful that from little things big things come. This collaboration demonstrates the impact of councils, state government, and community housing providers working together to tackle the housing crisis.”
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington said the project was “desperately needed”, adding that it was “the biggest investment in social housing in Port Stephens for more than a decade”.
FIRE SAFE
Why smoke alarm testing matters
DID YOU KNOW?
Pretty alarming statistics? We think so too!
At Hume, our responsibility is to make sure smoke alarms are tested and working on your property.
We need your cooperation to make sure technicians can gain access to your property to service your smoke alarm. Functioning alarms are vital to keeping you and your family safe.
We have recently engaged a trusted specialist contractor called Smoke Alarm Testing Services (SATS). The friendly team at SATS will send you an SMS introduction before contacting you to arrange a suitable time to test your smoke alarms.
All of SATS’ technicians are qualified, carry photo ID, drive official branded vehicles, and undergo a police check to ensure your safety. Technicians are available outside of normal business hours to ensure that we can provide flexibility for working families.
If you have any more questions about SATS, please visit www.sats.com.au
If you have:
• Not had your smoke alarms tested in the last 12 months,
• A missing or damaged smoke alarm, or
• Changed your contact details recently,
Please call us at 1800 004 300 as soon as possible.
Hume in Bloom
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
Willowdene Constructions is a multitrade maintenance and construction business servicing the community and social housing sector and is one of Hume’s multi trade contractors providing maintenance services to Hume customers.
Vegepod’s Raised Garden Bed Kits are the easiest way to grow your own vegetables, with the size of a raised garden bed and all the benefits of container gardening.
Programmed is another of Hume’s multi-trade contractors and is a leading provider of staffing, facility management, maintenance and care services across a wide range of industries.
The Diggers Club is Australia’s largest gardening community, with over 85,000 members and 40 years experience in helping home gardeners succeed.
Community Greening is a not-forprofit program run by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney that aims to connect people with new skills, sustainability, and each other.
Keeping mould out of your home
Keeping mould out of your home
Mould is not only an issue during wet weather – it’s important to minimise the risks of mould in warm weather too.
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that lives in warm, moist conditions. It grows in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas at home like bathrooms and kitchens, or cluttered storage or basement areas.
What causes mould to grow?
• Indoor plants like ferns can add moisture to the air
• Fish tanks can also add moisture to the air
• Portable heaters give off moisture and gas
• Leaking taps and pipes encourage mould, especially in closed areas
• Rising damp, which is moisture from the ground travelling up into your home through the bricks or stone in walls
– If you suspect that rising damp is causing a mould problem in your home, please call us on 1800 004 300.
How can I stop mould growing?
There are a number of steps you can take to prevent mould growing in your home:
• Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and reduce humidity
• Open blinds and curtains during the day to let sunlight in
• Turn on the exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen to get rid of steam
• Wipe down tiles to clean off soap scum that mould feeds on
• Wipe away any moisture on your windows and walls to keep the inside of your home dry
• Dry your clothes and shoes before you put them away
• Air out wardrobes and cupboards regularly
• Use moisture absorbers in basements, wardrobes, and closed rooms.
End of year celebrations
It’s getting close to the end of the year, and we’re cooking up some great events to celebrate with our customers!
All events are free and include Santa, food, fun, entertainment, prizes, and more!
Wednesday December 4
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Maitland Park (New England Highway, Maitland)
Contact: Richard at 0491 691 977
Wednesday December 11
2:00pm – 6:00pm
Port Stephens Council Oval (Cnr Adelaide and Kangaroo Streets, Raymond Terrace)
Contact: Maddison at 0491 086 882
Friday December 20
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Fairfield Youth and Community Centre (55 Vine Street, Fairfield)
Contact: Ashleigh at 0492 938 773
MAITLAND RAYMOND TERRACE FAIRFIELD
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
SYDNEY
DIWALI FESTIVAL
Saturday October 19 | 12:00pm –8:00pm | Castle Hill Showground
The Council of Indian Australians is hosting a beautiful free event to celebrate the famous Festival of Lights known as Diwali. The festival will host a variety of activities such as food stalls, amusement rides, henna artists, Bollywood performances, local business offers, and more.
For more information, please contact the Council of Indian Australians at info@cia.org.au
VILLAWOOD: BETWEEN HOPE AND HOPELESSNESS
Now until November 2 | 634 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield
Through stories, images, objects and artworks, this exhibition traces histories of the suburb of Villawood, a place where urbanisation, industrialisation, migration and detention collide.
You can also help record local history by calling the Villawood Memory Box at (02) 9725 0180 and retell your memories related to Villawood in your native language. Recordings left in the Villawood Memory Box will be added to the Fairfield City Heritage Collection, and you can choose to remain anonymous if you wish.
SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME
Every Saturday | 10:30am – 11:30am | 1-3 Hamilton Road, Fairfield
Whether your child is a little dreamer or a seasoned explorer of tales, everyone’s invited to join Fairfield City Library for Saturday Family Storytime! The friendly team will unleash your little ones’ imaginations as they dive into books, puppetry, melodies, dancing, playful challenges, and creative crafts perfect for the whole family.
For more information, please contact Fairfield City Library at (02) 9725 0333.
LIVERPOOL SENIORS WELLBEING AND SOCIAL CLUB
Every Wednesday during school terms | 10:00am – 11:30am | 185 Bigge Street, Liverpool
At this free program held at the Hilda M Davis Seniors Centre, people aged 55 and over can enjoy a range of activities from yoga, gentle exercise, tai chi, art classes, dance classes, yoga, health information sessions and more. There are also free refreshments after each session and opportunities to socialise and connect with others.
For more information, please contact Collective Leisure at 0410 144 372.
FISHER’S GHOST CARNIVAL
October 31 – November 10 Campbelltown Showground
Get ready for spine-chilling thrills and hair-raising excitement at this year’s Fisher’s Ghost Carnival! The Campbelltown Showground will transform into a haunted fun park, where ghoulish delights and ghostly surprises await. Don’t miss the bewitching fireworks display at 9pm on Saturday 2 November and Saturday 9 November during the carnival.
For more information, please contact Campbelltown City Council at (02) 4645 4900.
ADULTS’ READING SUPPORT
Every Thursday | Various times | 1/3 Hamilton Road, Fairfield
Want to improve your reading confidence? Come to Fairfield Library every Thursday where staff can provide one-on-one support aimed at improving reading skills. Bookings are essential to join one of the three sessions:
• 10:00am – 10:25am
• 10:30am – 10:55am
• 11:00am – 11:25am
To make your booking, please contact Fairfield Library at (02) 9725 0333
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
HUNTER
YOUTH SILENT DISCO
Thursday October 10 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cnr Frederick & Pearson Street, Charlestown
Gather your friends and slip on some wireless headphones for an unforgettable evening of music and dance at The Place’s school holiday Silent Disco! This isn’t just any dance party – it’s a unique, silent celebration where you control the playlist and the volume. There’s also free snacks and refreshments for all.
For more information, please contact The Place at (02) 4032 5500
PORT STEPHENS FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Last Tuesday of every month | 5pm onwards 1 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay
Would you like to widen your friendships and take part in activities with like-minded people? For over 20 years, the Port Stephens Friendship Group have enjoyed activities such as barbecues, movies, lawn bowls, day trips, walks, and more. The Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club with an interesting guest speaker followed by dining at the club.
Fore more information, please contact Keith at 0417 439 632
MAITLAND RIVERLIGHTS FESTIVAL
Saturday October 12 2:00pm – 9:00pm
The Levee, Central Maitland
The Levee will transform into a global village where you can see, taste, feel and experience over 30 different cultures from around the world.
Collect your Riverlights Cultural Passport on the day and explore your way through The Levee’s global village where you can learn how to make lanterns, speak new languages, dance your heart away, and try new cuisines. Make sure you don’t miss the bright Riverlights Finale on the riverbank from 7.45pm!
For more information, please contact Maitland Events at (02) 4931 2801
HALLOWEEN FUN AT THE LIBRARY
Thursday October 31 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Raymond Terrace and Tomaree Libraries
Bring the whole family along to Raymond Terrace or Tomaree Library for a “spooky” evening of arts and crafts, a trick-or-treat treasure hunt, refreshments, and a screening of the Mummies movie, which follows the fun adventures of three mummies who live in an underground city in ancient Egypt (PG-rated). Bookings are essential.
To make your booking, please contact Raymond Terrace Library at (02) 4988 0111 or Tomaree Library at (02) 4988 0670.
GUPARR MENS SHED
Every Monday | 4:00pm – 7:00pm 13 Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace Guparr is a space where Aboriginal elders hope to encourage participation, revive Aboriginal culture, create opportunities, and change public perceptions while offering young people knowledge and guidance. The doors are open to all men and youth, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.
For more information, please contact Guparr Mens Shed at 0415 124 688.
UNEARTHED ECHOES EXHIBITION
October 15 – November 3 9:00am – 4:00pm | 60 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay Embark on a captivating journey through time with ‘Unearthed Echoes: Tomaree Headland’s World War II Secrets’, a photographic exhibition by Jen Newman at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre. Newman’s striking photographs, taken from innovative angles and varying times of the day using both conventional cameras and drones, reveal the emotive beauty and intricate details of this historic location.
For more information, please contact the Port Stephens Information Centre at 1800 808 900.
Are you finding it hard to successfully secure a rental?
Are you struggling with budgeting and paying your rent?
Join our FREE session to help you secure, and successfully maintain a rental tenancy.
IT KEEP IT Hume acknowledges The NSW Department of Communities and Justice who developed The Rent It Keep It program. Also, our partners who support us to deliver the program.
Are you at risk of losing your rental because of property care issues?
No matter your age, if you are a current tenant or looking for your first rental – this program will help everyone.
Learn how to be a good tenant, understand your rights, and responsibilities of renting in the private rental market (or in public and community housing) and increase your chances of successfully securing a rental tenancy.
If you are struggling to secure a tenancy, or think your tenancy is at risk we encourage you to sign up today! Register at Eventbrite or call Hume on 1800 004 300.
BOOK AT EVENTBRITE
Sessions available in both Regional Maitland NSW & Metro Fairfield NSW – scan the QR Code to find a session near you.
• The 4-hour program is FREE and includes a light lunch.
• Enjoy a welcoming, relaxed non-judgemental setting.
• Attend on your own or bring a support person.
• Gain a recognised Certificate of Completion to add to your customer record or use to apply for a private rental.
• You can improve your rental housing journey, moving from temporary accommodation into long term rental in the private market.
Sessions fill up fast so don’t miss out.
BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW! FREE LUNCH INCLUDED
Tech Tips
Rent reviews at Hume
Have you received a rent review and wanted to know why?
Customers who live in social housing go through regular rent reviews to ensure rents charged are both affordable and fair.
This is a yearly review that looks at your property’s rent against current rents for a similar homes in the area to help determine the weekly rent to be charged.
We give customers 60 days’ notice of any change to the Market Rent. For most properties, Market Rent is set using the NSW Department of Communities and Justice Rent Report. Hume is unable to alter this process so we complete a Maximum Rent review to determine if we can apply a discount to the Market Rent.
Hume will only use the Maximum Rent when calculating your rent. The Maximum Rent is subject to change but will never be more than the Market Rent.
We’ve broken down the types of rent reviews we conduct at Hume: Any questions? Please call us at 1800 004 300.
This is a review that looks at your household’s income and rent subsidy so we can determine the weekly rent to be charged.
Rent subsidies are income-based. Most Hume customers are required to have their household incomes and rent subsidies reviewed every six months. You are also required to let Hume know if there is a change in their household income so we can recalculate the rent subsidy.
Rent subsidies are based on 25-30% of gross household income, plus 100% of Rent Assistance entitlements. Most Hume customers are entitled to a rent subsidy and will never pay the Maximum Rent. Customers not eligible for a rent subsidy will pay the Maximum Rent.
Need help to master your computer and mobile?
Welcome to the third installment of our new Tech Tips segment! In this edition, we will show you how to scan QR codes that you see at places like restaurant menus and medical centre check-ins.
How to scan a QR code
Step 1
Find a poster with a QR code (or see page 9 of this magazine!) A QR code is a square box with a black and white checker pattern just like the photo above.
Step 2
Unlock your phone and look for your Camera app, which will look like a camera image. You can use the search bar to search the word “camera” if you are unsure.
Step 3
Point your phone camera at the QR code and hold it as still as possible. You do NOT need to take a photo
Step 4
After a few seconds, your phone camera should focus on the QR code and a pop-up will appear. Click on this pop-up to view the link.
Specialist Disability Accommodation
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.
This charming fourbedroom home, situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, houses bright and bubbly housemates and features two bathrooms, a large living area, garden beds, and an accessible backyard with a covered BBQ area.
This spacious fivebedroom home is located at the base of the Blue Mountains and features two bathrooms, two living areas, an open plan kitchen, a treatment room, a small sensory room, and a secure backyard with a covered area and raised garden beds.
BUNGARRIBEE
This pet-friendly five-bedroom home, close to local parks and a zoo, features two bathrooms, two spacious living areas, and a fully accessible layout with wide hallways, a level driveway, and ceiling hoists in most rooms.
Specialist Disability Accommodation
Rental Properties now available
This lovely fivebedroom home, which houses residents over 60 who love relaxing together, is located in a rural suburb and features two open living areas, two bathrooms, wide door frames, an accessible vehicle, and a secure pool.
This traditional fivebedroom home is located in a quiet neighbourhood and features two bathrooms, a large living area, a shared kitchen and laundry, raised garden beds, and an accessible van available for transport.
CASTLEREAGH
This cozy five-bedroom home, situated on five acres of land in a semi-rural suburb, features three bathrooms, two living areas, a shared kitchen, and a delightful outdoor entertainment area with a secure backyard and pool looking over a sheep pasture.
QUAKERS HILL EMU PLAINS
COBBITTY
ERSKINE PARK
Disability resources
One Community holds regular events throughout the year that are run in a speed dating format where all attendees have the opportunity to match with service providers. This platform allows NDIS participants, people with a disability, support coordinators, parents, carers, and more to discover more about service providers and what they can offer.
If you would like to register for an upcoming event, please visit onecommunity.net.au/ready-set-connect
The Housing Hub recently released a new guide to help NDIS participants work out what home modifications they may need and how to get funding for them.
The guide breaks down the home modification process into five steps:
STEP 1 – Think about what you need
STEP 2 – Assessment for home modifications
STEP 3 – Planning the modifications
STEP 4 – Building the modifications
STEP 5 – When the work is finished
You can read the Home Modifications Guide at bitly.cx/bbt9q
DISABILITY SERVICES AND INCLUSION ACT 2023
The new Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 replaces the Disability Services Act 1986.
The Disability Services and Inclusion Act provides support and services relating to 15 key areas, while the previous Act provided support relating to only four key areas. The new Act also provides clearer direction around:
• Compliance standards
• Code of Conduct
• Complaints management system
• Incident management system
You can read the Disability Services and Inclusion Act at dss.gov.au/dsi-act
This Australian Government has launched a website for Disability Gateway, a service that aims to be a single point of contact for people with disability and their families and carers.
Disability Gateway has information on how to find and access services such as:
• Housing
• Employment
• Finance
• Transport
• Education
• Leisure
• Legal rights
• Everyday living
• Health and wellbeing
• Aids and equipment
You can visit the Disability Gateway website at disabilitygateway.gov.au
READY SET CONNECT EVENTS
MAKING YOUR HOME RIGHT FOR YOU DISABILITY GATEWAY
Discovering Australia
FIND A WORD
Budget buster recipes for spring
Simple cheesy pasta
This rich and creamy pasta dish is quick but sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
225g spaghetti
115g grated parmesan cheese (you can use any cheese you have)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves of garlic finely minced
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for 1 minute less than the package instructs.
2 Save 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, butter, garlic and pepper, and stir to combine.
4 Stir in the reserved pasta water, then toss in the cooked pasta and reduce the heat to low.
Baked crumpet churros
This twist on the classic Aussie crumpet is crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside!
Ingredients
4 crumpets, sliced in 2cm cubes
¼ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Melted chocolate or Nutella to serve
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2 Place crumpet cubes, butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well.
3 Line a tray with baking paper and spread the crumpet cubes evenly on the tray.
4 Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
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.
5
Add the cheese and toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well-coated. Season and enjoy!
Tip!
For an extra flavour burst, you can add chilli flakes and/or a squeeze of lemon!
Colouring in
5 If using chocolate or Nutella, melt and pour into a small bowl just before serving. Enjoy! Recipe from tasty.co
from coconutandbliss.com
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 Hume Community Housing on Facebook to receive updates.
ABN: 66 647 041 988
Offices PLEASE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE ATTENDING ANY HUME OFFICES
7 Hamilton Road Cabrogal Country Fairfield NSW 2165
464 High Street Wonnarua Country Maitland NSW 2320
There’s now even more ways to contact us:
46 William Street Worimi Country Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
