A place for every single person - Unison Housing
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a place for every single person annual report 2015
2 3
contents
from the chair 02
Our contribution to this
vision… what we will do…
ceo message 04
We will provide innovative
services for people who have
experienced homelessness and what we do 06
create flexible pathways into
homes and communities. our board and staff 08
We will develop and manage an
increasing supply of housing that our values 09
is affordable, sustainable, and safe;
that is well designed and maintained
and meets the changing needs of a our properties 10
diverse community.
We will do more than just provide Our vision for the world… services and stats 15
affordable housing – we will
create opportunities for the
Our vision is for a world where every
person has access to a safe, secure our staff 15
people who live in our housing to
and affordable home; a world
participate in decision making, build
social connections, gain access
where human rights are upheld, all our transitional housing 17
people are welcomed and diversity
to community resources, develop
confidence and skills, discover
is celebrated; a world where every
person has a real opportunity to our long-term housing 18
their gifts and talents and contribute
live out their hopes and dreams –
to their community.
regardless of income or disability; our asset management 19
We will work in partnership with a world where the focus of society
others to change community
attitudes and government policy and
and governments is on the health
and happiness of the whole our participation programs 20
ensure that access to good quality person; a sustainable world that
and affordable housing is upheld as a can support the hopes and dreams our client tenant advisory group 22
basic human right. of future generations.
our finances 24
4 5
from the chair meet karen
Before moving to Yarra Community
Housing I lived in a YWCA rooming
Rob has played a key role in working with young people to achieve their goals house. I like where I live now because
government, business, and community and aspirations. it’s a quiet, lovely converted heritage
partners to ensure that YCH provides • in partnership with Mind Australia, building and the staff at Yarra
innovative housing and support options a dual disability housing and support Community Housing are always nice
to some of the most marginalised project in Melbourne’s western suburbs to me. My hopes and dreams are
members of our community. is now home to five adults with severe completing a hairdressing course,
Some of his many achievements are: or profound disabilities. This was starting my own business, exploring
one of the first projects to achieve art and creativity and working to
• t he supportive housing model at
2015 will be remembered as the year Livable Housing Australia’s Platinum support animal welfare.
660 Elizabeth Street in partnership
we farewelled Dr Rob Leslie, our CEO of certification – a seal of approval that
with HomeGround Services. This
16 years. It is a milestone year for Yarra attests to enhanced livability.
was the first project of its kind in
Community Housing and an opportunity Victoria to provide housing for low- While we celebrate Rob’s achievements
to acknowledge Rob’s significant income earners and those who have of the past we must look to the future.
achievements over that time while experienced long-term homelessness, There are challenges: Government policy
looking forward to new challenges in with ongoing support under one roof. to date is not encouraging, demand
the sector with a new CEO at the helm. for affordable housing is increasing
• t he Yarra SPACE model covering
I am sure Rob would agree that his 16 257 tenancies over 25 properties in the and current economic settings require
years with Yarra has been turbulent, City of Yarra, in partnership with Council innovative approaches to raising
exciting, challenging and rewarding. and local support agencies. The model capital. The risk of homelessness is
Rob successfully completed a merger includes a multi-disciplinary team and being experienced in new cohorts of
with Metrowest Services in 2008. an assertive outreach and community the community and continues to grow.
This brought greater capacity to provide development approach. There are opportunities too: the NDIS
innovative and sustainable housing and has the potential to provide an increase
• long term housing for women who
support solutions for people experiencing in housing for people with disabilities and
are living on their own, receiving
housing crisis and homelessness. fits well with Yarra’s approach to ensuring
a Centrelink income and have
These included development of effective support services that respond to the
experienced homelessness,
pathways into a range of sustainable needs of tenants.
in partnership with Bethlehem
long term housing options and increased
access to support services and
Community. Good design and tenant
consultation were combined to create
I am pleased to announce that we have
found an inspirational and passionate
During 2014-2015 AUSTRALIA In 2013-2014 there were
community resources such as training
YCH PROVIDED HAS ONE OF THE
and employment.
a sense of home and community.
• a partnership with the Ladder program
leader in Mr Michael Perusco who will
guide YCH’s growth and development lowest rates of 22,090 APPLICANTS
Being ready to respond quickly to the (established by AFL players), Melbourne through the years ahead as CEO. HOMELESSNESS social housing amongst
for mainstream community
Nation Building and Economic Stimulus City Mission and the Victorian
initiative saw YCH complete and tenant Government to develop the Ladder ASSISTANCE TO ADVANCED ECONOMIES
housing on the waiting list
120 per cent more units in one year Hoddle Street apartments. Combining
INCLUDING THE U.S.
than it had in the previous three years.
This was an addition of 604 units – an
affordable and stable accommodation
for two years, with support and case
22,088 CLIENTS IN VICTORIA
unprecedented period of growth that management, the program supports Jane S Evans – Chairperson
transformed Yarra.
6 7
ceo message
Our housing market is becoming Without stable housing people spend This is despite a sophisticated We all want to be treated with respect. I think that this is our most effective
increasingly competitive. The gap most of their time and energy just understanding of the scale of the We all want to be valued and treated as organisational strategy; our secret
between our housing market winners surviving. So some people will need problem, the cost to the community equals. We all have ideas and want to weapon if you like.
and our housing market losers seems housing before they can get a job. and the human misery associated with be heard. We all have skills and talents
And next I want to say thanks. Over
to keep getting wider. The Australian And some people will always find it increasing levels of homelessness. and want to make a contribution. We
the last sixteen years I have been given
dream of home ownership is now fading extremely difficult to get a job. So it Many of us are hoping that this all want to have a sense of belonging.
a wonderful series of opportunities
for more and more of us. It is now even is not that simple. situation is temporary, like a drought. This is despite our very different life
to be part of an organisation that has
out of reach for many people with good But there are also concerns that it experiences and the very different
But aren’t we forgetting something? grown and developed and achieved
qualifications and stable jobs. If our may be more permanent, like climate challenges that we face. This may
This is Australia. We live in a wealthy some remarkable outcomes. And I am
housing market is getting much tougher change. This abdication of government all sound a little trite but it has some
country that prides itself on being fair very grateful to the many people who
for people with stable employment then responsibility leaves a big hole to fill. profound consequences. The traditional
and providing all of its citizens with have made this possible. One of the
it is not hard to imagine how tough it And, of course, this is where we come model of providing human services
basic rights and opportunities. Surely seductive things about being a CEO is
is for the people with no jobs. And, for in. As governments appear to be giving is based on the idea of one group of
our governments have a credible plan that you often get the public credit for
some people, not having a job is only one up it seems that the responsibility for people doing something to “help”
to ensure that the most vulnerable organisational success. But the reality
of many reasons why they are excluded meeting the housing needs of the most another group of people. In many
members of our community are not is that organisational success comes
from our housing market. Imagine what vulnerable members of our community cases the first group see themselves
This will be my last report after denied access to basic housing? And from the organisation. And I want to
it’s like for someone without a job who will increasingly fall on organisations as somehow different and separate
sixteen years and I want to use it as we know what the solution looks like. say thanks to all the many Directors
also has a serious mental illness and like us. So we need to be increasingly to the people they are “helping”. They
an opportunity to reflect on what We need a form of subsidised, non- and many staff members, past and
a serious addiction? Imagine what it’s strategic, political, innovative, sometimes think they know what sort
is most important. The world of market housing that provides people current, who have been responsible for
like for someone without a job who is entrepreneurial and commercial in of “help” the other group of people
providing human services is becoming with a secure, long term base. We our achievements. I want to say thanks
escaping family violence? What about our approach. Our role is becoming need. I think, and hope, that this model
increasingly complex and competitive call this social housing. And we know particularly to the current Board and the
a young person without a job who increasingly important. is on the way out. I think the new NDIS
and it would be easy to lose touch with this is the most cost effective means current team of Managers and Team
has no family support, education or model is a taste of the future. In this new
why we exist and what we are trying through which governments can As an organisation it is vital that we Leaders. We are fortunate to have many
qualifications? For these people our world it will be the service users who
to achieve. So, in a sense, this report intervene in the housing market to respond effectively to this wider exceptional people.
housing market has become particularly are the ones in control and it will be the
is a timely reminder. provide housing for people who can’t social and political context. But I
brutal. These people increasingly organisations who engage with them And, finally, I want to warmly welcome
support themselves through work. think there is something even more
Housing is a basic human right. It is face the prospect of homelessness. as real people, and work with them as the new CEO, Michael Perusco and wish
So what are our governments doing to important. The most important thing
also a basic element of our social and One obvious answer to the problem is partners, who are the most successful. him all the best as he takes on the joys
provide more social housing? The sad is how we treat people. It is how we
economic infrastructure. Without for these people to find jobs. But our So I think the absolutely most important and challenges of guiding YCH through
reality is that both the Federal and behave towards the people who use
access to housing that is safe, secure employment market is also now much thing we can do as an organisation is to the next phase of the journey.
Victorian governments are doing close our services and live in our social
and affordable it is virtually impossible tougher. One of the outcomes of global treat people in the way that we would
to nothing. They appear to have given housing. It is how we behave towards
for any of us to have access to the capitalism is that low skilled jobs are now like to be treated. This means working
up. They seem to be effectively wiping the people within our organisation and
opportunities that our society performed in other countries that pay with them as partners. This means
their hands. For the first time in fifty in the wider community. And the big
provides. Without access to housing lower wages. We export our low skilled providing them with opportunities, at all
years there appears to be no plan by our challenge, I think, is to recognise that
we are effectively excluded. We are jobs in exchange for cheaper imports. levels of the organisation, to participate Rob Leslie – CEO
governments to increase the supply of we are all just people. Despite the many
pushed to the margins. It becomes And there is another catch. It is very hard as equals. And if we can do this then
social housing. superficial differences we are all pretty
extremely difficult for us to participate to find a job without a stable address. our future as an organisation will always
much the same.
or contribute. And, when this happens, be secure. If we can do this then we will
the whole community loses. always be leaders and always in demand.
8 9
what we do meet john
I moved into Yarra Community Housing’s
Elizabeth Street property last year.
Yarra Community Housing is a registered Affordable Housing Association and one of the largest Before that I was living on my own in
providers of community housing in Victoria. We have a long history of providing housing options Preston for three months after the
breakdown of a long term relationship.
for some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of the community. Our particular I had never fended for myself and I was
focus is to create pathways for people to move out of homelessness, establish themselves in long term too isolated. It was the worst period in
housing, receive the support they need, develop a sense of “home” and participate in their community. my life. I became suicidal. So I went to
the hospital and the Social Worker there
We work with people in the following ways … referred me to HomeGround. I was
surprised how quickly it all happened.
I moved into 660 Elizabeth Street
Inclusion ... people with the lowest and I have blossomed since. I am now
incomes and the highest level of housing meeting people and I have completed
needs are welcomed and included. pre-accredited training which includes
cooking, craft and computer work. I am
Immediate help for people who are Long term community housing… Affordability … people who live in our a finalist for an award as an outstanding
experiencing homelessness… housing have enough income to pay the pre accredited learner! I have also
We design, develop, own and manage started a diploma in community
We provide a range of crisis services long term housing properties that provide rent, live a dignified life, and participate
service, including a placement with
for people experiencing homelessness accommodation for low income people in their community.
HomeGround. Over the last year I lost
– including help with a plan to get back who pay rents based on their income. 40 kilos and won an award for this and
on their feet, referral to other forms of The majority of our long term housing Security … people are able to live in our appeared in magazines. I am currently
assistance, financial aid, and help with is designed for single people but we housing for as long as they want. training to be a volunteer helping
moving into the private rental market. also provide housing for families. The migrants with their English at the Carlton
properties range from large high density
Sustainable Design … the housing North Learning Centre, which I walk to.
apartment buildings in the inner city to The barbeques and bingo at Elizabeth
detached houses in the outer suburbs. is located close to transport and
Street are really beneficial for me.
Our larger properties include a café, an services, is attractive, provides a high
People seem to warm to me and I am
arts centre and various social enterprises. level of amenity and is energy and
told that I have got a few people out of
Many of the properties are integrated water efficient. their shell. I now feel confident. My mum
Temporary housing and support… with support services provided by our says: ‘Oh my god, you were so lucky to
We provide emergency and short term partner organisations. Participation … people who live in get this place’.
(3-18 months ) housing for previously
Our particular approach to providing our housing and those who access our
homeless people including families,
singles and young people. The housing
long term housing includes the following homeless services have opportunities
is linked with support and people are
elements which we believe are key in the to participate in YCH organisational
development of a sense of ‘place’ and decision making and in broader
assisted to make the transition from
‘home’ for people.
homelessness back to living in secure, community and economic life.
long term housing.
1010 11
our board and staff our values
OUR BOARD
Yarra Community
Housing’s Customer fair and
Service Charter is guided inclusive
by our organisation’s treating every person equally,
welcoming diversity and doing
five values: our part to create a world where
everyone has a fair share of
opportunities and resources
Farewell to Mark Daniels
Earlier this year, Mark Daniels
retired after almost 12 years on
the Yarra Community Housing
Board. When Mark joined the
Board he brought with him a
treating others working
wealth of experience in public the way we want together
From left to right: Peter Strack, Pamela Williams, Yvonne Turner, Jane Evans (Chair),
housing and development of
social enterprises. Before joining to be treated Working in partnership with others to
Lou Panaccio (Deputy Chair), Richard Howard, Chris Black and Jane Hunt. (Barry the Board, Mark had been Project achieve our vision, always learning and
Diamond – not pictured). Manager Neighbourhood Renewal being kind and supportive, treating making time to celebrate the journey
at Atherton Gardens, and was every person with respect and
We thank our staff for their significant contributions to the services of YCH keeping every person safe
Social Enterprise Manager with
over the last year and we acknowledge the extremely challenging environment
the Brotherhood of St Laurence
in which they work. In the services section of this report staff will tell us more
when elected to the Yarra Board
about themselves, their roles and working at YCH.
in 2006. Mark has been Head of
YCH is governed by a Board of Directors who provide stewardship and Market and Sector Development at
strategic direction, governing on behalf of the wider community, individual Social Traders Ltd since 2008. Mark
and organisational members. provided the board with pragmatic open and being the change
good sense and a clear focus on
the core issues. Mark’s advice and honest we seek
guidance in his role as Deputy Chair
being honest in the way we taking responsibility for our actions,
will be missed. The Board and Yarra
communicate, admitting our mistakes leading by example and being creative,
Community Housing would like
and sharing information openly courageous and determined
to thank Mark for his significant
contribution to Yarra’s development
and wish him well for the future.
WELLINGTON
12
We have a diverse range
of long term housing
our properties units located in 182
different properties to
cater to the differing
needs of our tenants,
ranging from 1850s
terrace houses,
20
1 to standalone units, to
CRISIS AND
TRANSITIONAL
84 WHITTLESEA
1
new multi story medium
UNITS
HUME
and high density
LONG-TERM 59
NILLUMBIK
apartment buildings.
UNITS 19 49 140
45 2 47
MELTON 43 DAREBIN BANYULE
17
91
BRIMBANK 161 535
161 MORELAND MARSHALL PARK PL
47
YARRA
38 89
MELBOURNE
40 MOONEE VALLEY
MARIBYRNONG
WYNDHAM HOBSONS BAY
118
GREATER GEELONG
AS AT THE 30TH OF JUNE 2015
YARRA COMMUNITY HOUSING MANAGES
1807 1509
INCLUDING
UNITS ACROSS THE LONG TERM
STATE OF VICTORIA HOUSING UNITS
& 298 TRANSITIONAL
& CRISIS UNITS
14 15
meet carol housing should happen to everyone
I have been with Yarra Community
Housing for nearly three years.
Before that I was working and living in Housing prices are outstripping wages. Evictions have been steadily increasing in
Sunshine. I was living in a room above Between 2001 and 2011 national house Wyndham over the last few years. In 2013-
the Derrimut Hotel after my partner prices increased by 147%. For the same 2014, 362 Warrants of Possession were issued
passed away in 2008. I was going period annual median disposable incomes and 209 of these were executed. These
through a grieving process and was for households increased by only 57%.1 figures were well above those for any other
getting back into work and mixing with municipality in Victoria. Recent information
people. Then I was hit by a car while A high proportion of those paying off their also shows that suburbs in Wyndham have
crossing the road in 2012 and went on house are in financial stress. In 2011 nearly a some of the highest rates of mortgage
benefits. I went to the Salvation Army third of households paying mortgages in the possession in Victoria. 5
and they got me into a bedsitter with Melbourne metropolitan area had mortgage
Yarra Community Housing. I had been costs that were 30% or more of gross income.2 Demand for homelessness services in
on the public housing waiting list for Victoria is high. In 2010-11, 68,500 men,
16 years. It took me being hit by a car women and children accessed homelessness
to get into housing! My granddaughter A high proportion of Melbourne renters are in
housing stress. In 2011, 40% of households services across the state. Nationally, more
is living with me. I have been offered a than half of all people needing immediate
two bedroom unit in Sunshine by Yarra paying rent in the Melbourne metropolitan
area had rental costs 30% or more of accommodation were turned away.
Community Housing, which I am now
moving to. I just love it. It will give my gross income.3
granddaughter a room and privacy Demand for social housing is high and supply is
and myself a room and privacy. There Nationally, very low-income households faced a not keeping up. On the 30th of June 2012, there
is a separate kitchen from the lounge shortage of 187,000 affordable dwellings in 2011, were over 200,000 households on public housing
room, so it’s beautiful. The location is up from 138,000 in 2006. When occupation of or state owned and managed indigenous
good. It’s location, location, location! affordable dwellings by higher income households housing waiting lists across Australia.6
was taken into account, there was a shortage of
271,000 affordable and available rental dwellings In 2011-12 the average waiting time for
for low income households. The consequences public housing for those in greatest need
of these shortages are severe. Across Australia, was 2.6 years, and 7.7 for all applicants. 7
four in five low income private rent households
did not live in affordable housing in 2011.4
References
1 AIHW 2013, Housing Assistance in Australia, p.7 4 Hulse, Reynolds & Yates 2014, AHURI Report 7 Commonwealth of Australia, The Senate,
2 Retrieved 4th April 2015 from: http://www. No. 235, p.2 Economics References Committee (2015) Out
communityindicators.net.au/live_reports/ 5 Wyndham City Council 2014, Submission to the of Reach? The Australian Housing Affordability
wyndham_housing_affordability Senate Inquiry into Affordable Housing. Challenge. Canberra, Senate Printing Unit. P.234.
3 Retrieved 4th April 2015 from: http://www. 6 AIHW 2014, Housing Assistance in Australia, p. ix
communityindicators.net.au/live_reports/
wyndham_housing_affordability
16 17
meet services and stats
armindo
Initial Assessment and Planning
I was renting a house and working.
Then I had a stroke. I went to the real
estate agent and told them I may have
trouble paying the rent. They said that Immediate help for people who are experiencing homelessness
I had to give notice, and move out
‘because that’s how business works’.
So I gave notice. That’s when I went to
During 2014-15 YCH provided homelessness assistance to During 2014-15 the IAP service provided financial assistance
the Housing Commission. They told me
22,088 clients through our initial, assessment and planning through 2442 HEF assists from the Housing Establishment
I’d be waiting too long, even though I
services. The number of IAP contacts in 2014-15 exceeded Fund (HEF).
had some supportive letters from my
the annual target of 12480 by 77%.
doctors, for priority housing. Then I
saw a rooming house advertised in the
local paper. Because I was struggling, I 22088
thought I had to take a room there or I
21706 HEF usage
No. of client contacts
would be sleeping on the street. I lived 17651
(1753) (684)
there for two years. There were many
15535
problems at the property. The place
was unclean and it stank. It was difficult.
14032
71.79% 28.01%
12020 SHORT TERM ESTABLISHING OR
Late at night, people would knock OR EMERGENCY MAINTAINING A
ACCOMMODATION TENANCY (RENT
on my window. I could not cope with IN ADVANCE OR
living there. When I moved to my Yarra RENT ARREARS)
Community Housing unit, I was happy 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (5)
because I had my own kitchen and my Year HEF assists
own bathroom. I have lived here now for
about two years and I like the location.
0.20% in total: 2442
OTHER PURPOSE
There are amenities nearby, and I enjoy (REMOVALS OR
In the last financial year the majority of clients were single RELOCATION)
fishing in the bay, which is very close.
people (51%) followed by single person with child (25%). 48%
of contacts were in person, 29% over the phone and 23% of
contacts were coordinated between services. Before making
contact with the service the majority of clients were residing in During the 2014-2015 year the Private Rental Access Program
a house or flat (72%) followed by around 15% who were living in assisted 134 households experiencing homelessness or
an improvised dwelling, car, squat, park or the street. whose housing was at risk. 128 clients who were assisted
with private rental properties, were previously in some form
of temporary accommodation ranging from motel, rooming
house, backpacker hostel to transient between friends and
relatives. 6 households were provided with assistance to
sustain their current rental properties.
18 19
our staff our transitional housing
STAFF PROFILE STAFF PROFILE
Temporary Housing and Support
During 2014-15 YCH managed 461 transitional tenancies.
Of the 189 tenancies exiting the transitional housing program,
Tenancy Exits
52% gained public, community or transitional housing
Crisis Accom (SAAP/THM) 3 with only 14% being able to access private rental. 38% of
SAAP/CAP MediumTerm 0 the primary tenants were between the ages of 25 and 39.
The majority of primary tenants were born in the Australia/
Transitional Housing 4
Pacific region (59%), followed by Africa (28%).
Other Homelessness
Funded Accom 0
Kathleen Elias Institutional Setting 5 Region of Birth
I have worked for Yarra Community Housing for nearly As a housing worker, I perform the role of landlord. Improved Dewlling
/ Sleeping Rough 0 AUS /
10 years. My role is to assist people in housing crisis with This includes signing up new tenants, inspections, rent PACIFIC 59%
rental assistance, referrals to support agencies, advocacy collection and collaboration with workers from other Other (no tenure) 0
to maintain tenancies and assessment for transitional agencies to support tenants. The best part of my job is Purchasing /
1 AFRICA 28%
and long term housing. I am based at the Werribee office. seeing people move out of homelessness into stable Purchased Own Home
We do a lot of advocacy work in the area with local real long term housing. I enjoy working for Yarra Community MIDDLE
Private Rental 27 5%
estate agencies and have built a positive relationship Housing because of its values and vision. EAST
with most of the local service providers. I enjoy coming Public Housing 82
When working with disadvantaged people, it is
to work every day and working with clients to achieve Community Housing ASIA 4%
important to respect their cultural background and
a positive outcome. Even on bad days one thing can (non THM) 17
understand the causes of homelessness. For example
happen that makes you think: ‘I have done something SOUTH
a woman with children may be homeless because she Rent Free Accom 1 3%
good for someone today’. I also enjoy the company of AMERICA
is fleeing domestic violence, in which case we provide a
other colleagues and working closely with the co-located Boarding 4
support pathway for them to regain strength and have
services, ADEC and Cohealth. I have always felt supported No Information Provided 45 EUROPE 1%
stable accommodation.
by Yarra Community Housing.
With house prices soaring, government should be TOTAL (189) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 %
focussing on more affordable options and working with
community organisations to fund housing projects. Much
more needs to be done with single people, both male and
female. As our population ages, more and more people
are enduring housing stress and many are ending up
homeless or in expensive sub standard accommodation.20 21
our long-term housing our asset management
Long Term Community Housing YCH MAINTENANCE TEAM STAFF PROFILE
during 2014-15 Length of Stay
%
YCH managed a total of
30
28%
1874
25
LONG TERM 20
TENANCIES 15
17%
15%
14%
10
Total number of 11% 11%
2278
people housed, 5
4%
0
0–1 1–2 2–3 3–4 4–5 5–8 8–12 A few of our Maintenance crew Malcolm Kidd
Years
including family members The YCH Asset Management team: Paul Ryan, Asset Manager; I work for Yarra Community Housing as a maintenance
Adam Sandford, Team Leader; Michael Rowlands, Team electrician. This involves both proactive and responsive
OF THESE TENANTS: Leader Asset Services; Peter Couldrey, Property Auditor; Ian maintenance of the electrical installations in all our
Household Composition Lyons, Vacant Maintenance Officer; Rena Vlahopanagos, properties. I enjoy working for Yarra Community Housing
WERE ON CENTRELINK INCOMES Senior Worker Asset Management; Samara Stevenson, as the principles of the organisation are also reflected
Maintenance Administration Officer and our maintenance in my personal life. As the ‘age of personal responsibility’
82% 4% team; Theo, Steve, Tim, Malcolm, Tess (all pictured above), is upon us, we should ask ourselves: ‘Are we more than
were low income employed SINGLE
PERSON
COUPLE
ONLY
Clive, Sam and Darren. this?’ I believe it is possible to have a civic friendship
whereby we create a community in which people care
During 2014-15 the YCH Asset Management team completed
for each other, not just themselves, and I believe that
42%
11,290 work orders (not including cyclical maintenance or
Yarra Community Housing has this underpinning value.
WERE
FEMALE
WERE
MALE
10% 4%
SOLE PARENT FAMILY WITH
capital replacement project work). The team responded to
8779 requests for maintenance, completed 8029 work orders
As Aristotle said: ‘Having a sense of community leads to
FAMILY CHILDREN22 23
our participation program Our healthy living and creative program.
Community, economic
Healthy Living Program
The main purpose of the Healthy Living Program is
& participation program to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of
residents through activities that the tenants themselves
decide on. There are currently three projects – one
Yarra Community Housing’s Community and Economic Participation program funded by the City of Yarra, one funded by the City of
emerged from an idea of the Board and following a review of the organisation’s Melbourne and another which receives no external
structures and processes for tenant and client participation. funding at a Fairfield property. Initiatives have included
social outings and information sessions by visiting health
specialists. A special favourite has been the tenant
Yarra Community Housing commits Community Participation Such projects include the Creative gardening projects, including workshops by the TV
to providing good quality, affordable Program (including a tenant managed personality Vasili, with residents reporting an enhanced
Tenants to build social connections, gain
housing, while recognising that many art studio and regular workshops), the feeling of collective ownership over shared spaces and a
access to community resources and
people have had struggles in their life, Healthy Living Program that is now much higher level of safety. Tenants have appreciated the
participate in broader community life.
leading to homelessness or insecure operating across three YCH sites and self-directed nature of the healthy living program.
housing. Although providing a roof Economic Participation includes community gardens and health
over the head is essential for life, it information sessions, Community
doesn’t necessarily guarantee a stable YCH, either directly or through Connections events attended by
home over time or a sense of personal partnerships, creates opportunities over 300 tenants, the Yarra Sustaining
power and belonging. Thus, as well as for clients and tenants to undertake Tenancies action-research project, the Creative Program
providing housing, YCH works to create education and training, voluntary work Advocacy Working Group that focuses
and or paid employment. The Creative Program came about from a tenant’s art
opportunities for tenants to participate on systemic change and continued
exhibition held in 2013. It confirmed that a lot of people
in decision making, build social A key learning from delivering the support of the Roominations radio show
living in our housing are interested in exploring their
connections, gain access to community Participation program is that building on 3CR, which is by and about people
creativity. One thing we noticed at our Nicholson Street
resources, develop confidence and trusting relationships, with and between who have experienced homelessness.
properties was that the people who were exhibiting were
skills and contribute to the community, tenants and clients, takes time and In conversations with tenants in a range filling up their rooms with their art and had little space. So
through its Community and Economic patience. This has involved countless of forums YCH can identify potential we set up an artist in residence project there. This involved
Participation program. cups of tea, barbeques and meetings creativity. Many tenant-artists living in Fitzroy had very
leaders who are interested in working the provision of an art studio to tenant-artists in exchange
with tenants on their properties and little room to move in their properties due to art projects
At YCH participation can occur across with other tenants to create systemic for peer support through regular art workshops for other
also with various working groups at filling their homes. As a result, YCH created an artist
three key areas: change and influence organisational tenants who are interested. Now we have two tenants who
YCH offices. When clients and tenants residence project at the Nicholson Street property. This
practices to improve the lives of clients share the studio. They support weekly workshops and
Organisational Participation engage with YCH and with each other, involved the provision of an art studio to tenant-artists in
and tenants. tenants come in and share, participating in different forms
new connections are made and they can exchange for peer support through regular art workshops
YCH creates opportunities for clients of art with other tenants.
be supported to address their individual Pablo Gimenez – CEP Manager for other tenants who expressed interest. YCH currently
and tenants to be part of YCH decision The Creative Program evolved from a tenant’s art exhibition has two tenants sharing the art studio space. The tenants
and collective issues. Furthermore,
making processes, influencing how the held in 2013. The exhibition confirmed many people support weekly workshops and tenants come in and share,
they are provided with opportunities
organisation provides services and sets living in YCH housing were interested in exploring their participating in different forms of art with other tenants’.
to explore and develop skills in ways
future organisational priorities.
that are fulfilling and life-affirming.24 25
our client tenant advisory group
CLIENT TENANT ADVISORY GROUP “I think it has opened up
a line of communication
meet laura
Previously I was in private rental
with tenants and YCH in Moreland. I was aware of Yarra
management. I think it Community Housing and the support
it provides through my work in the
has brought a greater community sector. As a sole parent on
understanding of how a low income I found I was eligible for
housing. Living at Mount Street has
YCH operates and the provided me with a long term housing
problems that tenants option. Prior to this we were moving
regularly due to circumstances out of
face.” our control. Being located in Heidelberg
in a modern apartment has provided
– CTAG Member me with a great place to live. Location
is perfect! – in a great community
which can offer resources like some
“(There is a) stronger of Melbourne’s best schools, fantastic
parklands and sporting clubs, great cafes
sense of inclusion and shops, the Heide Gallery and the
and participation train station right across the road. My
son was able to walk to the local primary
and engagement school, which is a fantastic school, with
It is important for tenants Through this forum, a committed
group of tenants draw on their insights
It was also felt that it is time for
members to participate in a higher
in the business and great resources and dedicated teachers.
Being a lover of art, Heidelberg is an
and clients to participate in and experience to raise the issues that level of decision making and progress operational practice area rich in Australian art history and the
decision making that affects are important in their current housing from mostly being consulted to
of YCH. (CTAG has) Heide gallery and gardens are another
and, through subsequent discussions greater levels of involvement and bonus of living in this area for me.
their lives. The Client Tenant and initiatives, contribute to improving collaboration. YCH welcomes firmed my belief in
Advisory Group (CTAG) is services for other tenants and clients. this feedback and looks forward
community engagement
I would like to be more involved in
creating art and seeing more of the
A recent review of CTAG found that to enhancing CTAG as a forum
one of a range of ways YCH trusting relationships have been built for genuine tenant and client as a vehicle for social world and being involved in making the
facilitates the participation community a welcoming and engaging
over time between tenants and staff, participation and empowerment.
cohesion.” place and space for all people.
of clients and tenants in providing a solid basis for ongoing
participation in key organisational – CTAG Member
organisational decision decision making.
making, in particular.annual financial report — for the year ended 30 june 2015
finances
for the year ended
30 june 2015
our26 27
yarra community housing limited directors’ report
financial report
The directors present their report together with the financial report Results
for the year ended 30 june 2015 of Yarra Community Housing Limited for the year ended 30 June
Once again the past year has been one of significant progress for
2015 and auditor’s report thereon. This financial report has been
Yarra Community Housing (“YCH”) in consolidating the significant
prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.
growth in our housing stock over recent years. As at the 30th
Directors’ names June 2015 YCH manages 1,807 units across Victoria, including
directors’ report 27 The names of the directors in office at any time during or since
1,509 long term housing units and 298 crisis & transitional units.
In the financial year ended 30th June 2015;
the end of the year are:
auditor’s independence declaration 33
—
—
Jane S. Evans
Mark Daniels (resigned 14 May 2015)
— 2,278 people were housed, 75.2% of whom receive
Centrelink incomes and 82.6% of whom are single,
financial report —
—
Lou Panaccio
Christine Black
— 1,753 clients were provided with short term or emergency
funding through the Housing Establishment Fund, and
— Richard Howard
statement of comprehensive income 34 — Pamela Williams — YCH had 22,088 contacts with clients through the initial
— Peter Strack assessment and planning service.
— Vera Boston (resigned 13 November 2014) In summary YCH is in a sound financial position. In the last
statement of financial position 35 —
—
Jane Hunt (appointed 13 November 2014)
Yvonne Turner (appointed 11 December 2014)
financial year, 2014-15, YCH was able to meet all operating costs,
pay the interest on our loans, make a loan capital repayment
— Barry Diamond (appointed 13 March 2015) of $931,500 (2014: $882,000) and achieve a cash surplus of
statement of changes in equity 36 — Michael Johnstone (resigned 13 November 2014) $758,889 (2014: $712,629). This was achieved despite a very
challenging environment of increasing costs associated with
The directors have been in office since the start of the year to the
statement of cash flows 37 date of this report unless otherwise stated. maintaining our properties. The loan capital repayments are part
of the company’s long term plan to have the loans fully repaid by
Company Secretary the year 2036. The company has also been able to further reduce
notes to financial statements 38 The following person held the position of company secretary
at the end of the financial year:
the borrowing costs on the loan facility for the coming year
through negotiation of better terms with NAB.
The delivery of exceptional customer service, value for money
directors’ declaration 53 — Tania King
and sustainable growth remain core objectives for YCH. While
State and Federal capital funding has reduced in recent times
Qualifications: Bachelor Social Science, Adv. Dip. Behavioural
independent auditor’s report 54 Science (Psychotherapy)
Experience: 15 years’ experience in various NFP sectors (family
YCH remains committed to increasing the supply of affordable
housing available to Victoria’s most marginalised people. To this
end the company has invested additional resources in engaging
violence, mental health, homelessness and allied health); 8 years in with the philanthropic sector and exploring alternate sources of
management and governance roles. funding for future housing development projects.
During the year $1,272,768 (2014: $1,227,543) was allocated
to the YCH Lifecycle Replacement Maintenance (LRM) Reserve
which on June 30th 2015 totalled $6,387,272 (2014: $5,114,504).28 29
The LRM Reserve represents the future cost of replacing Significant changes in state of affairs No significant change in the nature of these activities occurred Environmental regulation
various elements of a building as each element reaches the end during the year.
The YCH Chief Executive Officer, Rob Leslie, announced his The company’s operations are not impacted by any significant
of its economic life. By upgrading and replacing these building
intention to retire in November 2014. Over the past 16 years Company Performance environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or
elements the company will ensure that the portfolio of properties
Rob has played a key role in working with government, business, of a State or Territory.
continues to provide amenity to tenants and retain their value The company has a three year Strategic Plan for the period July
and community partners to ensure that YCH provides innovative
into the future. 2013 – June 2016 and measures its performance in relation to Dividends paid, recommended and declared
housing and support options to some of the most marginalised
The Statement of Comprehensive Income includes a movement members of our community. Rob will finish up with YCH in the achievement of its stated strategic priorities.
The Company’s Constitution precludes the payment of dividends
in a cash flow hedge reserve of $423,462 (2014: $518,399). YCH October 2015 and will be replaced as CEO by Michael Perusco. As a registered Affordable Housing Association, the Company is
has fixed the interest rate it pays on a portion of its loan portfolio Michael is a chartered accountant who has worked in senior required to meet the performance standards established by the Information on directors
by entering into interest rate swap agreements with NAB and financial management roles for organisations such as KPMG Office of the Registrar of Housing Agencies and reports annually
this movement in the cash flow hedge reserve is a result of the and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. He was the CEO of Sacred Jane S. Evans Appointed director September 2012, Chair
on performance against these Standards.
current market rates being lower than the fixed rates YCH pays. Heart Mission in Melbourne for nine years and during this time Qualifications Graduate Diploma in Business
The purpose of entering into the interest rate swap agreements developed the very innovative Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) As a funded Homelessness Service, the Company is also required Administration, Diploma Australian Institute
is to remove the uncertainty of interest rate fluctuations and initiative. Michael brings with him a very strong combination of to meet the performance standards of the Department of Health of Company Directors Course
allow the company to budget with certainty into the future. commercial expertise, high level communication and advocacy and Human Services assessed through an ongoing accreditation Experience Held a number of executive and board
skills and a deep understanding of the needs of people who process. The Company also monitors its performance through an positions in various commercial and
The accompanying financial statements for the year show YCH additional set of internal Key Performance Measures.
experience social exclusion. not- for-profit organisations with emphasis
made a loss of $3,575,847 (2014:$4,071,272) after revenues
of $19,194,286 (2014: $18,870,937), operating expenses of on strategic planning, governance and
Company objectives After balance date events
$22,346,671 (2014: $22,423,810) and a negative movement in risk management.
the cash flow hedge reserve of $423,462 (2014:$518,399). The The strategic priorities of the Company are set out in the In July 2015, after receiving consent from the Department of
Lou Panaccio Appointed director April 2013, Vice Chair
loss of $3,575,847 for the year is arrived at after deducting ‘non Strategic Plan 2013-2016 and are summarised below; Health and Human Services, a YCH property located at 34-36
Nicholson Street, Fitzroy was sold for $4.8m. The proceeds from Qualifications Bachelor of Economics, Chartered
cash’ depreciation of $6,134,967. 1 More affordable housing for those on the lowest incomes – the sale will be used to fund the construction of approximately Accountant, Member of the Australian
The Statement of Financial Position shows a reclassification of one particularly singles 20 new self-contained units to house some of the most Institute of Company Directors.
property (34-36 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy) from Property, plant and 2 Improved services to people who are homeless disadvantaged people in the state. The sale is part of the Experience Chartered accountant with strong
equipment into Assets held for sale. This property was put on the 3 Improved outcomes for people who live in our housing organisation’s long-term plan to phase out many of its remaining management experience in business and
market for sale in June 2015 and was sold in July 2015 for $4.8m. low-amenity rooming houses and contribute to the supply of healthcare services. Currently executive
4 Increased opportunities for community and
As at 30 June 2015 YCH had net assets of $242,123,996 (2013: affordable housing across Melbourne. This property is classified chairman of Health Networks Australia
economic participation
$245,699,843).The financial information has been taken from as Asset held for sale in the Financial Statements. Investments Pty Ltd, non-executive
5 Improved outcomes in research and advocacy chairman (from July 2011) of Genera
YCH’s Financial Statements 2014-15.
6 Building organisational capacity Likely developments Biosystems Limited (director from
Review of operations The focus of the Company over the next year will continue to be November 2010), non-executive director
Principal activities of Sonic Healthcare Limited (from July
A review of the operations of the company during the financial on building organisational capacity, increasing opportunities for
To carry out the company’s strategies and to achieve its short the social and economic participation for tenants and continuing 2005), non-executive director of Inner East
year and the results of those operations found that: Community Health Service in Victoria and
term and long term objectives, the company engaged in the to provide long term affordable housing and homelessness
During the current year the operations of the organisation were following principal activities during the year. assistance for our target group. non-executive chairman of Avita Medical
focused on the ongoing provision of affordable housing and Limited (from July 2014).
homelessness assistance services to low income households. First, to own and manage long term affordable housing. The Company will embark on an asset recycling program to
phase out many of its remaining rooming houses and contribute Mark Daniels Appointed director July 2006, Vice Chair,
As at the 30th June 2015 YCH manages 1,807 units across Second, to provide a range of services to assist homeless resigned May 2015
Victoria, including 1,509 long term housing units and 298 crisis & to the supply of affordable housing across Melbourne. The
households including crisis housing, transitional housing and
transitional units. During 2014-15 YCH provided homelessness replacement of rooming houses with self contained apartments Qualifications Bachelor of Arts, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip
information and referral services.
assistance to 22,088 clients through our initial, assessment and is part of our vision to provide some of the most vulnerable Urban Policy and Planning
planning services. Third, to design and develop new affordable housing projects. people in the State with safer and more secure accommodation. Experience Head of Market and Sector Development
Social Traders.30 31
Christine Black Appointed director November 2012 accommodation for homeless men, Barry Diamond Appointed director March 2015 Michael Johnstone Appointed director September 2012,
Qualifications Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) and Master management of community rooming houses Qualifications Bachelor of Economics (Monash), Bachelor resigned November 2014
of Social Policy and recently running a 3 year pilot program of Laws (Monash), Chartered Accountant, Qualifications Graduate, Land Surveying, Graduate
of social inclusion within a community Australian Legal Practitioner, Master of Town and Country Planning, Advanced
Experience Since 2005 Chris has been running her own
housing service. Business Administration (Melbourne) Management Program Harvard Graduate
social policy consulting business specialising
in projects focused on ending homelessness. Vera Boston Appointed director February 2005, Experience Tax and Legal Partner at PwC. Considerable School of Business.
Held a number of executive and advisory resigned November 2014 experience advising on: Experience Executive, general management and
positions within government and the not Qualifications Master of Public Policy & Management, —
Property development, syndication, corporate experience with emphasis on
for profit sector specialising in social policy Bachelor of Arts, Graduate of Information funds management global real estate, finance and investment.
fields, including housing, homelessness, Science (Librarianship) A member of the Salvation Army Advisory
—
Major infrastructure projects and public
human rights, justice, women’s health, early Board and was Chairman of the Cairnmillar
Experience Various senior positions in Local private partnerships
childhood development and child care. Institute. Currently a non-executive director
Government, Women’s Health and Primary —
Corporate restructures, takeovers and of a number of companies in both ASX listed
Richard Howard Appointed director November 1998 Health, including as CEO of North Yarra mergers, demergers, IPO’s and private sectors.
Qualifications Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Community Health. Strong interest in
— Business acquisitions
Post Graduate Diploma in Health housing and homelessness issues and the
interrelationships between health, wellbeing — Structured and project financing
Administration
and housing.
Experience Senior Clinician, Clarendon Homelessness
Outreach Psychiatry Service, St. Vincent’s Jane Hunt Appointed director November 2014
Health Services. Qualifications Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Master of Arts
Pamela Williams Appointed director November 2013 (Hons), Master of Business (Leadership)
Experience Held a number of executive positions in Meetings of directors
Qualifications Bachelor of Economics (Hons), AICD
Company Director’s Course various not-for-profit organisations with
Directors Directors’ Meetings Finance and Audit Risk and Compliance Governance
emphasis on social entrepreneurship,
Experience Senior executive experience in government Number Number Number Number Number Number Number Number
strategic planning and governance. eligible to attended eligible to attended eligible to attended eligible to attended
and consulting, currently Victorian
attend attend attend attend
Department of Health and Human Yvonne Turner Appointed director December 2014
Jane S. Evans 11 10 – – – – 7 7
Services Director of Planning, Diversity Qualifications Bachelor of Commerce and Administration,
and Integration. Mark Daniels 10 8 – – – – 6 6
Master of Business Administration, Master
of Marketing, Diploma Australian Institute of Lou Panaccio 11 10 6 6 – – – –
Peter Strack Appointed director December 2008
Company Directors Christine Black 11 9 – – – – 7 7
Qualifications Dip Mechanical Engineering, Grad Dip
Community Development Experience Extensive experience across various Richard Howard 11 10 – – 4 4 – –
commercial industries and the not-for- Pamela Williams 11 9 – – 4 4 – –
Experience Community support worker, 28 years
profit sector as both an executive and
within Community Sector, with significant Peter Strack 11 11 6 6 – – – –
non-executive director. Executive roles
experience in the fields of employment Vera Boston 4 4 – – 2 2 – –
have primarily incorporated business
counselling for the long term unemployed, 7 4 3 3 – – – –
management, strategic planning, marketing Jane Hunt
community based emergency housing
and new business development. Yvonne Turner 5 5 – – 2 1 – –
for families, residential drug rehabilitation
services for men, contact advice for Barry Diamond 3 3 2 1 – – – –
homeless people, support work for Michael Johnstone 5 2 3 2 – – – –
homeless women and men, crisis32 33
auditor’s independence declaration
to the directors of yarra community housing limited
Members’ guarantee Auditor’s independence declaration In relation to the independent audit for the year ended 30 June 2015, to the best of my knowledge and belief there have been
no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct.
The Company is incorporated under the Corporations Act A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration in relation to
2001 and is a company limited by guarantee. If the Company is the audit for the financial year is provided with this report.
wound up, the Constitution states that each member is required
to contribute to a maximum of $2 each towards meeting any Proceedings on behalf of the company
outstandings and obligations of the Company. At 30 June 2015, No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings
the number of members was 89 (19 Organisational and 70 on behalf of the company or intervene in any proceedings
individual members (2014:111)). to which the company is a party for the purpose of taking
responsibility on behalf of the company for all or any part of
Indemnification of officers
those proceedings. The company was not a party to any such
Directors and Officers of Yarra Community Housing Limited are proceedings during the year. M J HARRISON
covered by insurance provided by the Department of Human PITCHER PARTNERS
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Services through the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority Partner
(VMIA). The cover indemnifies Directors and Officers for third Melbourne
party claims for wrongful acts including alleged or actual breach
of duty, breach of trust, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading Dated this 11th of September, 2015
statement, omission, breach of warranty or authority or other An independent Victorian Partnership ABN 27 975 255 196
act wrongfully committed. The cover is for the Board as a whole,
Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms
including new Directors during the year and past Directors.
Melbourne | Sydney | Perth | Adelaide | Brisbane
Indemnity limits are $20 million per any one claim. In addition, An independent member of Baker Tilly International
Yarra Community Housing Limited has entered into a Deed of
Indemnity with each Director. The Deed indemnifies the Director Director
against any claims except in respect of any claim for which the Jane S. Evans
Company is, or would be, prohibited from indemnifying an officer
of the Company pursuant to the Corporations Act, including any
excluded liability which is the result of any fraud, dishonesty, the
commission of a criminal offence, or breach of any Director’s
duty owed to the Company by the Director.
Director
Barry Diamond
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