Evolve Newsletter: 2019 June

E VOLVE NE W S WINTER BILLS

OPPORTUNITY PATHWAYS

NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS

JUNE 2019

LITTLE SCIENTISTS

Over 70 Evolve Housing residents from the Bankstown area joined us for a day of science at our first ever Imaginate event.

The event was hosted at Yagoona Community Centre, and was a big success with parents and kids alike.

The kids were entertained with an impressive liquid nitrogen show and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) workshops where they brought along their own jars, t-shirt and book bags to upcycle with a screen print, a handmade badge and a terrarium to take home.

Our community engagement team had the opportunity to chat with the adults to promote

programs and talk about how to better engage and build stronger connections with their local community.

Since Imaginate was such a hit with the kids, next school holidays we’re bringing it to Blacktown!

On 17 July, the team will be running the workshops again but this time there’ll be a science show highlighting ‘how weather works’. For more information see the back page.

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Looking for work?

We can help!

Anyone aged 17 years and over and living in social housing, receiving a Rent Choice Subsidy, or on the NSW social housing waitlist may be eligible to participate in Opportunity Pathways.

Opportunity Pathways is a voluntary support and coordination program that can help you to access training and jobs.

Program participants have a dedicated case coordinator working with them to create a Training Employment and Housing Plan. The plan will include courses, job skills support and work experience to achieve employment matched to your goals and aspirations.

The program can also provide practical financial assistance that can help you look for work including childcare, transport and driving lessons.

If you are interested in participating, you can make a free call to 1800 PATH 2 WORK (1800 728 429) to chat with one of our friendly team members or email: pathways@evolvehousing.com.au. Visit our website for more information: opportunitypathways.com.au.

News from your resident representatives

Be energy wise this winter

Welcome all fellow residents to our June Evolve Housing newsletter and our opportunity to bring you up-to-date with what has been happening with our resident council.

Winter has well and truly set in, and with temperatures plummeting, it’s tempting to crank up the heating to keep your home warm.

We have had a name change to Resident Advisory Engagement Group and our function has been changed a little. Our new focus will be on developing projects and initiatives, in collaboration with Evolve Housing staff.

Should you have any suggestions for your local community needs or activities please contact us through Evolve Housing, or come join us at our meetings on the third Monday of each month from 10am to midday at Evolve Housing’s Argyle Street Head Office.

We also have two representatives on the NSW Tenant Network who will bring you news at meetings and in our regular newsletter column.

Thanks and stay well…

Your resident representatives

While heaters and reverse cycle air conditioning will definitely keep you toasty on those cold mornings, they may also lead to financial stress when it’s time to pay the electricity bill. Luckily, there are many tips and tricks you can use to heat your home without using too much power.

These include: · Harness natural heat sources · Insulate your home · Maximise the effect of your heating · Don’t turn the heat up too high · Think of energy-free ways to heat yourself Check out our website to learn more at: evolvehousing.com.au/winter.

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Welcome to our new CEO, Lyall Gorman!

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lyall Gorman as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective 20 May 2019. Mr Gorman is a highly successful and well-regarded business leader who brings a wealth of experience from both a community and commercial background.

Before joining Evolve Housing, Mr Gorman was the CEO of the Manly Warringah Football Club.

Mr Gorman holds several non-executive roles and serves as the Deputy President of the NSW Business Chamber, Chairman of the Parramatta Parklands Trust and is a Director of Cricket NSW. Commenting on his new role, Mr Gorman added: “Evolve holds a special place in the not-for-profit sector as one of the leading Tier 1 Community Housing Providers in Australia. I look forward to building on Andrea’s legacy and contributing to discussion and debate around housing outcomes and social policy”.

Outgoing CEO gives thanks Evolve Housing would like to sincerely thank our outgoing CEO Andrea Galloway for eight years of hard work, achievement and leadership.

Incoming CEO, Lyall Gorman and retiring CEO Andrea Galloway.

In her role as CEO, Ms Galloway has led transformational growth of the organisation, allowing Evolve Housing to have an even bigger impact on those in need of affordable housing.

Ms Galloway will still be working alongside the Evolve Housing board in an advisory capacity over the next few months, and plans to focus her career on non-executive director positions going forward.

“Social and affordable housing provides a path for people’s success. Having a roof over your head sustains you for what you want to do in life,” Ms Galloway said.

“I wish our team and residents all the best. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, learning from you and advocating on your behalf.”

Admin superstar wanted Our partner is looking for a friendly, organised Evolve Housing resident to work in an accounts receivable and administration role.

The role will involve answering incoming phone calls, processing timesheets, raising invoices, and following up payments.

The right candidate will have a good attitude, a willingness to learn, excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Admin qualifications or experience would be helpful yet are not essential.

To apply, please email your resume to community@evolvehousing.com.au or call our community engagement team on 1800 693 865.

If this isn’t the right job for you, but you’re still on the lookout for a job, please contact us. We can help you develop a resume, learn interview techniques or look for a job.

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Save the date We always have fun activities and events planned to entertain, inspire and educate our residents. Take a look at what’s coming up over the next few months, and don’t forget to save the date and keep your eye on our website for more information.

Register for events at evolvehousing.com.au/whats-on or by calling 1800 myevolve (1800 693 865).

Digital Basics workshop Learn how to use your computer and smartphone, while also gaining confidence online with this fun and easy course.

You’ll learn the basics of using your smartphone, how to navigate webpages and applications (apps), the basics of online transactions and communications (banking, Centrelink and emails), an introduction to social media and how to avoid scams.

Cost: Free Parramatta session When: 3 July, 10.30am-12.30pm Where: Evolve Housing Office, 9–13 Argyle Street, Parramatta Bankstown session When: 4 July, 10.30am–12.30pm Where: 42–44 Leonard Street, Bankstown

Imaginate — Little Scientists Join us for a fun day of science experiments and creativity that will bring out the little scientist in your kids. This free event, run with the help of Fizzics Education, focuses on the science of weather and air pressure.

It will feature fantastic science demonstrations with flying toilet paper, shooting smoke vortex rings, exploding balloon dogs, tea bag rockets and much more.

When: 17 July, 1.30pm-4pm Where: Alpha Park Hall, Alpha Street, Blacktown Cost: Free Opera House tour Learn about the history and design of one of the world’s most iconic buildings during a private guided tour of the Sydney Opera House.

When: Wednesday 14 August, 11.45am Where: Sydney Opera House Cost: $5 — Tickets available from Monday 17 June 2019 Do you have news?

Do you have any good news that you want to share with the Evolve Housing community? We want to feature more residents in our quarterly newsletter, and would love to hear from you! We also welcome feedback about the information and stories you want to see more of. To get in touch, email community@evolvehousing.com.au

Penrith session When: 5 July, 10.30am–12.30pm Where: Thornton Community Centre, 61 Lord Sheffield Drive, Penrith

NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week NAIDOC Week is coming up next month, from 7 to 14 July, and there are plenty of interesting activities planned around Western Sydney to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal culture. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’ You can check out what local NAIDOC Week events are on near you at naidoc.org.au.

NAIDOC 2019 Celebration — Jamison Park This interactive event will incorporate performances, activities for people of all ages, and information from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service organisations.

When: Friday 12 July, 9am–3pm Where: Corner Jamison Road and York Road, South Penrith Cost: FREE

NAIDOC After Party Celebrate Aboriginal culture and history in Western Sydney with the 2019 Indigenous All Stars After Party Headliner, with special guests playing RnB, old skool, hip hop and reggae tracks.

When: Friday 12 July, 9pm–3am Where: Adams Tavern, 61 Richmond Road, Blacktown Cost: $21.50 if you purchase your ticket in advance online, or $25 tickets available at the door all night.

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