QLD RTA Update

Natalie Townsend Acting Director – Customer Experience, Residential Tenancies Authority

Handy tools for student accommodation providers in Queensland

With the new academic year well underway and students now settled in, you may now be turning your thoughts to how you can continue to engage and support your students in the months ahead, especially first-time renters.

A range of resources and services from the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) are available to help all accommodation providers ensure they have the relevant information to support students renting in Queensland. The RTA website (rta.qld.gov.au) has a wide range of resources, including a handy house-hunting checklist for students and an outline of key items to consider before, during and after renting accommodation.

For prospective residents who may not be familiar with Queensland’s residential rental legislation, the RTA Contact Centre can provide information to help residents navigate the rental sector and clarify the obligations of residents and accommodation providers alike.

Delivering Networking Honours

Easy to manage networks for an outstanding student experience.

Customers from a non-English-speaking background can access the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) free of charge to help clarify their rights and responsibilities when renting in Queensland. Customers can contact TIS on 131 450 during RTA hours of business (Mon–Fri, 8.30am–5pm) and TIS can then telephone the RTA to facilitate a conversation.

Accommodation managers and providers who interact with residents regularly play an important role in recognising signs of domestic and family violence (DFV) and responding appropriately to provide support where possible.

A DFV toolkit developed by Q Shelter and Real Estate Institute of Queensland contains useful tips for accommodation managers and providers on recognising and responding to a DFV situation.

Visit rta.qld.gov.au/student-tools for a list of helpful resources for student accommodation providers in Queensland with links to further information.

An important reminder that the PDF upload facility for bond refunds has been replaced by the RTA Web Service for bond refunds from 1 Feb 2020. RTA has ceased bulk printing of all forms and publications to further streamline services and help reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. Customers can still download forms and publications from our website and order single printed copies via the website or Contact Centre.

The RTA is continuing to make renting work for everyone and support customers through our digital optimisation and transition. If you require clarifications on Queensland legislation around student accommodation or further assistance with changes to RTA services, contact the RTA direct on 1300 366 311.

Pre-conference Program

Visit the APSAA website to download your copy of the full itinerary. Tours can be booked individually or as a package. Here’s a snapshot of what’s included.

MULTI DAY STUDY TOUR Wednesday 6 May, 2:00pm – Monday 11 May 2020, 4:30pm Wednesday 6 May 2020 • Delegates to make their own way to Perth • Tour, welcome drinks and dinner at the Student Housing Company • Overnight accommodation included at the Student Housing Company

Thursday 7 May 2020 • Visits to Perth and Fremantle accommodation facilities, including Campus Perth, Murdoch University Village (CLV), the University of Notre Dame • Sightseeing in Fremantle • Overnight accommodation included at the Student Housing Company Friday 8 May 2020 • Visits to Perth accommodation facilities, including ECU Village Mt Lawley (CLV), Trinity Residential College UWA, St Catherine’s College, University Hall UWA • Sightseeing in Perth • Overnight accommodation included at the Student Housing Company Saturday 9 May 2020 • Visit to Perth accommodation facility, Curtin University • Flight from Perth to Adelaide included • Overnight accommodation included at the Intercontinental Adelaide Delegates attending the Perth leg only conclude at 12:30pm.

Sunday 10 May 2020 • Day trip to Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Hahndorf • Delegates to make their own accommodation arrangements from Sunday onwards • All Conference delegates are invited to register their attendance to this day trip Monday 11 May 2020 • Joining the One Day Study Tour – see details below

DAY TRIP Sunday 10 May, 9:00am – 6:00pm

If you are looking for an additional opportunity for networking and can’t make the Multi Day Study Tour, why not arrive a day earlier and join us, as we explore Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Hahndorf. Bookings for the preconference multi day study tour must be made no later than 26 March 2020

ONE DAY STUDY TOUR Monday 11 May, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Join us as we visit student accommodation facilities in Adelaide. In 2020 the One Day Study Tour will feature two streams. One focusing on Student Experience & Wellbeing and the other on Facilities & Development, offering participants a more tailored experience. Student Experience & Wellbeing • University of Adelaide, includes an overview of student accommodation in Adelaide and presentation by University of Adelaide Student Care & Wirltu Yarlu Indigenous Education on supporting needs of students in accommodation • Urbanest • St Mark’s College, including a presentation on student leader training programs • UniSA City West Campus, with briefing from Accommodation and Student Services and tour of Pridham Hall • UniLodge City Gardens • Flinders Living (Flinders Hall, Dierdre Jordan Village, Student Hub), including briefing on Flinders Village major developments Facilities & Development • University of Adelaide, includes an overview of student accommodation in Adelaide • dwell Student Living East End • UniSA Accommodation Services presentation and briefing on UniSA facilities redevelopment • UniLodge City Gardens • St Mark’s College, focusing on East Wing (accommodation, library, gym), Learning Commons and car park extension • Aquinas College, focusing on MacKillop House (dining hall, accommodation) • Flinders Living (Flinders Hall, Dierdre Jordan Village, Student Hub), including briefing on Flinders Village major developments

2020 StarRez APSAA Conference The 2020 StarRez APSAA Conference program is out now! Visit the APSAA website to download your copy today. The program features an exciting range of presenters exploring current industry issues and sharing successful outcomes. Early bird registrations close 26 March 2020 – start planning your attendance now. This is the pre-eminent conference for our industry and while that should be justification enough, we have developed a justification letter for you to make the decision easier – available on the website. Below is a snapshot of the conference – keep reading and then visit our website for the full program, sponsor and exhibitor information and delegate registration. Adelaide Convention Centre 11–14 May 2020 www.apsaa.org.au/conference

REGISTRATION

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 26 MARCH 2020

Registration for the conference is available via the website. Register and pay by 26 March 2020 to take advantage of the early bird savings. With so many demands and time-consuming day-to-day activities, we have made it easy for you to justify your conference attendance. Simply download the Justification Letter from our website and fill in the blanks. Did you know your APSAA Membership includes a complimentary conference registration?

Institution and Corporate Members are entitled to receive their complimentary registration(s) to the Conference, as outlined in your membership agreement. When registering, select “Institution Included” as your registration type to claim your entitlement. Complimentary registrations must be nominated no later than Thursday 26 March 2020. Don’t forget your other well deserving staff, who would benefit from attending the APSAA Conference, with our range of professional development and industry specific sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. Early bird prices are available until 26 March 2020. Register and pay before this date and save $370 on registration fees.

ACCOMMODATION

Looking to also secure your accommodation? A room block is being held at the InterContinental Adelaide. The InterContinental Adelaide is the city’s leading luxury hotel, exclusively positioned on the River Torrens, close to Adelaide’s main attractions. It’s also conveniently located adjacent to the Conference venue – the Adelaide Convention Centre. Details available at www.apsaa.org.au/conference/accommodation/

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Keynote presenter: Lt Gen David Morrison AO Australia’s former Chief of Army and Australian of the Year 2016. Committed to making the Army an inclusive force, with a strong stance on gender equality, he is famous for saying, “If that does not suit you, then get out!” His experience in leading a workforce of over 30,000 and driving significant change make him a leader well worth listening too.

Keynote presenter: Dr Huu Kim Le Adelaide based Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, specialising in video game addiction or “gaming disorder” presents ‘Escape into the Virtual World – Student Wellbeing and Video Game Addiction.’

Keynote presenter: Dr Louise Mahler An expert in the psychology of face-to-face engagement, her research is award-winning and her informed hands-on approach lends itself to transformational change.

Panel Discussion: Innovations in Indigenous student support – what works, what doesn’t? Professional Development Sessions Regional Networking Session Pre-Conference Study Tours Full details available on page 19.

Thank you to our Sponsors and Exhibitors We are delighted to welcome the following sponsors and exhibitors to the 2020 StarRez APSAA Conference.

PLATINUM PARTNER

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

BARISTA SPONSOR

EXHIBITORS

W E L C O M E R E C E P T I O N SPONSOR

Each year, APSAA offers a range of scholarships and awards that recognise outstanding performance and innovative ideas from our members. These awards are presented on an annual basis at the StarRez APSAA Conference.

In 2020, the APSAA Excellence Awards have been categorised into the three sectors representing our membership. Colleges, Universities and PBSA. We have removed Housing Operator of the Year. We also have a new category for all sectors: ‘Excellence in Sustainability Goals’.

Individual Award categories • Fran O’Brien Award for New Professionals • Joe Massingham Award for Meritorious Services • Michael O’Leary Award for Innovation • Business Partner of the Year • The ‘My Favourite Student’ Best of Program Award • APSAA Scholarship • ACUHO-I Scholarship

2019 Award recipients

APSAA Excellence Awards: A New Approach APSAA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2020

Excellence Award categories Four new awards were also introduced as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations in 2016 and in 2020 we have introduced the Excellence in Sustainability Goals award:

• Excellence in Marketing and Communications Award • Excellence in Facility Development or Management • Excellence in Student Experience • Excellence in Customer Service • Excellence in Sustainability Goals

Benefits for Winners Recipients of an APSAA Award receive national and international peer recognition, official acknowledgement (in the form of trophy or certificate), publication of their details in APSAA’s Student Accommodation Journal, E-News bulletin and APSAA webpage and public acknowledgement at the official Awards Gala Dinner at the APSAA Conference.

How to nominate Entries are completed online via the APSAA website. There is an entry page for each award - if nominating for more than one award, you must complete a separate nomination for each award.

Tips for nominating • Re-read each question to ensure you are addressing precisely what is being asked • Be clear and concise - ensure your answers are within the word limits • Ensure you have provided information relevant to the evaluation rubric • Check spelling and grammar • Reference evidence - these can be incorporated into your submission • Before hitting submit - do a final review - have you clearly addressed the criteria and demonstrated what the category seeks to recognise?

Customer Service Student Experience Marketing & Communication As a celebration of our Excellence Awards we have designed new Award icons to clearly identify the categories.

Customer Service Student Experience Marketing & Communication Facilities Development or Management

Facilities Development or Management

Sustainable Practices Business Partnerships

Sustainable Practices Business Partnerships

2019 Award recipients

Judging process • Award nominations will be scored by each member of the judging panel against the evaluation rubric. • Only nominations with an aggregate score of 18 points or higher will be considered by the panel as contenders for an award. There will be interviews of shortlisted nominees. • Following assessment and scoring by panel members, the panel will meet to discuss nominations and agree on recipients

Judging Panel All nominations in both the Individual and Excellence Award categories will be judged by a panel made up of industry professionals appointed by the APSAA Board.

Process Nominations received will be published on the APSAA website by Thursday 10 April 2020. Award recipients will be announced at the 2020 APSAA Gala Awards Dinner, to be held on Wednesday 13 May 2020 at Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide.

Get your nominations in now! Your people, your programs, your sites are eligible. Visit the APSAA Awards section of the website for more information and you could be revered by industry and on the cover of the June 2020 Journal.

Key Dates

Award nominations open Now

Award nominations close 3 April 2020

Finalists notified by email and on APSAA website 9 April 2020

REVIEW

Plot your daily attendance plan by the program– this is essential to ensure you attend the relevant sessions and get the most bang for your buck! Download the APSAA Conference app on arrival to avoid disappointment.

CONNECT

Find out who’s who and who you need to connect with.

ORIENTATE

Google check parking arrangements, accommodation and where the actual conference is staged within the venue.

ATTEND

Don’t miss the keynote address and any group events – these usually form the basis of the direction of the conference and will give you valuable insight into industry issues. Take notes to make your networking more fulfilling.

How to get the most from your conference experience

Whether you’re a ‘first timer’ or an ‘old hand’ at attending conferences, these tips will help you make the most of your conference experience and arm you with new information, techniques and even a renewed sense of purpose in your student accommodation career and industry.

5

NETWORK

Make sure you write essential points on the back of collected business cards immediately, so you can remember important information. Follow up – do as you say. Call or email your new contact as soon as possible.

6

SELECT

Be specific and select your breakout sessions prior and turn up on time. If attending alone – sit near the facilitator and offer to assist if required. You’ll make a new contact and your help will be appreciated.

7

PARTICIPATE

Challenge yourself to ask at least one question per session. Engage your facilitator – other delegates will admire your confidence.

8

VISIT

Exhibitors and sponsorsinvest time and money into their booths and usually have special deals for conference delegates – this is a great opportunity to find a new supplier and learn about new products and services – they often have giveaways too!

9

EQUIPMENT

Check the program for special events, pre-con tours or activities that may require the right footwear, theme or outfit. Also – don’t forget your laptop and phone chargers, your business cards and to set your ‘out of office’ message.

10

SHARE

Your learnings via a short presentation or written report– make sure you cover the most important and relevant topics of the conference with your colleagues back at the office, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

11

ENGAGE

Don’t be shy-engage with other attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, presenters and your industry association.

12

FEEDBACK

Sydney, Australia Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2020

GLOBAL HOUSING TRAINING INSTITUTE

Don’t miss this unique opportunity for members around the globe to participate in an intensive professional development and learning event to build meaningful skills, discuss critical issues, and form strong bonds with colleagues.

Receive 80 CPD points. More information here: www.apsaa.org.au/education/global-housing-training-institute/

Laundry room needing some love?

Invest with Maytag Commercial for COIN or CARD operated Washers and Dryers that last!

APSAA Learning:Boost your professional development in 2020

APSAA is pleased to announce the latest in our continuing professional development program for those who enjoy reading – the APSAA Book Club. Simply fill in the form on the APSAA website and you will be given access to the Book Club discussion forum. Enjoy targeted topics with learning outcomes and gain valuable CPD Points all from the convenience of your digital device.

APSAA Learning

Save the date and register now for a wide range of APSAA Learning continuing professional development opportunities including events and webinars.

These activities earn valuable CPD points – when you reach 100 CPD Points you will be recognised as an APSAA Practicing Professional. Go online to register and find out more about these incredible continuing professional development opportunities! www.apsaa.org.au/education/event-calendar/ or email education@apsaa.org.au

WEBINAR DATE/TIME TOPIC PRESENTER WHO SHOULD ATTEND

APSAA Weekday Webinar

APSAA Weekday Webinar 19 March 12noon to 1pm (EST) Restorative Practice: Supporting the wellbeing of your team and community Gemma Edgar 20 CPD Points Anyone interested in building a supportive workplace

16 April 12 noon to 1pm (EST) The Purple House: Energy Saving Tips-How to build a sustainable community in 2020 Sri Velan 20 CPD Points Learn how you can put simple yet highly effective sustainability practices in place to save money

2020 StarRez APSAA Conference, Multi Day Study Tour, One Day Study Tour CUBO Summer Conference

APSAA Weekday Webinar

ACUHO-I Conference & Expo

Global Housing Training Institute (GHTI) 6-14 May Visit the APSAA website for full conference details or read the special feature in this edition. Various 50 CPD Points Anyone working in the student accommodation sector

10-12 June Belfast, UK. Various 20 CPD Points

18 June 12noon-1pm (EST) Sexual Assault on Campus: Panel Discussion Panel Discussion 20 CPD Points 27–30 June Portland, Oregon Various 20 CPD Points

30 Nov to 4 Dec Sydney, Australia. Various 80 CPD Points Anyone working in the student accommodation sector

Accommodation Managers who need to develop programs to reduce sexual assault on campus/in accommodation Anyone working in the student accommodation sector

A unique opportunity for members around the globe to participate in an intensive event to build meaningful skills, discuss critical issues, and form strong bonds with colleagues

Save The Date APSAA Industry Guidelines Workshop Date (TBA) UTAS

Save The Date GHTI 2020 30 Nov-4 Dec, Sydney Register your interest now! education@apsaa.org.au

100 APSAA Learning CPD Points There’s still time to reach & be recognised at the 2020 Conference! Do a webinar, attend an event, or upload your own recent PD achievements! https://www.apsaa.org.au/apsaa-learning/cpd-program/

Join The APSAA Book Club Join now! apsaa.org.au/apsaa-learning/book-club/

APSAA Tertiary Vocational Qualifications Open all year 24/7. Join online and choose from three streams; • Management, Operations & Finance • Student Experience & Wellbeing • Facilities and Development or try a Skill Set to gain confidence! www.apsaa.org.au/apsaa-learning/tertiary-vocational-qualifications/

APSAA Industry Guidelines Workshop

Coming soon. Check the APSAA website for more details.

Presented by leading student accommodation industry professionals, this workshop will provide a rewarding experience for individuals to improve their knowledge and application of APSAA Industry Guidelines. Don’t miss this outstanding CPD learning opportunity!

Three streams of learning: • Management, Operations and Finance • Student Experience and Wellbeing • Facilities and Development Attendees will participate in a range of activities and will: • Learn valuable management structures • Participate in work groups and scenarios • Take away key templates and documentation • Integrate learnings immediately into the workplace

Learning Outcomes Attendees will gain exposure to and understanding of APSAA Industry Guidelines.

Who should attend? This work shop is ideal for mid-senior management and those wishing to progress their student accommodation career. Relevant for those involved in general management and required to conduct assessments, surveys and produce reports or analysis for internal or external stakeholders.

Save the date & register now! Watch the APSAA website and social media for date and location announcement coming soon! APSAA Learning CPD Points Value: 40 Email education@apsaa.org.au for more information.