evolving newsIssue 17 Winter 2014 the newsletter for Evolve Housing residents

Events this monthKids’ Disco and Mt

Tomah bus trip pg 4

We celebrate our 2014

Volunteers pg 3

Australasian Reporting AwardsBronze Award

PwC Transparency Awards 2013

Most ImprovedCharity

New Financial Year

New website pg 5

1300 692 245 or 02 8862 1500evolvehousing @evolvehousing

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Evolve Housing Inside this Issue

Contents

News

Message from yourResidents Council.......... pg 3

We celebrate our 2014 Volunteers ................... pg 3

Celebrating Seniors Week with our residents ........ pg 4

Outdoor fun un the Urban Jungle ......................... pg 4

New Financial Year, New Website ................ pg 5

Win Cash ................... pg 6

Get involved

Events this month ........ pg 4

Free Money Management Training ....................... pg 6

Looking after your home

Winter fire safety tips .... pg 7

Helpful ways to save money around your home ........ pg 7

Services

Dress for Success ........ pg 8

Parramatta Community Foodcare ...................... pg 8

Evoloans ...................... pg 8

Need to contact us? ..... pg 8

Cover Photo: Evolve Housing Residents at the Urban Jungle April 2014 school holiday activity.

2014 continues to be a strong year of growth and developmentfor Evolve Housing which has kept us all very busy.

As a business we made a commitment to be accountable and to deliver against our strategic objective of ‘enhancing business practice’. I am delighted to report that in less than 12 months we have delivered against this objective as a not-for-profit winning the PwC Award for most improved charity, at an Australasian level benchmarked against our commercial and government peers we were awarded the bronze award for general reporting in the Australasian

Reporting Awards, and at aninternational level by achieving Global Mark Accreditation. We are thrilled that our first application for Global Mark Accreditation was granted for the maximum length of time of three years. Our Global MarkCertification is an assurance to our stakeholders and our residents that our organisation meets international standards, and also gives the broader community confidence in us as an organisation and a not-for-profit community housing provider.

We have also just launched our new look website! The website design is more accessible, easier to use and has the inclusion of text only documents that can be translated into 57 languages for our non-English speaking audience. So go to our link www.evolvehousing.com.auand tell us what you think! More details on our website can be found on page 5.

I hope you enjoy this amazing winter weather!

Andrea GallowayChief Executive Officer

Message from our CEO

3evolvehousing @evolvehousing

1300 692 245 or 02 8862 1500evolvehousing @evolvehousing

Residents Council Evolve Housing Residents Council Evolve Housing

On 16th May, as part of National Volunteers Week, we celebrated our volunteers who so generously gave their time to make a difference in the lives of our residents. To show our thanks and appreciation, we held a special ceremony for our volunteers at our Parramatta head office.

Every volunteer at Evolve Housing is important and we greatly value their contribution. Our volunteers help us remain a community minded and

Dear residents,

The Residents Council would like to welcome three new members: Jan and Baden from Kingswood, and Carol from Parramatta. We know that they will make a positive contribution as a result of joining the Residents Council.

What have we been doing?You may have noticed that the options when you call have changed. We have been working with Evolve Housing to make them simpler.We have also been working on social activities for residents, and some are highlighted in this newsletter such as the Kids Disco school holiday activity on 10th July (page 4), and a bus trip to Mt Tomah on 17th July (page 4).

Winter and electricity tipsIt is also important as we move into winter that we keep warm and safe and be careful with your heating costs.

According to the Electricity Ombudsman, the costs of heating your home can be excessive

and certain appliances cost more than others. The cheapest appliance in the home to the most expensive is as follows: gas heaters and air conditioning are the cheapest to run while element heaters and oil filled heaters are by far the most expensive. We have included some helpful tips for you this coming winter months on page 7. We hope you enjoy the outings we have planned for the coming months. Stay warm and safe.

If you would like to join the Residents Council please contact Robert Costa on 02 8862 1500.

Got something to say? Drop a letter to the Parramatta office or email us directly at rc@evolvehousing.com.au

Kind regards,Bruce, Chairperson of the Residents Council

2014 Volunteer of the Year Izeta FAN

Special MentionBruce Residents Council

Lin FAN

community driven organisation, giving us the opportunity to improve the quality of people’s lives and strengthen communities. By volunteering with us you will join our Evolve Housing team and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

National Volunteers Week 2014

Izeta, Volunteer of the Year and Andrea, Evolve Housing CEO

Our 2014 Volunteers

1300 692 245 or 02 8862 1500

4evolvehousing @evolvehousing

Evolve Housing Get Involved

Outdoor fun in the Urban JungleLast school holidays, 30 of our young Evolve Housing residents wentto the Urban Jungle Adventure Park for an outing like no other!

The kids enjoyed two hours of adrenaline-filled adventure and participated in five courses that had over 50 aerial activities. We thank all the parents who also attended and provided great feedback. To see photos from the day, visit our Evolve Housing Facebook page.

Events coming up this month

Kids’ DiscoFree school holiday activity

Join us at our Evolve Housing Kids’ Disco during the school holidays.

It’s a not to be missed event - we are organising fun games and activities for our Evolve Housing school-aged residents.

When: Thursday, 10th July Time: 10am – 1:30pmWhere: Wentworthville Community Centre, 2 Lane Street, Wentworthville NSW

Book your place call 02 8862 1500.

______________________

Mt Tomah Bus Trip

We would like to invite you to join us for a trip to the beautiful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens.

Book now! Spaces limited. Call 02 8862 1500 to RSVP (there is a $5 charge to book your space which will go towards subsidising lunch).

When: Thursday, 24th July Time: 9:30am - 4:30pmWhere: Meet at our Parramatta office

Celebrating Seniors Week with our residentsEvolve Housing celebrated SeniorsWeek with an outing to BerowraWaters. It became an occasion which reunited long-lost friends Lishan, Maohui and Vera.

At the outing, 27 senior residents had the opportunity to rekindle friendships over lunch. For husband and wife, Lishan and Maohui, they were surprised to see their close friend Vera, one of our senior residents, who they met 15 years ago. It was the first time they had seen Vera since losing contact five years ago.

“This is an example of the fantastic benefits that can eventuate from Evolve Housing being able to arrange outings such as this one,” said Bruce Stubbs, Chairperson of the Residents Council.

“I cannot wait for more activities,” said Vera.

Lishan, Maohui and Vera

Evolve Housing Get Involved

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Language di�culty? No problem, our

website, policies and factsheets translate into

57 languages

Viewing our website from your mobile or IPad? No problem our website

automatically adjusts to make viewing easier

Stay informed

‘Subscribe’ to our  free Evolving

News

Can’t �nd what you want?

Use our new search facility on every page

It’s easier to communicate and get fast answers tooNew electronic forms ‘Report a repair’ and ‘Feedback and complaints’ and links to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’

Vision an issue? No problem, our website has accessibility options

and if you have a reading program our website is compatible

Find out ‘whats on’

in our training programs and social events with our new

event calendar

Choose how you stay in touch with facebook, twitter or many other social media links

Not sure how to use the website? Go to the ‘About this site’ menu

Forms are now easier to �ll outThey are available just as text, in pdf and as live electronic forms.

Disability a�ects 1 out of every 3

Australians

88.8% of Australians are

internet users

United Nations Global audit of Accessibility reported

only 3% of websites met Single A website accessibility

At the end of 2012 only

of Australian Government websites

were reported to meet any level of WCAG 2.0 (A, AA or AAA).

At the end of 2012 only

of Australian Government websites

were reported to meet any level of WCAG 2.0 (A, AA or AAA).

18.5% of the population have a disability

and

The Evolve Housing website has been built to a high accessibility standard.The website design has been created to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA accessibility standards and features high contrastcolours and readable text.

Using keyboard controls ctrl and + the size of pages and text will be increased, and using ctrl and -the size of text and pages will be decreased.

Site content is accessible via keyboard controls.

Site content can be read by screen readers.

A commitment has been made to writing web content that is readable and understandable, with images that contain relevant alt descriptions and the maintenance of heading hierarchy. Text alternatives are available for pdf �les.

Evolve Housing has a commitment to progressive enhancement for site content and �le attachments, including a commitment to increasing the accessibility of third party content used in the website such as YouTube.

We’re kicking o� the New Financial Year with the new Evolve Housing website!

The website was designed with you in mind. It’s easier to use with a simple menu and quick links helping you

�nd what you need faster!

Take a look and discover for yourself the new things you can do!

Created to WCAG AA Accessibility Standards

Evolve Housing Get Involved

6evolvehousing @evolvehousing

1300 692 245 or 02 8862 1500

Residents may have, or will be receiving PayWay Rent and Non-rent Cards for payment of their accounts. We encourage you to use these cards to ensure your payment is received promptly and allocated correctly.

• Rent Card - ONLY for payment of rent charges. • Non-rent Card – for payment of all other charges

(not including rent) eg. water charges, repairs & maintenance charges.

These cards can be used in the following ways: • Post Pay – Australia Post Office• BPAY over the phone or online• Direct Debit online

Free Money Management Training

A one-day training event, offered by Wesley Mission as part of their financial literacy program, is available to all Evolve Housing residents. Training includes:

• Understanding your income and expenses• How to manage your money by identifying your

goals, saving, planning and preparing a budget• Information about free and confidential

financial counselling agencies • The role of financial counsellors in helping

clients in a variety of circumstances

Date: Wednesday, 30th JulyTime: 10am – 2pmWhere: Level 2, 81 Fluschcombe Road, Blacktown

Free parking outside Kmart for up to 5 hours (check signs for time limits).

Proudly sponsored by St.George Bank

“It is really good and it has helped

me learn how to budget for everyday life”- Maria, Evolve Housing resident

WIN CASH! We are happy to announcethat for the months of March, April & May we rewarded residents with $100 cash for being in advance in their rent:Zaker A, Amanda P, Ahmad E H, Gaby H, Gail E W & Jeanette C.

For tenants who are keeping to their payment agreements, we have given $50 to each of the following residents:Caroline A, Natalie A B, Myra D,Todd D, Jane A and Kerima M.

Every month until April 2015, Evolve Housing will give tenants the chance to win cash every month, simply by paying rent on time or keeping rent arrangements.

How much cash?

• $100 for 2x tenants paying their rent on time

• $50 for another 2x tenants keeping their rent arrangements

That’s$300free cash each month to say thanks for maintaining your rent payments/arrangements.

For more info contact your Housing Manager on 02 8862 1500.

How to use your PayWay Cards

April Winners

Your Home Maintenance Evolve Housing

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1300 692 245 or 02 8862 1500evolvehousing @evolvehousing

LookingAfterYour HomeKey tips to maintaining your home

Reporting a repair, ormaintenance issue?To report or follow up on any repairs and maintenance issues contact our Property Services team:

02 8862 1500

Email a photo of the required repair, your name, address and phone number to

repairs@evolvehousing.com.au

Winter fire safety tipsEach year, Fire and Rescue NSW attendsapproximately 4,500 residential fires in NSW with approximately 30% of them occurring in winter months. Here are some safety tips: • To test an electric blanket lay it flat on top of the

bed, then switch it on for five minutes before putting it on the bed for use to confirm it is okay.

• Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances.

• Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.

• Only use fuses of recommended rating and install an electrical safety switch.

• If possible, in the kitchen keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket placed near the exit.

• Never leave burning candles or any open flame unattended.

Information provided from NSW Fire & Rescue www.fire.nsw.gov.au

Helpful ways to save money around your home

Put your grocery money in an envelope, so you can

only spend what you have.

Switch o� any appliances

not in use

Use energy e�cient

light bulbs

Only turn on the washing machine and dishwasher

when full

Have 2 minute showers

Use grey water from your washing machine or shower

to water your plants

Install a water e�cient

shower head

Take a list so you don’t forget

anything and only buy what’s on the list.

Providing innovative housing services and solutions to those most in need. Call 02 8862 1500

www.evolvehousing.com.au

Need to contact us? Henry Dodd House, 9 - 13 Argyle Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Post PO BOX W124 Parramatta Westfield NSW 2150

Call 02 8862 1500 Fax 02 8862 1599

Email info@evolvehousing.com.au Website www.evolvehousing.com.au

Compliments and feedback ihear@evolvehousing.com.au

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How our Evoloans can help you!Evoloans are a great way to get new whitegoods for your home.

It is an interest-free assistance program for Evolve Housing residents. This means you can spend between $600-$1200 and repay the loan over the course of 12 months with zero interest.

Go to www.evolvehousing.com.au for more information about Evoloans and other financial assistance programs we offer or contact our office on 02 8862 1500.

Free and heavily discounted food. Must bring a Centrelink card. Enjoy a free coffee during your visit.

Open every Friday from 10am to 1pm18 Barneys St, North Parramatta, 2151

Dress for Success Sydney

Dress for Success Sydney is a registered charity that outfits women in need free of charge, in high quality professional attire and provides practical

advice in preparation for job interviews.

Showroom location is at132 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville

Contactinfo@dfssydney.org or 1800 773456

Showroom is staffedMonday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm

Client appointments Tuesday, 10am to 1pm

Wednesday, 12pm to 3pmThursday, 12pm to 3pm

Friday, 11am to 1pm Saturday, 10am to 1pm

Kingswood Resident Group’s Fire Awareness Training

In June, residents from Kingswood participated in a Fire Awareness Training session in Penrith. For more details on upcoming resident group activities contact Charles on 02 8862 1500.