A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT!

The transfer of the management of properties from Housing New South Wales (HNSW) to Homes Out West (HOW) that began last month was greeted with mixed feelings in as far as the completion deadline was concerned (by the end of the year). It was regarded as too high a mountain to climb, more so with a large number of new staff members only just joining the team.

The numbers of Lease Agreements to be signed-up, the training of new staff as well as the

uncertainty of whether the HNSW tenants would be willing to accept the new order coupled with the pressure of normal workloads was going to be difficult.

However, as we entered mid-November over a hundred tenants in Deniliquin and Moama combined had signed over to HOW and the program was being rolled out to Finley, Berrigan, Jerilderie and

Tocumwal. The beginning of December will see the team heading to the western towns of

Balranald, Dareton and Wentworth. It is hoped that by mid December all properties will be signed up.

This feat could not have been possible had it not been for the Executive Officer and the Client

Services Manager who guided the new staff with tenacity through the TMS processes. Despite the workloads piling on their desks and evident pressure of work, they continued to wear disarming smiles that only energised their team to learn fast and work diligently - hence the results. There could have been no better leadership at this crucial time than that at HOW as they led from the front like a true army General.

A Luta Continua

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

On behalf of Management and staff we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable festive season.

We look forward to working together in 2010.

Homes Out West

Newsletter December

2009

Issue 16

Summer

Edition

Deniliquin Office: Albury Office:

74 Wellington Street 562 Mauley Street

DENILIQUIN NSW 2710 ALBURY NSW 2640

PH: 03 5881 4182 PH: 02 6021 8844

GIVE YOURSELF A PRESENT THIS

CHRISTMAS…..

CONTINUE TO PAY YOUR RENT!!

Please do not stop your rental

payments this Christmas.

OMEN NDLOVU

Project Officer

Omen will be tasked with; contributing to the development and analysis of new policies and review of current ones; identifying gaps in policy and procedures, making relevant recommendations and researching, developing and implementing projects in accordance with the strategic direction of the organisation. He will consult widely both internally and externally in the development of projects. Omen will work around encouraging tenants to participate in issues relating to their tenancy. 3 questions with Omen: Favorite food: Southern African traditional meals Favorite drink: Limejuice and water Favorite movie: Shaka Zulu

SIMONE DOODY Housing Worker

Simone is our new Housing Worker for

Deniliquin.

Simone organises and attends property inspections, completes lease sign ups and

renewals, processes rent reviews, conducts application interviews and any

other housing matters.

Simone brings with her a diploma of community welfare work, and years of

experience in the customer service

industry.

3 questions with Simone:

Favorite food: Sushi, and lots of it! Favorite drink: Earl grey tea, caramel latte, and coke… sometimes with vanilla

vodka! Favorite movie: can’t pin one down, love the Ace Ventura movies, anything

funny/silly, to make me laugh!

PAUL SCOULLAR

Service Development Manager

Paul is in the newly created role of Service Development Manager. Paul is responsible for establishing and maintaining the asset management system to ensure that all properties receive timely and effective maintenance. Paul comes from a manufacturing background and brings experience in managing processes and projects. 3 questions with Paul: Favorite Food: Thai Favorite Drink: Banana Smoothie Favorite Movie: Shrek 2

FELICITY MCCALMAN Asset Officer

Felicity is part of the new Deniliquin team. Her role as asset officer is to discuss your maintenance issues with you, organize the tradespeople to get it fixed and make sure your jobs are done. Down the track Felicity and Paul will be in charge of rolling out our maintenance plan. Felicity will assist the housing workers with your 6 monthly inspections and any other housing matters you have. Felicity has had 14 years in the painting industry with HNSW and you may have met her on jobs over that time. She also has close contacts with our local tradies. 3 questions with Felicity: Favorite Food: Plum Duck Favorite Drink: Anything cold on a hot day Favorite Movie: 50 first dates (anything with Adam Sandler in it!)

ANNE ATLEY Housing Worker

Anne is our new Housing Worker and

Financial Administration at Deniliquin.

Anne organises and attends property inspections, completes lease sign ups and

renewals, processes rent reviews, conducts application interviews and any

other housing matters. Anne also processes outgoing accounts and pays the wages. Anne was previously employed by

Vinnies Services at Deniliquin.

3 questions with Anne:

Favorite food: Homemade chicken pie

and cookies & cream cheesecake. Favorite drink: Sugarfree pineapple

cruisers Favorite Movie: Any good chick flick eg. PS. I

Love you or Everafter

JOAN ROBERTSON Housing Assistant

Joan is the new Housing Assistant at

Homes Out West in Deniliquin.

I am responsible for the general run of

the reception area and the duties

associated with this position.

I have had many years of experience in the

Real Estate Industry and I have had extensive experience in dealing with the

public.

3 questions with Joan:

Favorite food: Anything cooked on the

BBQ

Favorite drink: Brandy and dry

Favorite movie: Walk the Line

MEET OUR NEW STAFF

‘Green’ Christmas tips

• Create decorations by reusing

materials from previous years

• Do Kris Kringle with your loved

ones to minimise consumerism

• Provide reusable napkins or

napkins made from recycled

paper

• Avoid plastic plates

• Reuse last years wrapping paper

• Buy recycled wrapping paper

• Recycle Christmas cards

• Wrap gifts in environmental gift

packaging materials such as

recycled card board gift boxes,

natural raffia, brown paper and

other natural fibres and

materials.

• Remove sticky tape from gift

wrap and put paper in the

recycle bin

• Avoid plastic ribbons, try using

string, dried flowers or paper to

decorate presents.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE

Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre is offering a Community Support service to Indigenous community members in Deniliquin and Balranald, by providing links and referrals to a range of mainstream and Indigenous services.

Services may include: welfare and social support, family violence, health (including alcohol and other drugs services, housing, child care and legal. Staff will be available to accompany clients to services if necessary and make home visits.

A drop in centre will also be available. Internet access will be provided within the Yarkuwa office in the main street of Deniliquin and staff will also be able to utilise wireless technology to provide internet access to individual homes.

For further information, contact Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre on (03) 5881 3312.

New Board Members New Board Members New Board Members New Board Members elected at HOW AGMelected at HOW AGMelected at HOW AGMelected at HOW AGM

A very successful AGM and luncheon to celebrate the A very successful AGM and luncheon to celebrate the A very successful AGM and luncheon to celebrate the A very successful AGM and luncheon to celebrate the achievements of the organisation in the past 12 months achievements of the organisation in the past 12 months achievements of the organisation in the past 12 months achievements of the organisation in the past 12 months was held on the 10was held on the 10was held on the 10was held on the 10thththth November at Inala House, November at Inala House, November at Inala House, November at Inala House, Deniliquin. Deniliquin. Deniliquin. Deniliquin.

With over 30 people in attendance it was great to see With over 30 people in attendance it was great to see With over 30 people in attendance it was great to see With over 30 people in attendance it was great to see some of the new tenants involved in the Property some of the new tenants involved in the Property some of the new tenants involved in the Property some of the new tenants involved in the Property Transfer Program present as well as a wide range of Transfer Program present as well as a wide range of Transfer Program present as well as a wide range of Transfer Program present as well as a wide range of other service providers, partners and community other service providers, partners and community other service providers, partners and community other service providers, partners and community members. members. members. members.

Following the election process the Executive for the Following the election process the Executive for the Following the election process the Executive for the Following the election process the Executive for the organisation remained the same as last year with;organisation remained the same as last year with;organisation remained the same as last year with;organisation remained the same as last year with;

Chairperson Chairperson Chairperson Chairperson ---- Pat Fogarty Pat Fogarty Pat Fogarty Pat Fogarty

Vice Chairperson /SecretaryVice Chairperson /SecretaryVice Chairperson /SecretaryVice Chairperson /Secretary ---- Tony Cullenward Tony Cullenward Tony Cullenward Tony Cullenward

Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer ---- Scott Mildren Scott Mildren Scott Mildren Scott Mildren

Committee members returned include Committee members returned include Committee members returned include Committee members returned include ---- Margaret Atley, Margaret Atley, Margaret Atley, Margaret Atley,

Bobby Murphy, Alison Thorne and Joy MasonBobby Murphy, Alison Thorne and Joy MasonBobby Murphy, Alison Thorne and Joy MasonBobby Murphy, Alison Thorne and Joy Mason

With the addition of two new members With the addition of two new members With the addition of two new members With the addition of two new members –––– Vicki Meyer Vicki Meyer Vicki Meyer Vicki Meyer and Peter McKeon (a tenant involved in the and Peter McKeon (a tenant involved in the and Peter McKeon (a tenant involved in the and Peter McKeon (a tenant involved in the

Property Transfer Program).Property Transfer Program).Property Transfer Program).Property Transfer Program).

We have introduced a new section to the newsletter We have introduced a new section to the newsletter We have introduced a new section to the newsletter We have introduced a new section to the newsletter called called called called ‘Meet your Board members’ ‘Meet your Board members’ ‘Meet your Board members’ ‘Meet your Board members’ which will give you a which will give you a which will give you a which will give you a profile of Board members. This time we profile one of profile of Board members. This time we profile one of profile of Board members. This time we profile one of profile of Board members. This time we profile one of our new Board members.our new Board members.our new Board members.our new Board members.

Homes Out West’s Annual Report is now available and if Homes Out West’s Annual Report is now available and if Homes Out West’s Annual Report is now available and if Homes Out West’s Annual Report is now available and if you would like a copy please contact our Deniliquin you would like a copy please contact our Deniliquin you would like a copy please contact our Deniliquin you would like a copy please contact our Deniliquin office on 03) 5881 4182.office on 03) 5881 4182.office on 03) 5881 4182.office on 03) 5881 4182.

MEET YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

Vicki Meyer

25 years experience in Agribusiness through

out the Riverina.

Current Role: General Manager: Indara

Holdings P/L trading as Deniliquin

Freighters.

A career encompassing: Gundaline Station,

Carrathool; Ricegrower’s Coleambally;

Transport Operations Manager and Pivot

Agent (grain trading and fertiliser);

assigned at corporate level on Business Alignment Project – Melbourne.

Bendigo Bank Head Office – special projects: Setting up Community Banks

VIC regional and Metro – Melbourne.

Business Manager – Barooga based Grain trading company, specializing in

Change Management and business re-alignment.

Previous Directorships:

Bendigo Community Bank - Coleambally;

Griffith Business Enterprise Centre.

B & V Smith Building P/L – Coleambally family owned business.

Murray Irrigation Limited (2008).

Local Community involvement: Past President Deniliquin Chamber of

Commerce – 2 terms.

Groovy greeting.. Go handmade this year and make your

own cards and gift tags.

These dainty creations will send a message of well wishing and peace to

everyone on your Christmas list.

The following is an excerpt from the

Community Housing Tenant Network News a regular publication from the recently established NSW Community Housing Tenant Network. Copies of the News are available at our offices or on the net at—www.communityhousing.org.au/tenantnetwork

If any tenants are interested in being involved in the Tenant Network please contact our office so we can support you in joining and getting involved in the network. I hope the article inspires you.

The Editor

WHY I JOINED THE TENANT NETWORK

A regional tenant representative writes;

When our exuberant liaison to North Coast

Community Housing ( Kate de Marco) suggested that we join the Tenant Network, l , like the other members of the tenant council, was a bit dubious. After all, we were getting along all right on our own. Sure, we were a bit staid, and

perhaps a teensy bit complacent, but we seemed to be doing what was expected of us. Nevertheless, Delores, one of the tenant council, and Kate went down to Sydney and came back on fire to join. Since Delores was busy with other things, I volunteered to be the delegate and ventured down to the A.G.M. to present my credentials.

A new world opened up to me, a world of hundreds of tenants and dozens of housing companies, a world of speakers from all sorts of backgrounds, but mostly a world filled with different ideas and non-stop from whoa-to-go.

The calibre of the Government department speakers impressed me.. They came complete with slides and examples and really knew their stuff. They took us through the changes in the Rent Assistance and made it clear (unnecessary, from my point of view, but clear).

However, the main thing was the reality of Social Housing (and community housing in particular) was opened to me. Sure, I was grateful to North Coast for giving me my unit, I was prepared to give my time to them if it could help other tenants, but this, this was the big stage, and the full size and scale of the operation awed me.

One thing was for certain, I wanted North Coast to be part of this,& get all of the advantages it offered.

It entails a fair bit of work, but it’s worth it, and with web-cam I don’t have to leave Lismore to attend meetings. With the changes coming into Community Housing, tenants need to have their say, and I don’t see why rural & regional tenants should be left out. What’s happening in North Coast & Mudgee shows they don’t have to be.

Peter Harris,

North Coast Community Housing tenant.

Homes Out West Christmas Trading

HOW offices will be closed from

5pm on Wednesday 23 December

and re-opening Monday 4 January 2010.

If you have an emergency maintenance

issue, please contact the appropriate

tradesperson as per your lease.

INSPECTIONS Homes Out West recently completed our regular inspections. Thank you to those tenants who assisted us in

complete these inspections in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, Homes Out West is having difficulties gaining access to some properties in order to complete the regular inspections.

We would like to remind tenant’s that under the Residential Tenancy

Agreement (RTA) that you signed it is your responsibility as a tenant to allow your landlord (Homes Out West) to undertake regular inspections at the property that you lease. This includes being home at the time the Housing Workers arrange to do the inspections with you.

If you cannot be home at the time that we have organised, it is your

responsibility to contact Homes Out West and arrange another time for the inspection to be done.

If you are consistently not at home at the arranged inspection time then we may be forced to apply to the

Consumer Trader Tenancy Tribunal for access to your home to carry out the inspection.

Homes Out West would also like to remind tenant’s to contact our office if you have any maintenance/repairs that need to be done at your home. Please don’t wait until the regular

inspections to let us know what needs to be done at the property.

So much taken for granted…...

ALBURY: All staff members of Homes Out West, South West Tenant's Advice, Albury

Supported Accommodation Service and YES -Youth and Family Services gathered at The Hub for a Cultural Awareness one day workshop which was one of a series of such workshops yet still to come. The workshop was conducted by Liz Heta.

In her presentation, Liz stressed that it would be very difficult if not impossible for anyone to

understand the way of life of her people unless and until one understood Aboriginal culture, their attachment to land, spirituality and diversity. It was important, she said, that in dealing and

understanding cultural diversity as far as Aboriginal people are concerned, one had to embrace respect, acceptance of difference, have a sense of curiosity, be willing to learn, be an attentive listener and very observant.

Liz said that for many Aboriginal people countrywide, the loss of land has had a significant effect on their way of life. Their spirituality and values have been affected in some way, conflict has been identified in some areas where access to sacred sites has been hampered and for a lot of people, loss of land has meant a loss of role and place in society. She challenged the

participants as community services providers to take time and learn more about Aboriginal

history. She said it would be easier to make proper interventions when confronted by situations different from one's expectations if you understood the underlying causes. Only if we understand each other can we "close the gap."

"We cultivated our land, but in a way different from the white man. We endeavored to live

with the land; they seemed to live off it. I was taught to preserve, never to destroy."

SOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE AT INTEREACH

Intereach are offering a Social Support Program to promote independence and enhance the quality of life for people with functional difficulties caused by age or disabilities, who are socially and geographically

isolated and live in the Deniliquin and Conargo Shires.

The program offers a range of services including: friendly home visits, social outings and day trips, shopping assistance, accompanying to appointments, minor domestic tasks such as bringing in washing, linking carers with support groups and referral to other services if needed.

Intereach are also looking for volunteers to assist with the program. They are looking for volunteers with a sense of humour, good listeners and those who have the time to participate in the program. Commitment is usually one hour a week, or more if you wish.

If you are interested in being a volunteer or if you

would like support from the program, please contact

the Social Support Coordinator at Intereach on

(03) 5881 1855.

WAMBA WAMBA PERREPA PERREPA WEEK

Homes Out West staff attended the displays at

the Multi Arts Centre in celebration of Wamba

Wamba Perrepa Perrepa week during the week

commencing 19 October 2009. The displays

showed the culture and history of the Wamba

Wamba Perrepa Perrepa people including the

beautiful cultural basket weaving displays.

Rob the Kiteman also gave local children the

opportunity to make kites with Aboriginal symbols

and designs. These kites were also on display

and were a hit with the community.

ANSWER……

Cate Blanchett!!

GUESS THE CELEB!

Peppermint Bark Makes about 12 pieces

Prep time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes setting time.

Cooking time: nil

What you need:

6 candy canes, finely chopped

500g white or dark chocolate, melted

Step One: Line a flat tray with the baking paper. Gently stir

chopped candy canes into the melted white chocolate. Pour

mixture onto prepared tray and spread out until paper tin.

Leave in a cool, dry place for 30 minutes or until mixture has

set.

Step Two: Break bark into pieces and serve immediately or

package into tissue paper and give them to your family and

friends.

Roast Chickens with

lemon-thyme stuffing

& gravy

Serves 6

Preparation 15 minutes

Cooking 1 hour

1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

1tbsp fresh thyme leases, chopped

3tsp finely grated lemon rind

2 tbsp olive oil

2 x 1kg chickens

1 lemon, juiced

1 tbsp plain floor

1 chicken stock cube

1 1/1 cups water

Fresh thyme springs, to garnish

(if desired)

1. Preheat oven - 190 C (or 170 C)

2. Combine breadcrumbs, thyme leaves,

lemon rind and half the oil in a bowl,

season with black pepper

3. Wash chicken inside and out, pat dry.

4. Fill the cavities with the stuffing and

tie the legs together with kitchen

string. Brush chickens with the

remaining oil and pour over the lemon

juice. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Place chickens in baking dish, and bake

for 1 hour, until juices run clear when

the thickest part of the thigh is pierced

with a skewer.

6. Let chickens rest for 10 minutes

before serving

7. Drain all but about 1 1/2 tbsp of the

fat from the baking dish. Place the

dish over medium heat and sprinkle in

the flour.

8. Cook, stirring for 1 minute.

9. Dissolve the stock cube in the water,

and pour into the pan, stirring to

combine and dislodge all roasted bits

from the bottom of the dish

10. Bring gravy to the boil, reduce heat

and simmer for about 3 minutes.

11. Pur through a sieve into a jug

12. Put chickens onto serving platter, tuck

thyme springs into string on legs and

serve with gravy and your choice of

sides.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Carols by Candlelight - Albury

Live the spirit of Christmas at the 2009 Albury City Carols by Candlelight.

Expect a vibrant and magical show with traditional and contemporary talent to entertain the whole family including Little Pattie, a gospel choir and a host of amazing local talent.

When: Wednesday 1 December

@ 6.00 pm

Where: QEII Square

Dean Street, Albury

Price: Free