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NCCHC HOUSING NEWS
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
ISSUE 43 / SPRING 2018
From our CEO—John McKenna
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities NCCH acknowledges the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Gumbaynggir and Yaegl peoples who are the traditional custodians of the land that comprises the Northern Rivers.
Dear NCCH Tenants, Welcome to our Spring 2018 newsletter issue—can you believe that Spring is already upon us!! Here’s what’s been happening at NCCH since our last newsletter … The photographs below are the recipients of our latest round of NCCH Educational Awards (scholarships) and, as you can see, they were awarded to a wide range of applicants and for a range of pursuits. Of particular note is Margaret Fisher, who you may remember received an award
last year to attend the Super Seniors Over 85 World Tennis Championships in Florida USA. Margaret came back with the Female and Mixed Doubles titles and has re-ceived another award from NCCH this year to as-sist her with her expenses to attend the champion-ships in Croatia, where she hopes to add the ‘missing’ ladies singles title to her haul of medals. Details of the next round of applications appears later in the newsletter and I encourage you all to consider applying if you meet the criteria for educa-tional, sporting or creative support.
I mentioned in the last newsletter that we were gearing up for the annual Christmas in July lunch with the Tweed tenants on the 18th of July. A great time was had by all, although the numbers were down on previous years. The lunchtime entertainment was provided by our Vice Chair Car-
olyn Parker on piano and a performance on harmonica by me. We even had a visit from Santa Claus who handed out the lucky door prizes! We have included some photos of the festivities at the function on page 2.
We now have a full complement of staff, with all positions filled and will be taking our 2018—2019 Business Plan to the Board for approval at the September Board meeting.
Until next time …. John McKenna
Page 2: Christmas in July function photos Page 3: Meet our new Richmond Area Manager Property & Development Team update
Page 4: Emergency Contractors List Page 5: From our Business & Community Development Manager Contacting your Tenant Council NCCH Educational Awards
Page 6: Fire Safety in the Kitchen Page 7: Community Noticeboard Page 8: Community Noticeboard (continued)
SPRING 2018
Page 2 of 8
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
NCCHC HOUSING NEWS
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
SPRING 2018
Page 3 of 8
Property & Development Team Update
Because of the importance of fire safety in the home, we are once again included some fire prevention tips.
Fire Safety in the Kitchen As a reminder about the importance of not leav-ing cooking unattended, we have provided some handy hints on page 6 as a reminder to ‘keep looking when cook-ing’ because distractions can quickly lead to kitchen fires.
Fire Safety around the Home On page 7, we have included information relating to preventing fires from cigarettes & candles and prevent-
ing clothes dryer fires. The fire safety information is provided courtesy of the NSW Fire & Rescue website which has some great information available. Top tips to save you energy and money around the home Discover ways to reduce your energy use and save on power bills. You can take action to make your home comfortable at a lower cost. Simple changes that require little effort can make a difference to the cost of your energy bills. You don’t have to change your lifestyle. From switching off appliances at the wall when not in use, to washing in cold water and closing curtains & doors to stop draughts, the NSW Government has some great information on cost saving measures in and around your home. Visit the Power to Save website—powertosave.nsw.gov.au/households—which provides information on how to save power at home, as well as access to rebates and offers that will help you along the way. We have included a snippet from the Power to Save website outlining some of the incentives on offer on page 8 of this newsletter as well as Cost of Living incentives and rebates available through Service NSW. List of Emergency Contractors—the up-to-date list of contractors appears on page 4 of the newsletter.
Property & Development Team—Fiona, Andrea, Yolanta and Brian
Meet our new Richmond Area Manager—David Carruth
My name is David Carruth and I have been appointed to the role of Richmond Area Manager, based in NCCH’s Lismore office. I’d like to tell you a little about myself … I have been living and working in Sydney for the last 15 years with the Depart-ment of Family and Community Services, Housing Division and moved to the Northern Rivers earlier this year. My wife is originally from the area and has always told me about the friendliness of the people and the beauty of the area. She couldn’t have been more correct as, since starting at NCCH, I have been made to feel very welcome by the wonderful staff, and the tenants I have met on visits
and when they come into the office. I am thoroughly enjoying the role and look forward to meeting many more of you as time goes on. I have been very impressed with the dedicated team we have here in the Richmond office and I am excited about the prospects going forward to help build strong and enduring communities.
David
Fire prevention
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
SPRING 2018
Page 4 of 8
IMPORTANT NOTE TO TENANTS (FOR OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES) Advise the contractor you are a tenant with NCCH The contractor may not answer but will have an answering machine – Please leave a message
and the contractor will call back shortly (please do not contact another contractor)
EMERGENCY CONTRACTORS LIST— SPRING 2018
Alstonville/Ballina/Casino/Evans Head/Lennox Head/Lismore
Plumber: A E Campbell ......................................... 0428 272 445
Electrician: Arthur Walker Construction ................. 0410 577 325
Handyman/Glazier: Arthur Walker Construction ................. 0410 577 325
Bangalow/Byron Bay/Brunswick/Mullumbimby
Plumber: Cape Byron Plumbing ........................... 0422 246 409
Electrician: Arthur Walker Construction ................. 0410 577 325
Handyman/Glazier: Arthur Walker Construction ................. 0410 577 325
Kingscliff/Murwillumbah/Tweed Head Coast/Tweed Heads
Plumber: John Kirk ............................................... 0412 755 535
Electrician: Glenn Taylor Electricals ........................ 0412 508 406
Glazier: Malone Glass ..................................... (07) 5524 9024
Grafton/Wooli
Plumber: Terry Wright.......................................... 0417 423 790
Electrician: Ken McGrath ...................................... (02) 6642 4170
Handyman/Glazier: Graeme Mills........................................... 0419407785
Maclean/Yamba
Plumber: Graeme Mills......................................... 0414 633 427
Electrician: Graham Watts ....................................... 0418 660 889
Handyman/Glazier: Graeme Mills......................................... 0419 407 785
NCCHC HOUSING NEWS
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
SPRING 2018
Page 5 of 8
Applications for Round One of our 2018 Educational Awards Scheme closed on 31 May and nine well-deserving re-cipients from across the region were granted Awards in their chosen category by NCCH’s Board of Directors. If you missed the first round of the Awards, applications for Round Two open on 1 SEPTEMBER. Information & application packs are available by:-
phoning any of our offices
emailing [email protected]
visiting our website NCCH Educational Awards Scheme
Our Educational Awards provide financial support to assist our tenants with educational, sporting and creative arts pursuits.
Supporting our tenants to achieve through our Educational Awards Scheme is a way of building community capacity, leading to future social and economic
engagement in society.
A reminder that if you have an issue that you would like to discuss with one of our Tenant Councillors, who are always happy to help, please give them a call on one of the numbers listed below. Please be assured that all calls are treated confidentially.
Contacting your Tenant Council
Dolores (02) 6643 1209 Peter (02) 6624 2619
Ivon 0408 761 122 Walter 0411 117 276
From our Business & Community Development Manager—Tracy Akerman
At an
Our next Tenant Forum will be held on Wednesday 3 October at the Byron Community Centre … 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. If you would like to attend—and have your say—please RSVP by 26 September by phoning our Tweed office on (07) 5523 5800 | emailing [email protected] | registering online via our website. Transport can be arranged if required and all attendees go in the draw for a $50 gift card on the day. Congratulations to John, pictured here with me (right), who was the lucky winner at the August Tenant Forum in Grafton. Linda Wirf from Social Futures will be the guest speaker on the day.
Knitting for a Purpose
I have been inspired by our Housing Alliance partner, Homes North, who have a very active knit-ting group. The group knits blankets for the homeless and the vulnerable in their region. This is a ‘call to arms’ for those of you who are skilled in the fine art of knitting. Please phone the Lismore office on (02) 6627 5300 and ask for Tracy or email her at [email protected] to register for the up & coming “NCCH Northern Knitters” group. It is my intention that all blankets created as a result of this group will help keep one of our local homeless persons warm on a cool night. Per-
sonally, I can’t think of a better reason to fire up your knitting passion than knowing you will be helping to warm someone in need. If you can’t knit but would like to contribute to the cause by donating yarn/wool, contributions can be dropped off at local NCCH offices and/or at your next local Tenant Forum.
Tracy
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
Fire Safety in the Kitchen
SPRING 2018
Page 6 of 8
That the leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking
unattended.
Did you know?
Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove before you leave.
Don’t put anything metallic in the microwave and al-ways double-check the timer.
Keep matches and lighters out of reaches of children.
There are many dangerous substances in the kitch-en. Flammable materials such as aerosols, cleaning agents & cooking oils should be stored away from heat.
Avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep loose clothing, fabrics, tea towels, curtains and flammable items away from the stove.
Turn pot handles inwards. Pot handles hanging over the edge of the stove can be easily knocked or grabbed by children.
Keep your oven, rangehood and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of grease and fat can ignite in a fire.
If your pan catches fire, here’s what to do ...
Turn off the stove (if safe to do so) and use
the lid to cover the flame.
Never use water to put out a fat or oil fire.
Use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in the first
few seconds of ignition if you are confident.
Leave the kitchen, close the door and
call Triple Zero ‘000’.
Information courtesy of the NSW Fire & Rescue website https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au
NCCHC HOUSING NEWS
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
SPRING 2018
Page 7 of 8
Community Noticeboard
A reminder to turn your clocks forward
for the start of daylight savings!
Daylight saving time in NSW will begin on
Sunday 7 October 2018 at 2:00am when clocks are put
forward one hour.
Fire Safety around the Home
Prevent clothes dryer fires Clean your lint filter before or after each use. Ensure there is adequate air flow around your dryer. Don’t leave the dryer operating when you’re not home.
Prevent fires from cigarettes & candles
Keep candles well away from curtains with open windows and put them out when you leave the room.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
An adult should be present at all times when a candle is being used.
Extinguish cigarettes properly before disposal.
Never smoke in bed. It’s extremely dangerous.
Only use child-proof lighters and deep ashtrays.
Before you purchase anything online, follow these essential
tips to protect yourself.
Safeguard your personal details
A reputable business will never ask you for your bank account
and password information.
Never give these details out.
Secure your password
A secure password is very diffi-cult for someone else to guess. Pick something that is not easi-ly associated with you. To cre-ate a secure password, you should choose a combination of numbers, letters and sym-bols rather than just numbers such as a postcode or birth date. Never give out your pass-words or record them where
someone can find them.
Check the web page security
Only fill in credit card details on
a secure web page. To know if a web page is secure look for the padlock symbol in the bot-tom right of the browser win-dow, or at the top left in or near the address bar. A secure web-
site begins with https://
Check your statement
Check your credit card state-ment every month to make sure you’ve been charged cor-rectly for purchases. If there is any charge that looks suspi-cious, contact your credit card provider immediately and re-quest a chargeback while they
look into it.
Monitor children’s access to shopping sites
Monitoring children's use of computers and mobile devices and their access to shopping sites can help you avoid bill shock due to unexpected pur-chases by children.
Information provided courtesy of NSW Fair Trading website—
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
Call 13 32 20 8.30am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
Recipe Corner—Baked Banana Porridge Ingredients: 2 small bananas, halved lengthways 100g porridge oats ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 150ml milk of your choice, plus extra to serve 4 walnuts, roughly chopped Method: 1. Heat oven to 190°C/170°C fan. Mash up one banana half,
then mix it with the oats, cinnamon milk 300ml water & a pinch of salt. And pour into a baking dish. Top with the re-maining banana halves & scatter over the walnuts.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the oats are creamy and have absorbed most of the liquid. Serves 2.
NCCH HOUSING NEWS
Providing homes, Improving lives, Strengthening communities
Community Noticeboard (continued)
SPRING 2018
Page 8 of 8
Cost of Living incentives and rebates Save money with NSW government rebates, refunds, incentives and programs. The NSW Government is helping ease the cost of living with over 40 rebates and savings. You can apply online now for savings such as Active Kids, Seniors Cards, Toll Relief and others. Apply for the Low Income Household Rebate The Low Income Household Rebate helps eligible low income NSW households cover the costs of their energy bills. It is paid once each financial year. If you receive your bill directly from your electricity retailer and you meet the eligibility requirements, call the company and ask them to apply the NSW Low Income Household Rebate to your account. You'll need to supply your concession
card or healthcare card details when you call. Visit the Service NSW website: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/cost-living for more detailed infor-mation about all of the incentives on offer.
The NSW Government’s new website powertosave.nsw.gov.au features a number of en-ergy saving initiatives for households and small business. This site also has information on rebates, energy saving tips, webinars and more.
Lighting upgrade discounts Families will be able to reduce their power bills by more than $200 a year under a new NSW Govern-ment initiative that allows people to change to new LED energy saving lights at discounted prices.
40-50% discounts on appliances The NSW Government’s Appliance Replacement Offer continues to help eligible concession cardholders upgrade their old fridge or plasma or cathode ray TV to new energy efficient models. When you replace an old and inefficient fridge, you receive 40% off the cost and 50% off the cost of a television. The offer applies to selected models. The amount you can save on an energy bill may vary as follows:
• replace a fridge and save up to $200 a year • replace a TV and save up to $125 a year
Visit the Appliance Replacement Offer website www.powertosave.nsw.gov.au/appliance for all the details.
No more fees Don’t forget that retailers are no longer allowed to charge small customers fees for:
• issuing a paper bill • making payments at the post office • early termination (with some exceptions).
If you would like more information, please visit the Power to Save website — powertosave.nsw.gov.au/.
MumSpace - online and app support for new parents We know what it’s like to need support. With MumSpace you can access
supports that are suitable for all new parents, a little extra help when you
need it, and online treatments for depression and anxiety. You never have
to feel that you are alone. Visit the MumSpace website for further info:
https://www.mumspace.com.au/.
