AHO Newsletter Winter`s End 2014
Transcription
AHO Newsletter Winter`s End 2014
AHO Community Housing News Winter’s End 2014 Inside this issue > Mandy’s Column >Corporate >Policy > AHO Assets > Regional News > Community News > Provider Feedback > Staff News Mandy’s Column It has been great getting to know the sector over the past few months. I can see that we work with a great bunch of people committed to improving outcomes for the Aboriginal community. The Secretary FACS, has tasked me with delivering a review of the mediumterm direction of the AHO and service improvement plan, in partnership with the AHO Board. While there are still a few gaps, much of the work required is already well underway and I am confident that we will develop achievable, effective and efficient plans together. I have been busy getting around the state visiting communities and talking with providers. In the next phase of developing plans to better support Aboriginal organisations and people, we will be bringing together Aboriginal community housing providers in a forum to work on how best to place the sector, the AHO and our initiatives and activities. This will help enable us to not only provide affordable housing, but to also integrate support services to address underlying causes of disadvantage, rather than simply alleviating housing stress. We will be discussing completed reviews and reforms that are currently underway across all areas of the AHO, the social housing sector and FACS more broadly. This will help guide us in identifying opportunities to optimise our service delivery. The Board recently met and a Common Agreement was endorsed for consultation with Providers. It will streamline all management agreements with providers and will give ACHPs assurance about the AHO’s role and responsibilities. Feedback from Providers will be sought to inform a detailed implementation plan across the sector. The Board has also committed to the continued roll out of the tenant support and education program for the next two years from 2014 to 2016, and will establish grants for providers to better support tenants. More information will come to you on this shortly. So, we have a lot of work to do and I look forward to working with you all over the next couple of months to set some new directions. Mandy Regional Aboriginal Housing Committees The Terms of Reference for the Regional Aboriginal Housing Committees (RAHC) have now been drafted and approved by the AHO Board. Work is now underway on developing Expressions Of Interest and how they will be deployed. We expect that RAHCs will be up and running in late 2014. AHO Community Housing News 1 Corporate Contract, performance management and reporting changes Provider Contract and Performance Management Framework The AHO has created a document (the Provider Contract and Performance Management Framework) that explains the context for its relationship with providers delivering housing and related services under the Aboriginal Housing Act, and its approach to contract and performance management. The Framework gives Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) and other organisations delivering housing and related services on behalf of the AHO, information about what they can expect from the AHO. The Framework includes principles for data collection and reporting that are relevant to all AHO providers, including ACHPs. The document explains how the AHO assesses provider compliance and performance; uses reporting information from providers; and addresses non-compliance by a provider. The Provider Contract and Performance Management Framework will be publically available on the AHO website in the coming weeks. Policy Provider consultation workshops held The Build and Grow policies and Housing Management Selection Policy were presented at a series of four consultation workshops held with 29 Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHP) in March 2014, across the state. Separate sessions were held with NSWALC and AHO staff. Aboriginal Community Housing Provider reporting In response to feedback from providers, the AHO is improving the six monthly reporting requirements for Approved Providers. Some improvements were implemented for the July reporting period with more to come over the next twelve months. For the July reporting period providers will have noticed the following improvements: • A new looking report format • Instructions for completing the report in a new User Guide • New optional questions relating to your organisation’s challenges and successes over the reporting period • Revised Key Performance Indicators and a better feedback process from the AHO • Some supporting documents no longer need to be sent to the AHO. Head lease provider reports Head lease providers will notice the latest report from the AHO is in a slightly different format. The new format provides more detailed information about income and costs relating to the management of the portfolio and was introduced in response to feedback from head lease providers and subleasing organisations. The new format has been introduced in response to feedback from head lease providers and also subleasing organisations. Common Agreement The AHO is developing a Common Agreement to replace the multiple agreements that some ACHPs have with the AHO. It is envisioned that providers will sign one umbrella agreement with the AHO covering general responsibilities such as maintaining registration with the AHO, applying AHO policies and meeting reporting requirements. Separate terms covering specific areas such as management of AHO properties, subsidies for example, will then be included as schedules to the agreement. Introducing a Common Agreement is a big change for ACHPs and the AHO and it will therefore be carefully planned so that ACHPs are fully aware of the changes and their responsibilities. AHCPs will be consulted and have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft. The feedback will also be used to draft an implementation plan across the sector. Feedback from the workshops is currently being collated and is expected to influence amendments to draft policies. Providers gave constructive feedback and supported the approach of balancing policy outcomes with business objectives and autonomy. better manage expectations, and to remove duplications. The key changes will be to improve clarity of intent, restructure the operational policy elements to improve meaning, provide clarity on compulsory and optional elements to Stakeholder input is essential in developing any AHO policies to ensure their relevance to the Aboriginal community housing sector and community. The AHO appreciates the willingness of providers to share their views, knowledge and experience. The sessions were very positive and have given us a lot of information to work with when revising draft policies. AHO Community Housing News 2 Policy cont... ERA Provider Forum The Employment Related Accommodation (ERA) Forum for providers held in March 2014, was the first of its kind. Informal discussions with ERA housing providers late last year highlighted the need for an ERA forum where providers could network, and share: critical success factors; barriers to engaging with potential tenants; and support mechanisms for existing tenants. The forum provided opportunities to: •d iscuss best practice in ERA property and tenancy management • consult with stakeholders about future innovative ways to support ERA tenants and increase the uptake of ERA in key locations • acknowledge the commitment of providers in supporting the ERA Program. A total of 28 people attended the ERA forum including participants from Community Housing Providers and Aboriginal Community Housing Provider. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive and emphasised the need for ongoing networking and learning and development opportunities. The ERA program aims to provide affordable accommodation for Aboriginal people who intend to study or work away from home, in regional areas in NSW. To find out more visit www.aho.nsw.gov.au/era. •p rovide a platform for providers to share information AHO Assets The following results were delivered in the 2013/14 financial year: Refurbishment The target for 2013/14 was a 69% increase on last year. The Refurbishment target of 154 was met. Backlog The target for 2013/14 was a 92% increase on last year. The Refurbishment target of 310 was achieved. AHO Planned Maintenance The target for 2013/14 was a 10% increase on last year. The APMP completed 240 units which met the budget requirements, and a large number of works in progress have provided a very good start for the 2014/15 program. New Supply – AHO Capital Works PARS Performance Review The AHO has developed a PARS Performance Review Framework. The Framework establishes the process for undertaking PARS Performance Reviews (PPR) for providers that have been approved under PARS. Aboriginal community organisations that applied to be registered with the AHO as approved providers under PARS are required to meet performance and reporting requirements. As part of these requirements, PARS approved providers must complete periodic PPRs. PPRs will provide ongoing assurance as to the performance of registered providers in meeting the PARS requirements. The PPR checks that any required actions identified during a PARS assessment are addressed, that any non-performance is detected, and that steps are put in place to ensure ongoing compliance with the PARS performance areas so that assets and tenancies are not put at risk. While the PPR focuses on compliance with the PARS performance requirements, other compliance obligations will be managed by the AHO in a separate process. To reduce administrative burden, the compliance and reporting processes will be simplified in the future. The AHO has engaged the Registrar for Community Housing to implement the program of annual PPRs. The review program will include access to provider information sessions and is underpinned by a PARS Performance Review Guide developed by the AHO. 25 new units were delivered. New Supply – NPARIH With a target of 52 acquisitions, the AHO delivered a total of 79 - a significant increase against the target of 35 for last year. ERA The target of 21 homes was achieved. Other items The AHO Portfolio Strategy is in development. The first round of PPRs have taken place and included providers which participated in the PARS pilot round. We will continue on a rolling schedule based on registration expiry dates of providers. The AHO will be in contact with PARS approved providers over the coming months to invite them to participate in a briefing session and begin a review. A copy of the PARS Performance Review Framework and Guide can be found on the AHO website at www.aho.nsw.gov.au then click on Housing Providers > Build and Grow > PARS. AHO Community Housing News 3 Provider Feedback “Twofold Aboriginal Corporation (TAC) is based at Jigamy Farm on Pambula Lake, half way between Pambula and Eden on the Far South Coast. The Corporation commenced in 1979 and is committed to progressing the goals of the local Aboriginal community of the Twofold Bay Region and helping in any way to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of all community members. TAC is a small housing provider with 10 houses in the Eden township. We hope to grow our level of housing significantly to meet the needs of the community both now and into the future through a mix of social housing, helping people access the local rental market and home ownership. The Board and myself were very excited to hear that we made it through the PARS process and have recently gained our registration with the AHO. Many months of hard work and hard decisions about the future by all involved have led to the creation of very usable policies and procedures and a solid governance structure that will serve the Corporation well. We hope, with the assistance of the AHO, to become a growth provider and help make a real impact on life in this small community. We are looking forward now to undertaking back log repairs on our existing housing stock and our potential to manage other housing in the area as well as developing plans to build or purchase further housing. Many members of the local community have building and maintenance skills, so we hope to be able to provide employment outcomes through our housing program also. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank the AHO for the assistance they gave us during the registration process and look forward to a good working relationship into the future.” Chris Bird Chief Executive Officer, Twofold Aboriginal Corporation Regional News Northern region Tweed Aboriginal Co-Op Board of Directors approved the signing of a head lease agreement with the AHO in April 2014. The Co-Op is operated by volunteers from the local Aboriginal community and has a portfolio of 28 residential social housing properties. The Co-Op is committed to, and passionate about, delivering high quality social housing to its mob, and that has been the significant factor in its success. Northern region ACHP Forum a success The Northern region recently staged an Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHP) Forum in Lismore. Seeing the need for a forum in which to share good work practises and provide peer support, the AHO worked with ACHPs to set the agenda and Terms of Reference. Hosted by, and coordinated with, Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd, the forum brought together 30 active participants including board members, CEOs and tenants from ACHPS located Western Region Since joining the AHO as Acting Regional Manager for Western Tina Swan has been concentrating her efforts on developing and implementing a robust strategy to have AHO officers out in the community more frequently and engaging with the sector more effectively. To this end the Western region has been very busy with many provider visits. In other news Bart Sykes is now leading the Employment Related Accommodation program for Western. Members of the Twofold Aboriginal Corporation everywhere from Grafton to Tweed Heads (Many Rivers portfolio). The aim of the ACHP Forum was to: • Discuss key local issues in delivering Aboriginal housing and related services (identify issues and possible solutions) • Work towards improving communication between ACHPs and key stakeholders • Provide information to ACHPs about key stakeholder initiatives, reforms, and new directions, seeking feedback from delegates • Allow ACHPs to provide information about activities and new initiatives happening within their community • Assist key stakeholders to plan the delivery of their programs and services within the local area. AHO Project Officer Christian Fuller said, “I would like to acknowledge the hard work that Debra Rhodes from Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd provided to ensure that the Forum was a success and also a special thanks to the Bundjalung Tribal Society Ltd Board of Directors for volunteering to be the host provider”. Sydney South Eastern Region (SSE) At SSE we have been busy working with the community to ensure our properties are fit for purpose. We are currently assessing scope of works with relevant stakeholders for modifications for disabled tenants. We are assessing the case for the acquisition of an additional property in the Wingecarribee Council area and following up on proposed actions arising out of a meeting with representatives of the Botanic Gardens about the Community Greening program. We’re assisting ACHPs to access Capacity Building and Business Development and we’re following up on issues arising out of the meeting of the Illawarra Multi-Agency Transition Planning Framework to address homelessness. AHO Community Housing News 4 Community News “Yes I Can” program true to its name A Cuban developed literacy program is proving very successful in remote NSW. The “Yes I Can” literacy program was piloted in Wilcannia, with Enngonia and Bourke taking part most recently. The program is unique in that it is largely community driven - by educating and training community members to deliver the program it also provides opportunities for people to practice their improved literacy skills. Through the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH) the AHO is funding the University of New England (UNE) to project manage this campaign. Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation has been engaged to handle the logistics of employing local people as facilitators. The AHO initially provided a scholarship for the inaugural campaign in Wilcannia. This campaign was deemed successful and the AHO increased its support for the campaigns in Bourke and Enngonia. “The classes utilise an audio-visual method, with students and facilitators watching and learning from DVDs, which shows a class of students like themselves learning how to read and write. Once classes finish, campaign staff organise another 8-12 weeks of post-literacy activities to help people consolidate what they have learned, and builds pathways into employment, further education and increased community participation. “Tenants are better equipped to read correspondence from their ACHP, obtain their driver’s licence, understand bills, and are more likely to go onto further education or to find and maintain employment. This knowledge supports participants as tenants in community housing”, said Jack Beetson, Executive Director, Literacy for Life Foundation. Partners involved in the implementation of this campaign have recently established the Literacy for Life Foundation Ltd. The main role of the foundation is to coordinate the national roll out of the campaign. The foundation board members are Ms Donna Ah Chee, CEO of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Chairperson); Professor Jack Beetson, Executive Director and National Campaign Coordinator; and three directors, Ms Pat Anderson, Chairperson Lowitja institute, Mr John Flecker, CEO Australasia, Brookfields Multiplex, and Mr Don Aroney, Executive Director Operations, Brookfields Multiplex. It will be this foundation that manages any future literacy campaigns. The UNE will remain involved and will be responsible for evaluating future campaigns. A graduation ceremony was held in Bourke with participants from Bourke, Enngonia and Wilcannia attending, along with His Excellency Ambassador Pedro Monzon, from the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba. The Penrith Panthers Rugby League Football Club also supports the foundation and has agreed to display the Literacy for Life logo on their guernseys for the remainder of the 2014 National Rugby League season. General Manager, Mr Phillip Gould was present to announce this at the graduation ceremony in Bourke. In order to stretch the learning opportunities, and to give Enngonia residents the chance to practice what they had learnt, they were each sent a list of questions about their experience and encouraged to provide written answers. The responses were plentiful and as you’ll see from the comments below, the program really has made a marked difference to the participants’ lives. Why did you decide to do the literacy program? “Because I wanted to see my people get a better education and to understand what sort of forms they were reading and filling out … most couldn’t understand what they were doing,” Rick Elwood. “To help further my skills. To help my people and my community in more programs,” Judy Shillingsworth. “I didn’t get to finish my schooling then hearing about the literacy class I thought it could help me in what I didn’t complete, also to refresh what I did learn but forgot,” Chelsea Dennis. “Because I wasn’t much good at school and through the literacy programme after doing it, I have come a long way, now I am starting to teach some of the new students,” Craig McKellar. What difference has the literacy program made to your day-to-day life? “Now I buy the papers and have better understanding of things like filling in forms,” Gordon Sullivan. “How to write better and read and understand some difficult words, how to write resumes and letters,” Taryn Kelly. “I saw a lot of positive messages come out of it and a lot of the students come out of their shells. It was inspiring for me to see the positive changes in them,” Rick Elwood. Would you recommend the program to others? “Yes the ‘Yes I Can’ program has changed my life around because it had our own people running it, easier to understand and its lots of fun, you get to read and write better and make you feel good about yourself, more confident in things, they supply you with food which is also great,” Taryn Kelly. Yes I Can Graduation Bourke AHO Community Housing News 5 “Yes I Can” program true to its name cont... Community News cont... “I think everyone who dropped out of school should do it,” Samuel Shillingsworth. Social Comics created by community What advice would you offer others? “That nothing is hard if you put your mind to it,” Melissa West. What do you hope to achieve now that you have completed the program? “I could be whatever I want to be,” Brooke Edwards. “To get a job,” Gordon Sullivan. “To go to TAFE or do some classes,” Samuel Shillingsworth. “I am hoping to get a job; I would like a job to help my community,” Taryn Kelly. “To encourage the students to go ahead and be a facilitator and teach others to be as positive as they are,” Rick Elwood. Any other comments about the literacy program? “I didn’t think I could do it because I couldn’t read and write properly but when I went to the’ Yes I Can’ program and seen my mates there it helped me and there was no one making fun of how people read or write… and it was great,” Raymond Barker. Through the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH) the AHO funded social comic and children’s storybook development workshops as part of the Tenant Support and Education Program. Social Comics assist with literacy, education, health, employment and training. Evidence shows that comics encourage reluctant readers back to reading and they have been a significant resource for communities in remote locations with poor literacy rates. The social comic workshops were facilitated by Inception Strategies and allowed tenants in remote areas to build a picture of life in their community and to weave key housing issues into a story that is written by community for community. Workshops have so far been held in Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Bourke, Enngonia and Collarenebri. The resources from each set of workshops will be used across the sector to inform tenants about key issues that impact their tenancies. The Lightning Ridge and Walgett workshops focused on the importance of paying rent, the Bourke and Enngonia workshops focused on repairs and maintenance, and the Collarenebri workshops focused on issues arising from overcrowding. The Collarenebri workshops took place in early April 2014 with a two-day workshop for tenants and a one-day workshop for students at Collarenebri Central School. Inception Strategies worked closely with Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation and Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation which are the approved Aboriginal Community Housing Providers (ACHPs) in Collarenebri. They provided valuable information about current issues in their community. The ACHPs organised the tenants to participate in the workshops which were held at both the Local Aboriginal Lands Council Office and the Collarenebri Central School. The participants of the workshop drafted a script which was submitted to the AHO for approval prior to the team at Inception Strategies starting on the artwork. It is a 12 month process from the time of the workshop to the release of the comic. The AHO will go back to each community to launch the comics once they are complete. Chris Barden, a primary school student from Collarenebri Central School was asked to comment on the workshop “it was the best day of my entire life,” he declared. The first comics and storybook from the Walgett and Lightning Ridge workshops will be published in September 2014. Collarenebri Central School students with Inceptions Strategies facilitators and AHO’s Bart Sykes AHO Community Housing News 6 Community News cont... Mall-Bunoogah AC to reap benefits Last year the Mall-Bunoogah AC Board decided it would head lease to the AHO to ensure that its mob would have suitable and affordable social housing for many generations to come. It signed the head lease in April last year and recently had a meeting to commence backlog repairs and maintenance on its properties, under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH). Mall-Bunoogah AC is a small Aboriginal Corporation located at Mallanganee, a small inland town 50 kilometres west of Casino in Northern NSW - its property portfolio consists of 5 residential social housing properties. A co-ordinated approach has been taken by the AHO and the Land & Housing Corporation to ensure the works are on time and fulfil Mall-Bunoogah’s needs. Uncle Kevin Torrens, Mall-Bunoogah AC Chairperson stated that the mob are happy that work has started on their properties and he can’t wait to see the completed results. Gordon and Lois Johnson with the AHO’s Alex Webb AHO helps out Bundjalung Nation Elder Gordon Johnson was living in Grafton and finding it increasingly difficult to travel to regular medical appointments in both Lismore and Brisbane. The constant travel was adversely affecting his health and placing financial burden on his family. From left to right: Tim Crawford, Michael Donovan, Marjorie Hickling, Kevin Torrens, Terry Kelly and Chris Fuller Cooramah Housing & Enterprise AC Cooramah Housing & Enterprise Aboriginal Corporation was established in August 1984, with its primary function being Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and housing. After the closure of the CDEP the organisation floundered for several years. under the AHO’s Provider Assessment and Registration System, starting the process in May 2013. Cooramah Housing and Enterprise AC received conditional approval in early 2014. John Kirk, Chairperson, is full of praise for the efforts of the current Board. “This board basically picked up the pieces, turned the organisation around, and brought it back to where it should be,” he said. Part of the Board’s focus was to improve the social housing component of the organisation. The process began with discussions with the AHO and presentations by AHO project officer Dallas Taylor. Once the Board was aware of the steps required to become registered with AHO, it enthusiastically pursued approval Through lateral thinking and knowledge sharing between numerous AHO teams and non-government organisations, an AHO property that had been severely damaged and which was on the market for sale, was found to be the logical solution in meeting Gordon and his wife Lois’ needs. The AHO took the Ocean Shores property (located between Tweed Heads and Byron Bay) off the market and instead contracted Land and Housing Corporation to undertake extensive reconstruction works on the home. The property is now managed by Many Rivers Regional Housing Management Services Aboriginal Corporation. “It was a great outcome for all involved parties and the appreciation and emotion shown by the Johnson family reminds me of why we do what we do and how our decisions impact on families in a positive way - I am thankful for this positive experience,” said AHO’s Christian Fuller. From left to right: John Kirk, Felicia Byrne, Sonia Andrews, Sarah Molles, Robyn Willis, Rosemary Curtis, Dallas Taylor AHO Community Housing News 7 Aboriginal Housing Office Freecall: 1800 727 555 E: [email protected] www.aho.nsw.gov.au Head Office Level 6, 33 Argyle Street (PO Box W5 Westfield) PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 T: 02 8836 9444 Sydney/South Eastern Region Level 6, 31-39 Macquarie Street (PO Box W16 Westfield) PARRAMATTA NSW 2150 T: 02 9354 1550 E: [email protected] Northern Region First Floor, 51 Moonee Street COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 T: 02 6659 2630 Western Region Suite 3, 65-67 Church Street (PO Box 790) DUBBO NSW 2830 T: 02 6841 9100 Staff News AHO CE sleeps rough for a good cause The annual St Vincent De Paul CEO Sleepout was held in Sydney on Thursday 19 June. It was an opportunity for CEOs and community leaders to sleep rough for one night in winter and raise awareness and funds for homeless services. Our A/CE Mandy Young slept rough for the event, joined by FACS colleagues Mike Allen CE Housing NSW, Marion Bennett ED Housing Policy and Homelessness and Georgina Harrisson, DDG FACS Strategy and Policy. It was a powerful reminder to participants of how some of the most vulnerable members of our community live every night, particularly Aboriginal people who make up a significant proportion of those who are homeless in Australia. In the morning, I got to go home and jump into a hot shower, but sadly this is not the case for over 105,000 people who have nowhere to call home any day of the year. People are not ‘the homeless’ – they are just like you and me – sisters, brothers, mums, dads and even small children. I had to do something about it and I hope you will too. Donations are still welcomed and you can donate at www.ceosleepout.org.au. The funds we raise will allow Vinnies to provide real solutions for people without a home. Thanks for your support.” Here’s what Mandy had to say about her experience: “Along with over 1000 other business leaders, I recently took part in the 9th annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout. I rugged up and bedded down with nothing more than a sheet of cardboard and a sleeping bag. While the experience only gave me a glimpse of what it is like to be homeless, it certainly was an eye opener. Mandy Young, A/CE AHO Leeanne’s runway success Just one of Leeanne’s beautiful creations Leeanne Kennedy, Project Officer, Sydney South Eastern keeps herself busy out of hours with her Aboriginal fashion label, Mindall & Bungall meaning ‘beautiful’ and ‘swift’ in her traditional language. Leeanne showcased her designs on the catwalk at Australian Indigenous Fashion Week (which ran off the back of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) in Sydney in April 2014. Leeanne’s work draws on her rich Aboriginal culture and spirituality. She combines elements of nature in colours and textures and fuses these with luxurious fabrics and sophisticated designs to bring out the true power of the feminine spirit. Well done Leeanne! Submissions We’re always looking for interesting content for our newsletters, so if you’d like to make a submission please contact Nadia Feletti on 02 8836 9418 or [email protected]. AHO Community Housing News 8