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Housing Matters January 2021

Welcome to our January 2021 edition of Housing Matters.

On behalf of CHIA NSW, we welcome our members and supporters to a new year of action in 2021.

The Christmas and New Year break captured the realities of the continuing uncertainties we are living through.

While many families across Sydney were able to gather for Christmas, those impacted by the most recent outbreak of COVID-19 had to cancel trips across and beyond the State to see family.

Happily, New South Wales is emerging from the most recent outbreak and will continue to navigate through uncertain times for government, businesses, and social services providers.

Effective Federal and State Government policy will therefore be critical throughout 2021 to provide stability for our economy and society.

At a national level, continuing support through the JobKeeper program will be essential, as will re-consideration of significant investment in social housing as critical infrastructure and a boost to job growth.

At a State level, we need significant and urgent funding for social and affordable housing. With 50,000 people on the social housing waiting list, the commitment in November’s State Budget for 780 new homes will simply not be enough to scratch the surface of the current need.

As this issue of Housing Matters demonstrates, the good news is that community housing providers are creating new developments for those who need housing most.

We build high-quality housing quickly and efficiently. We leverage public and private investment to build and regenerate housing stock and provide services to tenants for pathways to work and improved wellbeing.

Our sector’s role in providing hope and security to thousands of NSW families has never been more important.

In 2021 CHIA NSW will continue to advocate and build productive partnerships with government, industry and investors to bring that hope to more families in these uncertain times.

We hope you enjoy this edition.
 Mark Degotardi
CEO, CHIA NSW
SGCH, Uniting, SVA, NSW Government partners on Foyer Central Social Impact BondCHIA NSW congratulates our members SGCH and Uniting on the Foyer Central Social Impact Bond.

The bond is currently in the capital raise phase and is being run by SVA. Funding from this social impact bond will directly support Foyer Central, an integrated learning and accommodation center that supports young people who have been in out-of-home care on their path to independence.

St George Community Housing (SGCH) and Uniting will be providing services in Foyer Central to the residents. The program aims to empower those exiting out-of-home care towards independence through access to employment, education and training services and opportunities.

CHIA NSW congratulates our members, the NSW Government and Social Ventures Australia on this bold and innovative approach to empowering those in need.

More information can be viewed at SVA’s website here.

Interested investors can access more information about the capital raising here.
NSW pre-Budget submissions due to close February 12thNSW Treasury is currently finalizing pre-Budget for the State Budget due to be handed down in a date to be confirmed in June 2021.

CHIA NSW members wishing to make a submission should be aware that submissions will close on 12th February, 2021.


NSW Treasury’s website contains more information to assist with submissions
 
CHIA NSW Learning & Development 'Mental Health Awareness', 'NCAT' courses now enrolling
CHIA NSW’s Learning & Development team will be running courses throughout the February and March period.

Mental Health Awareness will allow frontline CHP staff and management to upskill their capacities to support tenants struggling with mental health.

Developed in partnership with the Mental Health Coordinating Council, it is supported by funding through the NSW Ministry of Health – meaning it is free for participants.

The first sessions are already booked so interested participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their spot.

CHIA NSW’s Learning & Development team is also running the popular NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) course throughout February & March.

Tailored for CHP staff navigating NCAT, the course develops knowledge and best practice by guiding participants through practical real-world case studies and scenarios.

More information on both courses can be found at our website.
 If you have any further queries, please contact CHIA NSW’s Learning & Development team directly at [email protected]
CityWest Housing team wins award for Blackwattle apartmentsCWH’s Blackwattle apartments in Glebe were recently shortlisted in two Awards for Excellence categories as part of the 2020 UDIA NSW Crown Group Awards. The two categories were Excellence in Medium Density Development and Excellence in Affordable Development.
 
The award winners were announced on 11 December and CWH was announced as the winner of the Excellence in Medium Density Development (above 75 dwellings) award.
 
CHIA NSW congratulates the CityWest team on this fantastic achievement.
 
We are sure CityWest’s Blackwattle apartments will continue to be a leading benchmark for best practice community housing that brings together great design with leading tenant services. 
Pacific Link Housing finishes 2020 with multiple awards despite COVID-19 challengesThe Central Coast’s only locally based Tier 1 Community Housing Provider (CHP), Pacific Link Housing, has finished 2020 with some significant award wins and achievements.

The Company received multiple outstanding award wins including a prestigious national award with PowerHousing Australia, recognising their outstanding efforts in providing affordable housing and support for those in need in difficult COVID-19 impacted times.

In addition to this, Pacific Link Housing won the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Hunter Housing Award for Affordable Housing Project of the Year in partnership with Kingston Building Australia for a mixed tenancy development at Glendale, and most recently, won the prestigious Urban Design Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Affordable Housing Development of the Year Award in partnership with Evolve Housing for a development at Roselands. Pacific Link Housing Chairman Wal Edgell said that the award wins have come at an extremely exciting and pivotal time in the organisation’s 35 year history and despite the difficult operating challenges faced during the past year, Pacific Link Housing has celebrated many recent successes

“Within the last 12 months Pacific Link Housing has built 51 affordable homes for those people in our community in greatest need, secured significant low cost finance to deliver additional housing stock, moved to new premises and successfully implemented a new housing first program to assist people experiencing homelessness during COVID-19”, Mr Edgell said.

“The development awards reflect the quality of design and construction in the new homes delivered which is a reflection of the experienced and capable team at Pacific Link Housing, from Board level, all the way through the organisation, and are just rewards for the dedication and commitment of the entire team”, Mr Edgell said. “On top of this, we are delighted to have recently commenced construction on our latest development on the Peninsula which will provide 12 one and two bedroom units to mainly assist women aged over 55 who are struggling to afford housing in the current difficult rental market.”

The PowerHousing Award recognised the significant efforts of Pacific Link Housing and their support partner, Uniting Central Coast, in successfully housing 30 tenants in a newly completed development during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns. Many of the tenants were in crisis accommodation and required additional support to settle into their new home. Ian Lynch, CEO of Pacific Link Housing said successful partnerships with wider community groups provided opportunities for tenants to secure homes and help build pathways out of homelessness.

“A home is just the first step. It is collaborative partnerships and community assistance that ensures those people most in need are provided with the necessary care and support to rebuild their lives,” Ian Lynch said. wider community,” Mr Lynch said.

CHIA NSW congratulates Pacific Link on this fantastic recognition and looks forward to seeing what the team delivers in 2021.