by HousingPlus | Mar 16, 2020 | Domestic Violence, Media
White Tie Ball to be held late 2020
Housing Plus has been monitoring the extraordinary challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus and its potential impact on the White Tie Ball, which was to be held on Saturday 16th May
Whilst the Ball is an important event on our fundraising calendar, the safety, health and well-being of our community, is our primary consideration.
As a result, Housing Plus has made the decision to postpone the White Tie Ball.
We wanted to thank local businesses and individuals in our community for their continued support of Housing Plus and The Orchard – our ability to run successful fundraising events is reliant on the generosity of our sponsors and our community. We apologise for any inconvenience that this decision may cause.
Housing Plus is engaging with our venue on options for later this year when we remain optimistic that the current challenges will have subsided. I am hopeful that we will be able to count on the Communities support of our event at a later time.
While the fundraising from this years’ Ball was earmarked for the fit out of the communal areas, not having the Ball in May will not affect the opening of The Orchard which is scheduled for later this year.
Renascent are on track to hand over the keys to The Orchard in July. We will then take 1-2 months to complete the fit out and we should be fully operational by October this year. In the mean-time fundraising continues for the fit out. We will be purchasing everything that we need to make welcoming homes for the women and children that come to stay with us.
ENDS
For further information, or to organise an interview telephone Communications Coordinator, Rochelle Monaghan, on 1800 603 300 or email rochelle@housingplus.com.au
For more information about Housing Plus, visit www.housingplus.com.au
by HousingPlus | Mar 13, 2020 | Domestic Violence, Homelessnesss, Media
White Tie Ball – Raising funds to build The Orchard
On Saturday 16th May Housing Plus and the Australian Community Media will again be hosting the White Tie Ball. This year we are raising money to complete the fit out of the communal areas that are being built.
In 2019, Housing Plus and event partners ACM hosted the White Tie Ball and together we raised $60,000 to go towards the construction of The Orchard, a crisis centre in Orange for women and children escaping domestic violence.
The event will be held at the Orange Ex-Services Club commencing at 6pm and will include a 3-course meal, live charity auction, raffles and entertainment by Gabe Music.
Tickets for the White Tie Ball will be on sale from Wednesday 18th March and can be purchased online from the Orange Ex-Services Club https://oesc.com.au/shows/
Tickets are priced at $110 you can make bookings as individuals or you can organise a table of 8.
“We are very excited to be holding the White Tie Ball for the 4th year, this is a fabulous event, arguably the most elegant ball in Orange, we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets as soon as possible, last year we were sold out within 4 weeks of going on sale.” said Julianne Potts, Chair of The Orchard Fundraising Committee.
This year’s Ball is being organised by The Orchard Fundraising Committee, volunteers from the community. Chair, Julianne Potts and committee members Sue Burke, Libby Seaman, Rochelle Monaghan, Lillian Castor, Maree Weir and Bev Williams.
Housing Plus event coordinator, Rochelle Monaghan, says, “We have been fundraising to build The Orchard for over three years, Housing Plus appreciates the generous support of individuals and businesses within the community who have kindly donated items for the fundraising activities over that time. The support for The Orchard within the Orange community is strong and we are proud to be delivering this much needed centre to Orange”
If you are unable to sponsor this event, or attend the ball, there are other ways you can show your support for The Orchard. You could hold a workplace fundraiser, a lunch, morning tea or client event, or make an online donation by following this link: just setting up the link
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the White Tie Ball or would like to make a donation, contact Rochelle on 1800 603 300 or email rochelle@housingplus.com.au
ENDS
Please note sponsors listed below if possible
Photo opportunity
Photo Call sent out along with Media Release.
Official Launch of the 2020 White Tie Ball
WHAT: The White Tie Ball is hosted by Housing and is the annual charity ball to raise funds to build The Orchard, a women and children’s domestic violence crisis centre in Orange
WHEN: Monday 16th March 2020 10.30am – 11.30am
WHERE: Orange Ex-Services Club, Greenhouse Wine Bar – entry via Club reception
WHO: Representatives from Housing Plus, the Crisis Centre Community Committee and sponsors for the 2020 White Tie Ball
For further media information contact: Rochelle Monaghan: Marketing and Events Coordinator on 1800 603 300 or 0419 960 710 or email rochelle@housingplus.com.au
The Orchard Update
Renascent are on track to hand over the keys to The Orchard in July.
We will then take 1-2 months to complete the fit out and we should be fully operational by October this year. Or hopefully earlier!
Fundraising continues for the fit out. We will be purchasing everything that we need to make welcoming homes for the women and children that come to stay with us.
Full list of sponsors for the 2020 White Tie Ball
Almighty Industries
Australian Community Media
Central Western Daily
Confetti Cartel
GK Craig
Orange Ex-Services Club
Ray White
Simply Centrepieces
Tony Leahey Motor Group
Tree Wise Men Australia
Weily’s Betta Home Living
WIN Network
Yates Baker Mclean
by Carrie Drage | Nov 21, 2019 | All
Community, health and research groups are calling on Energy Ministers to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs by committing at the COAG Energy Council meeting to implement measures to substantially improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes.
Forty organisations have written to energy ministers asking them to not only endorse the work plan on the COAG agenda to progress energy efficiency measures for existing homes, but to also commit to implement the measures quickly, especially for the most vulnerable people in our society.
ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie, said “Millions of people are living in homes that are too cold in winter and too hot in summer and cost a fortune to run; people are sadly dying as a result.
“People on low incomes who spend on average more than 4 times their income on energy bills than high income earners, cannot afford to invest in energy efficiency measures and if they rent they have no choice.
“We absolutely want COAG to endorse the work plan to develop a rating tool for existing homes, national framework for mandated energy efficiency standards for rental properties, and explore funding options for social housing and low income home owners, said Dr Goldie, “but we also want to see a commitment that these measures will be prioritised and not left on a shelf.
“Acting on energy efficiency for people on low income is critical to tackling poverty and inequality as well as providing broader benefits for everyone, including job creation, economic stimulus and reduced carbon emissions.”
National Shelter Executive Officer, Adrian Pisarski, said “Renters, including those living in private and social housing, face the greatest barriers to improving energy efficiency.
“Renters can live in some of the worst housing and have little control over the energy efficiency of their homes. They either go without food and other essentials or they limit energy use to the detriment of their health, in some cases people end up homeless because they prioritise energy bills over rent.
Regionally based community housing provider, Housing Plus CEO David Fisher, said “We’ve seen the real benefits that energy efficiency measures can have on the quality of life of our tenants, especially elderly people, who too often will not turn on their heating or cooling for fear of the costs.
“We and other community housing providers lack necessary support to retrofit existing homes, which is where the need is great.
Brotherhood of St Laurence Executive Director, Conny Lenneberg said, “We’ve found the benefits for low-income households of installing energy efficient appliances like efficient hot water, heating and cooling are almost immediate – lower energy bills, with healthier homes and people. People with chronic health issues and those struggling to heat or cool their homes tend to benefit most from these upgrades.
“We need systemic investment to substantially upgrade homes for all residents on low incomes, whether they live in their own homes, or in social and community housing or rent privately, so that all benefit regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Ms Lenneberg.
Modelling for COAG Energy Council also found that if measures proposed in the work plan were introduced by 2022 in all jurisdictions, they could deliver a net present value (NPV) of $5 billion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 52.7 MtCO2-e and save 429.3 PJ of energy by 2050.
Renew CEO, Donna Luckman said “Cutting energy waste by improving the efficiency of our homes is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to reduce carbon emissions that is causing the climate crisis, with households contributing 11% of Australia’s emissions.
“More efficient homes will also save energy, reducing the need to invest in new energy generation and improve the reliability of the electricity grid, everyone benefits.”
Rob Murray-Leach, Head of Policy for the Energy Efficiency Council said “Helping households save energy will boost investment and job creation by the private sector. Recent research showed an ambitious energy efficiency strategy would create 120,000 jobs across Australia.”
Click here to read the open letter to COAG Energy Ministers.
by Carrie Drage | Nov 12, 2019 | All
Dear Editor,
Like many of your readers, three articles these past weeks particularly caught my eye. The first: “Cadia announces ‘hundreds of jobs’ to be created in $685 million expansion”; the second: “Rental forums to help property owners capitalise on Cadia mine expansion”: and the third: “Rental prices up six per cent with houses and units in short supply.” For the 30% of the Orange population, or some 4,000 households who rent their homes, this is important news.
As many readers will know, wage increases are not keeping pace with rent increases, and Orange is becoming increasingly unaffordable. At the last census in 2016, 11.9% of Orange renters were in rental stress; almost the same levels as in Sydney at 14.6%. Rental stress refers to households who are paying more than 30% of their income in housing costs. This percentage is highest amongst low to moderate income households.
The pressure on the rental market has been growing over the last few years for two main reasons: the loss of rental units to the short-term rental tourism market, such as Stayz or AirBnB, and the increased demand for rental properties from families who would normally purchase a property – but cannot because of rocketing property prices. This pressure may now be compounded by a mining expansion, where landlords will apparently be encouraged to capitalise on this growth.
This may have two immediate impacts: firstly, large numbers of families may face higher rents and have less to spend in the local economy, and secondly, the loss of properties as landlords seek to let their properties to higher waged mine workers. If these are properties currently being let to the tourism market there will be wider effects on tourism trade across the city.
Orange is a great city, with a strong sense of community and strong health, mining, government and tourism based economies. What makes Orange a great place for businesses is also having an impact on the ability of families to continue to afford to live in Orange. For low and moderate income households, having secure and affordable homes is a solid and necessary foundation for them to thrive, with the money left over after their rent is paid to meet the essentials and save for a deposit for their first owned home. What is needed to underpin the growth of Orange, maintain our tourism sector and avoid putting many families under more financial pressure, is to take the pressure off the rental sector.
Yours sincerely,
David Fisher
by Sarah Priestley | Aug 15, 2019 | All
On Wednesday 14th August, the Housing Plus, Aboriginal Staff Community Engagement Group (ASCEG) held an Aboriginal Open Day for Housing Plus staff and the community to encourage a greater understanding of the Indigenous community and their culture.
Dancers from the Designing Futures Group demonstrated the traditional dances of the Wiradjuri people, a welcome, a celebration dance and the third dance was in recognition of last year’s national NAIDOC theme “ Because of her we can” to recognise the important role Aboriginal women play in our community/families
The ASCEG commissioned local artist local Aboriginal artist Justin Hammond to create a magnificent artwork for CEO David Fisher.
Housing Plus Aboriginal Specialist Casework, John MacKay, spoke about the sophistication of the Aboriginal culture, and encouraged everyone to take the time to learn more from their co-workers and clients.
This was the first Aboriginal Open Day held at Housing Plus, and we look forward to learning more about the Aboriginal Culture.
by Sarah Priestley | Jun 24, 2019 | All
Meet the team from Housing Plus and find out more about:
- How to apply for affordable housing
- The new affordable homes being built in Orange
- Pathways to home ownership (Shared Equity)
- What to do if you are at risk of homelessness
- Specialist Disability Accommodation available in Orange
- The benefits of leasing properties directly to Housing Plus
Event details:
Come along to Housing Plus 113 Byng Street, Orange
Wednesday June 26 5.30-6.30pm; or
Friday June 28 12 – 1pm
Call Rochelle on 1800 603 300 if you would like any further information
by Sarah Priestley | May 28, 2019 | All
CHIA recently issued a media release stating that regional towns and country areas are being ignored in debates around housing and housing affordability – even though 1 in 3 new social and affordable homes needed in NSW by 2036 are outside of Sydney.
In the Central West, new data coming from the recent Domain rental report shows that Orange has the highest average rent in Central West NSW at $375. This is up 7.1% compared to the same time last year, closely followed by Bathurst at $360 a week and Dubbo at $340 per week.
The release of Anglicare Australia’s annual Rental Affordability Snapshot – Central and Far West NSW found that only one property was affordable for people on Youth Allowance or Newstart in the Central and Far West.
In the same report, only 15% of available houses were affordable and appropriate for a couple with no children receiving the age pension. Less than 3% of properties were affordable for a single person on an aged pension.
Looking back over the findings from the last decade of Snapshots in Central and Far West NSW, the message is clear: the private rental market has failed to provide affordable housing for Australians on low incomes.
In a move to address this housing crisis, Housing Plus is set to make a significant investment to the Central West and Orana by delivering 220 new affordable homes, with 86 of these homes expected to be built in Orange, and a further 87 and 47 expected to be built in Dubbo and Bathurst respectively. These new homes will target pensioners and young working families.
These new homes will come at a critical time when property prices are rising, and many are turning to renting, with 1 in 3 Australians are currently renting their home. Growth in the economy through mining developments, large infrastructure projects and the loss of rental properties to the tourism sector, puts pressure on an already limited supply of rental properties, with rents increasing.
David Fisher, CEO at Housing Plus, says, “We are delighted to be delivering one of the largest affordable housing programs the Central West region has seen for many years. This is a significant investment by Housing Plus in these cities and shows the commitment we have to supporting the local community and growth in the economy, as well as creating jobs in construction and services in the short term.”
“The solution lies in State, Federal government and local City Councils working together, taking advantage of changes in planning law to create inclusionary zoning and providing support to allow for more affordable housing to be built”
Recent research by UNSW has estimated that some 5,500 new properties are needed across the Central West to meet the expected growth in population.
Additional resources:
The CHIA NSW Election Platform
Housing Story in NSW Infographic
State of the Industry Report
by Carrie Drage | Apr 23, 2019 | All
Housing Plus has presented Orange City Council with an innovative approach towards regional city residential expansion as the first planned development of a $30M investment towards social infrastructure in Orange, addressing the critical need for additional affordable and social housing.
With the lodging of a Development Application for ‘Fairview’ situated on the Forbes Road, Orange’s waiting list for affordable housing will take a major cut as Housing Plus becomes a key provider of new homes.
Housing Plus Project Director, Justin Cantelo, says, “The Housing Plus program is a new way to deliver affordable housing, by creating integrated neighbourhoods with a mix of affordable, social and private housing. This promotes vibrant and diverse communities through different types of housing and densities to meet the changing needs of the community.”
“This is a substantial investment for Housing Plus. Having worked in this field for over 30 years, Housing Plus has a proven track record in property management, and we manage and maintain our assets just like any other homeowner.”
The proposed development at 78 Forbes Road is architecturally designed and will be of a high quality construction that will complement the character of the local neighbourhood.
Justin says, “In the short-term, this project will create jobs in construction across Orange and, in the long-term, an increase in the number of affordable dwellings in Orange will deliver the stability people need to be able to stay in work or raise a family, whilst also providing economic growth for our city.”
“We reviewed the rental listings on Domain on Tuesday 9 April 2019 and there are currently only two rental properties available in Orange that meet the affordability criteria for a single person on the aged pension.”
With a 30-year history of providing client-centred tenancy and property management services to the Central West and Western regions of NSW, Housing Plus is a not-for-profit progressive social enterprise that re-invests all profits into improving social outcomes for individuals and communities in regional NSW.
A key feature of the properties is the provision of energy efficient measures to reduce the running costs of these homes into the future. Homes are designed according to the Livable Housing Design Guidelines’ silver standard, incorporating key easy living features to make homes more accessible for an ageing population.
All this ties into Orange City Council’s Community Strategic Plan, which states its commitment to working with ‘non-profit organisations to reduce the incidence of homelessness by supporting the need for affordable and social housing’.
Justin says, “As well as providing families with secure, affordable housing, Housing Plus will link tenants and household members with local services to help them work towards greater independence, such as engaging in training and employment opportunities, or increasing wellbeing for over 55s.”
“There is a particular focus on supporting vulnerable older women who may have found it difficult to secure housing in the past. Everyone at Housing Plus is excited about the opportunity to pave the way in the future of affordable housing.”
Community members are invited to view the plans and any enquiries can be directed to developments@housingplus.com.au or by telephoning Justin on 1800 603 300.
by Carrie Drage | Apr 11, 2019 | All
The region’s ageing population, in particular vulnerable older women, are set to benefit from a $75M investment by Housing Plus.
Housing Plus, a local, regionally based community housing provider, is delivering 220 new social and affordable homes across Orange, Dubbo and Bathurst in the next three years, with the first properties becoming available in October 2019.
There is already an acute shortage of affordable and social housing across the region. These new homes will come at a critical time when property prices are rising, and many are turning to renting. Currently, 1 in 3 Australians rent their home. Growth in the economy through mining developments, large infrastructure projects and the loss of rental properties to the tourism sector, puts pressure on an already limited supply of rental properties with rents rising.
David Fisher, CEO at Housing Plus, says, “We are delighted to be delivering one of the largest social and affordable housing programs the Central West region has seen for many years. This is a significant investment by Housing Plus in these cities and shows the commitment we have to supporting the local community and growth in the economy, as well as creating jobs in construction and services in the short term.”
Recent research by UNSW has estimated that some 5,500 new properties are needed across the Central West to meet the expected growth in population. The 2018 Rental Affordability Snapshot by Anglicare Australia reports that less than 5% of available houses are affordable and appropriate for a couple with no children receiving the age pension. Only 1% of properties are affordable for a single person on an aged pension.
As the baby-boomer generation reach their senior years, the waiting list for affordable and social housing is increasing and few current homes in the Central West are properly equipped to assist the increasing number of community members in need, according to Housing Plus CEO David Fisher.
Housing Plus has a 30-year history of providing customer-centred tenancy and property management services to the Central West and Western regions of NSW and has locally based teams in these three regional cities.
The properties are architecturally designed to meet the Livable Housing Design Guidelines, local planning guidelines, and will be energy efficient through the incorporation of draught proofing, solar panels and split systems, which reduce the running costs for these homes.
