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Welcome to our Spring issue
FROM HUME’S CEO BRAD BRAITHWAITE
Welcome to our Spring issue. I love the photo on the cover of wonderful Hume Housing customer Martha who has dedicated many years to volunteering for all sorts of organisations from schools and religious groups, to most recently Hume Social, our café and pantry in Telopea. I had the privilege of sharing lunch with Martha at Hume Social earlier this year, and her kind heart and love for community was an inspiration. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and connect with a community. I hope you feel inspired after reading Martha’s story to consider volunteering with us. We have programs and events scheduled across Sydney and the Hunter and would love to have more of you join us to help operate these.
It’s Spring, but NSW has already recorded record temperatures so staying fire and heat safe should be front of mind. Check out safety tips and start planning your “stay cool” strategy now.
If you are keen to save money, the Community Notice Board is chock-a-
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
block full of fun and affordable things to do, plus provides a list of services and support that can help you manage some of life’s challenges. This issue also has ways to recycle clothes to save money and the planet as well as clever gift ideas to start making for the holiday season.
Our Hume in Bloom gardening competition has just closed and received over 70 entries – our biggest ever and with that we attracted more sponsors, introduced new categories and boosted our great prize pool to be won.
We have a sneak peek of just some of the entries in this issue, showing you don’t need a garden – a balcony garden or windowsill full of pots will do the job. Gardening and nature are natural healers and good for everyone, so while you may have missed entering this year’s competitions, it is never too late to get those green thumbs busy. We will be announcing our Hume in Bloom winners in the coming weeks and will be sharing photos via our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Parramatta rising
Late last year we announced a multi-site development across three locations in North Parramatta that once complete will provide much-needed social and affordable homes for 66 households.
The new developments will be home for those on the social housing waitlist as well as people in need of affordable housing –particularly single, older women at risk of homelessness, key workers, and women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
The project has support through a partnership with Women’s Community Shelters. Of the 66 units, 38 affordable will be owned by Hume Housing and 28 social
by Homes NSW and managed by Hume Housing for 49 years.
I’m delighted to report we are making great progress on our new developments, as you will see in this issue, our North Parramatta development is taking shape, and we are also progressing a new domestic violence refuge in the Southern Highlands. Our goal is to deliver more homes, which are affordable, safe and secure to meet the needs of lowincome and vulnerable families.
Before you settle in to read the Spring issue, you might like to whip up a batch of the yummy spring flower biscuits (recipe on page 28) and a cup of tea.
Enjoy!
Brad Braithwaite Chief Executive Officer
We are making great progress on the new builds, breaking ground on the first site in January this year with two sites now in build stage with the third awaiting certificates to proceed.
We recently watched the concrete slab being poured, marking a key milestone in the development and with more favourable weather conditions forecasted, works are expected to continue smoothly. We will keep you updated on our progress and share more information about how these homes will change the lives of vulnerable, low-income individuals and families in the Sydney.
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
Focussing on the importance of housing
IN SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH MONTH, HUME HOUSING TEAMED UP WITH HUNTER NEW ENGLAND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE TO HOST THE HUNTER HOUSING AND MENTAL HEALTH FORUM AT MAITLAND TOWN HALL IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
The link between homelessness, housing stress, and mental health is strong – when people struggle to find or keep a safe home, their mental health often suffers, and mental health challenges can also make it harder to stay housed. The Hunter Housing and Mental Health forum brought together local services and partners to talk about these issues, share ideas and work together on better ways to support people facing both housing stress and mental health challenges.
The event drew a full house of over one hundred attendees representing local sectors including housing and homelessness services, health, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Community services. Esteemed author, producer, presenter, and passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice Jane Caro AM – was the MC and speakers included Hume’s Jenna Nadiotis, General Manager Specialist Housing & Impact, Karlie Cook, Manager Housing & Impact (Maitland), and our Chief Operating Officer, Victor Prasad, alongside specialists from Hunter New England Mental Health Services and Aboriginal Specialist Services.
The aim of the event was to learn about and work towards implementing the NSW Housing & Mental Health Agreement,
THE LINK BETWEEN HOMELESSNESS, HOUSING STRESS, AND MENTAL HEALTH IS STRONG.
which Hume Housing has signed up to. This Agreement recognises the connection between housing and mental health. Having a safe and secure place to call home is a fundamental foundation for health and wellbeing. In turn, having good health and wellbeing helps people to sustain housing and access housing supports.
Participants shared ideas, strengthened connections, and focussed on how to better support people experiencing mental health challenges to improve housing stability.
Powerful personal presentations from guest speakers with lived experience of housing insecurity and mental health challenges drove the message home. We can make a difference, but we must keep people with lived experience at the centre of any services and programs we design and deliver to truly achieve lasting impact.
You can find out more about the NSW Mental Health & Housing Agreement by visiting Housing and Mental Health Agreement.
Meet Martha
– a volunteer who loves cooking up community connections
MARTHA’S JOURNEY
Are you wanting to meet new people and become an active member of a community?
Perhaps you are keen to learn new skills, or you want to put your experience and interests to good use. If you enjoy a sense of ‘giving back’ by supporting others, volunteering has been shown to deliver many associated benefits, from reducing loneliness and isolation, to boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of well-being.
For Hume customer Martha, volunteering has been an opportunity to establish lifelong friends as well as opening doors to a wide and diverse range of new opportunities and interests. The 74-year-old grandmother is nothing short of a human dynamo who has volunteered for many causes throughout her busy life and done so while holding down careers as a Registered Nurse, a pathology collector along with stints in hospitality where she operated family cafés. Over her lifetime Martha has found time to support schools, religious organisations, council led multi-cultural community groups and most recently Hume Social, a community pantry and food bank in Telopea. “I like to give back… my token of gratitude is my way of showing that I appreciate all the opportunities I have been fortunate to have experienced”.
Martha is a petite woman who looks deceptively meek and mild-mannered. Don’t be fooled. She is an energetic whirlwind, brimming with passion, and opinions and her infectious zest for life is simply awe-inspiring. “I enjoy being active and sharing my experience with others, it’s a great way to be a part of my community in Telopea”. Martha is Hume Social’s lead volunteer and every Thursday morning you can find her busily helping the volunteers set up the kitchens, preparing food and instructing other volunteers on the planning for the day. Since taking on the lead volunteer role, she has worked her charm encouraging quite a few other residents to put up their hands and get involved. “Some people are shy and feel like they may not be able to volunteer – I prove them wrong”, she says with her smiling dark eyes, “everyone has something to give.” Every week Martha and her team provide hot meals and food to residents to help with cost of living pressures. “It’s such a great program and my food and hospitality experience gets put to good use. So many people are struggling, and we come together to eat, laugh and support one another. It is soul food”
Martha came to Hume after living in the small town of Stroud in rural NSW. She was far from her children and grandchildren and wanted to be closer to services. She heard about Hume and community housing through a friend and applied for a home. Today she is proud to be a contributor to her local community. “I have met more people and made friends with neighbours. We all work to look after our communal property areas and one another - we feel more connected, explains Martha.
I LIKE TO GIVE BACK … MY TOKEN OF GRATITUDE IS MY WAY OF SHOWING THAT I APPRECIATE ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE EXPERIENCED”.
Telopea is home to a diverse mix of customers living in social and affordable housing and includes single parent families, older people on their own, customers living with disabilities and younger residents on low incomes. Thanks to Hume Social and its volunteers’ residents too report feeling safer, more connected and more supported. It’s a win, win.
We have programs and opportunities running across metro and regional locations and we’d love to welcome more of you to join us in the spirit of volunteering. To find out more contact 1800 004 300
Beat the heat this Summer
AS THIS ISSUE OF HUMELIFE GOES TO PRINT NSW IS FACING UNSEASONABLY HOT DAYS IN THE LEAD UP TO SUMMER. IT’S TIME TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO MANAGE THE HEAT AND WHAT COST-EFFECTIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL OVER THE COMING MONTHS.
We also want to encourage customers to start thinking about bushfire season ahead. Now is a good time to plan to ensure you and your family are safe over the fire season.
Heat stress and heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of NSW’s population.
Remember that the impact of heat accumulates, so several 35-degree days in a row can be just as dangerous as a single 45-degree day. Keeping your home cool is a first step and there are affordable ways to keep power bills down with a little pre-planning.
Stop, Drop and Roll!
4 SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE
Step 1: Discuss with household members what everyone should do is a fire threatens your home. (examples of this could be assigning each member a role).
Step 2: Prepare your home for bushfire season. (examplestrimming hedges, removing flammable items surrounding the home).
Step 3: Know your bushfire alert levels. Learn and understand the bush fire alert levels.
Step 4: Stay up to date with all bush fire information (e.g- information numbers, websites and apps).
ARE SOME TIPS TO COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER
BUSHFIREAND HEATSAFETYTIPS
HAVE A PLAN!
A well-prepared can save your life and home. Bush fire survival planNSW Rural Fire Service is the best place to start with your preparations.
ACCESSIBILITY
Fact Sheets are available on the NSW Rural Fire Service site in all languages including: Arabic, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.
STAY UP TO DATE ON EMERGENCY ALERTS
ABC Emergency is the best source of news updates for NSW residents. Remember to prepare for your pets as well! This means ensuring your pet is wearing identification with up-to-date information and packing a leash, medication, food and their favourite toy.
FIREPROOF YOUR HOME
Cut your grass and remove all the trimmings from your yard
Remove flammable items from your property e.g. doormats, paint, mulch and wood scraps.
Prepare long and sturdy hoses that go around your home as well as testing your water reliability.
FACT SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE SITE IN ALL LANGUAGES.
Trim trees and shrubs
Clean gutters
Have your circumstances changed?
You need to let us know as changes can directly affect your tenancy.
IT’S IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH US WHEN CHANGES OCCUR. THIS WAY, WE CAN ASSESS IF THE PROPERTY REMAINS SUITABLE FOR YOUR NEEDS AND ENSURE YOUR HOUSING ARRANGEMENT CONTINUES TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS. CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDE:
Additional household members
If there are additional household members, your rent may change based on the number of occupants or other eligibility criteria.
Eligibility: Adding someone to your home may affect your eligibility for specific housing benefits, or there may be restrictions based on the property’s size and regulations.
Property Suitability: If someone moves out or new tenants join your household, we need to ensure the property remains appropriate for the current number of people and that it complies with tenancy guidelines.
Rent subsidies
If you receive a rental subsidy, your rent is based on your household’s gross income. When your circumstances change, we need to recalculate your rent.
Timeframe: You have 21 days from the date of the change to notify us and submit a rent subsidy application.
Why it’s important: Delays in reporting could result in financial hardship. You might end up paying too much or falling into arrears if you’re underpaying.
Physical or personal changes
If you have changes in your health or personal circumstances, reach out to us. We can discuss home modifications to support aging in place or explore transfer options to a more suitable property.
Changes in income
For affordable housing rentals, eligibility is based on your annual income. If your financial situation improves, let us know on 1800 004 300. We can discuss your options and eligibility for the program at the end of your current lease.
Community Noticeboard
METRO
GARDEN LOVERS MEET UP GROUP –CABRAMATTA
Date & Time: Thursday 6th November 10:30-12pm
Location: The Workary, Level 1, Whitlam Library Cabramatta
Love Gardening? This gardening club welcomes you to share your skills with some sessions including hands on group projects.
FAIRFIELD SHOWGROUND MARKETS
Date & Time: Every Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Fairfield Showground, Prairiewood
Browse over 600 stalls under a covered pavilion selling food, clothing, toys, groceries and more. Children will enjoy pony rides, a mini train and a jumping castle. Entry is free.
OPEN LAB YOUTH & ADULTS – WHITLAM
Date & Time: Saturdays in October 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: lab.LX STEAM, Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
For ages 13+. Practice coding and robotics, 3D modelling with Fusion 360 or Blender, or explore virtual reality and creative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Ableton Live. Free one hour sessions; bookings required.
Community Noticeboard
COST OF LIVING ADVICE
The NSW Government’s Savings Finder helps residents identify rebates, vouchers and discounts. There are over 70 ways to save money on energy, transport, education and everyday bills. Popular options include:
• Low Income Household Rebate – reduces electricity bills for eligible households.
• Family Energy Rebate and Gas Rebate – support families and households.
• Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers – emergency help paying energy bills.
• Toll Relief and free driver licence renewals for eligible pensioners.
• Active and Creative Kids vouchers – help cover sports and creative class fees for children.
• FuelCheck – compare petrol prices across NSW to find the cheapest fuel.
• Council Rates Rebate – provides a concession on local council rates.
You can also access the Water Bill Relief and Household Energy Saving Upgrades to improve efficiency. Visit the Savings Finder website or call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASS – WHITLAM LIBRARY
Date & Time: Saturdays in November 2025, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
Improve your spoken English in a friendly environment. Meet new people and build confidence in listening and speaking during free weekly sessions.
Date & Time: Monday 8th of December 2025 10am-12pm
Location: Wetherill Park Library
This workshop will teach participants how to digitise and turn their favourite photos into keepsake magnets. All you need to bring is 1-2 photographs with you.
Community Noticeboard
REGIONAL
EARTH MARKET MAITLAND
Date & Time: First and third
Thursday from 2 October 2025 to 18 December 2025, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: The Levee, Maitland
Earth Market Maitland is run by volunteers and local farmers. Browse pickled vegetables, fruit, herbs, eggs, olives and more while meeting growers and supporting good, clean food. Free to visit.
MOVIE NIGHT- ROLLING HILLS FILM FESTIVAL
Date & Time: 8th of November 2025 5-8pm
Location: Studio Amsterdam, 321 High Street, Maitland
Bring the family along for a free evening of short films made by kids for the Dungog Rolling Hills Festivals.
Community Noticeboard
MURROOK CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Date & Time: Saturday 15th of November 4pm-10pm
Location: The Dunes at Williamtown
Vibrant performances, delicious food stalls and cultural workshops! Murrook Cultural Festival is designed to be a place where people can learn, celebrate and experience the richness of living culture.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
• 18th Tuesday
Maitland Community Connection Day
Maitland Town hall between 9:30-2pm RSVP to Megan Williams at
• 28th Friday
Maitland 16 Days of Activism March Meet at Maitland Library at 11:45am for a 12pm start time.
DECEMBER
• 3rd Wednesday Maitland End of Year Customer Celebration.
• 16th Tuesday Regional Seniors Christmas Lunch.
MAITLAND NEW YEAR’S EVE
Date & Time: Wednesday 31 December 2025, from pm; fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Maitland Riverbank
Welcome the New Year with live music, free amusements, face painting and food stalls along the riverbank. Families can enjoy a picnic under the stars before the pm fireworks finale. Free entry.
Hume in Bloom
Hume’s 4th Hume in Bloom Gardening Competition has smashed all records this year. Our talented customers submitted 67 entries across 5 categories vying for a share of the nearing $7,000 prize pool. Representatives from our sponsors will judge the entries and select the prize winners. All entrants will be issued with certificates including Appreciation, Highly Commended, or Encouragement awards.
Thanks to our generous Sponsors Programmed, Willowdene, The Diggers Club and Community Greening.
Winners will be announced in November. Prizes will be distributed throughout November and December. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the great entries we received.
Spring Gardening Workshops in Cabramatta
There’s something uplifting about spring. The air feels lighter, the days grow longer, and everywhere you look there are signs of new life. After the cooler months, it’s the perfect time to step out into the sunshine and think about starting a garden or perhaps planting a couple of pots of flowers or herbs for the windowsill.
Getting out into the garden isn’t just about pretty flowers and fresh veggies (though they’re wonderful rewards!). It’s also about feeling good. Spending time outdoors, moving your body, and soaking up the sunshine does wonders for your mood and energy levels. Even a short session of weeding, watering, or planting can leave you feeling refreshed.
We’re encouraging all Hume Housing customers to embrace the joys and rewards of gardening all year round and have commenced quarterly gardening workshops at the Cabramatta community room.
We held our first session in September with the help of experts from the Botanical Gardens and had a good turnout with both
experienced gardeners and those just starting out attending. We learnt about the basics of gardening, soil health, where and when to plant, how to care for indoor plants and what to do about pests. We had good questions answered by the pros and wrapped up the session with refreshments and a prize giveaway.
We invite you to come and join us at our next workshop which will be held in late January! It’s free and we get to chat and enjoy refreshments afterward. You will not only learn how to grow food and flowers all year round, but you will also meet your neighbours and discover how to save money and become semi-self-sufficient all year round. Keep an eye out from texts from us or contact our office on 1800 004 300 for more information.
FROM SET BACK TO COMEBACK
David’s journey of determination and hope
DAVID’S STORY
WHEN CUSTOMER DAVID JOINED OUR HOUSING INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM (HIP) IN 2022, LIFE LOOKED UNCERTAIN. FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF INCARCERATION, DAVID WAS EAGER TO TURN THINGS AROUND AND BUILD A NEW LIFE.
Hume have operated the Housing Independence program in South Western Sydney for over 15 years and in the Hunter region of NSW for the past 4 years, providing participants with rental housing and comprehensive support services. We support customers to build a solid track record of managing their rental payments, taking care of their property and building good relations with their neighbours. Participants use the program to rebuild their rental tenancy history and improve their chances of securing long term rental housing.
Before joining us, David had an abrupt exit from his previous housing provider because of maintenance arrears, and this then led to his social housing application being suspended. Hume welcomed David to the program and supported him to work towards the future he so badly wanted.
What was originally meant to be a 12 month stay turned into three years. During this time David made steady payments to rectify his former debt, stayed committed to his goals, took good care of his property and proved he could sustain a longterm tenancy.
When the time came for David to finally exit the program, things were looking uncertain. By this stage his social housing application had been inactive for four years, limiting housing options for private rentals. But as soon as his debt dropped below $500, things started to shift. Hume’s HIP team rallied, helping David get his housing application reactivated and gathering evidence and support letters needed for a Priority Housing application with Homes NSW.
Even though David’s tenancy with us came to an end, he left on the best possible note, debt free with a live social housing application under assessment, and a fresh sense of hope.
And that hope paid off! Just three moths later, David received the good news everyone had been waiting for: his priority housing was approved. He was offered a home with Hume Housing, right in his preferred area in a property that perfectly suited his needs.
Today, David is thriving. His journey reminds us that setbacks don’t define your story, determination does. With a little patience, support and self-belief, David turned what once felt like an ending into a brand-new beginning.
HUME WELCOMED DAVID TO THE PROGRAM AND SUPPORTED HIM TO WORK TOWARDS THE FUTURE HE SO BADLY WANTED.
Meet Cora
– Our New Tenancy Management System and what it means for you
Behind the scenes we are busily building a new tenancy management system called ‘Cora’ to better meet your needs and provide you with a first-class customer service. We want every interaction you have with Hume Housing to be easy, efficient and reliable.
We do anticipate there will be teething issues while our teams adopt the new system and advise there may be small delays in our response times. We thank you in advance for your patience as we work through any delays and trust that these will be minimal.
Rest assured that urgent issues, such as emergency repairs, will remain a priority and will be handled within our guaranteed response times.
Some of the early benefits Cora will offer is an option to receive SMS reminder messages for things like appointments, work orders, or if your account falls behind in payments (where we have your mobile number on file). Messages will come from a trusted Hume Housing number, so you can be confident they are genuine.
COMING SOON
Launching3 November
You’ll also have more choice and flexibility in how we contact you. Perhaps you prefer SMS, email, or post, whichever it is simply let us know next time you’re in touch and we’ll update your preferences.
To make the most of Cora’s new features, please ensure we have your current contact details. If you’re not sure, give us a call and we’ll be happy to check for you.
Over the coming year we will be unlocking powerful new features including a tenant portal so you can login and check anything related to your tenancy including making an online secure rent or water payment, querying a charge, submitting a repair request or lodging a complaint or compliment. Everything to do with you and your tenancy will be accessible in one easy, secure location.
We’re looking forward sharing more news on Cora and how it will make interacting with us easier and stress free. Keep an eye on our social media accounts and website for more updates.
Sweet Treat Candles
DO-IT- YOURSELF CANDLE GIFTS
WHO DOESN’T LOVE A GOOD THRIFT STORE FIND? THE THRILL OF FINDING A PRECIOUS TREASURE HIDDEN AWAY READY FOR A NEW LEASE ON LIFE HAS TURNED “THRIFTING” INTO A POPULAR PAST-TIME.
We love supporting charities like Vinnies, Salvos and the Red Cross who provide support and services to struggling families and individuals with funds raised through their thrift shops. Thrifting today is big business and if you know where to shop, and how to take advantage of discount vouchers and specials days you can find great gifts, clothes and furniture to help tackle living costs while supporting the good work these charities deliver.
Each issue we are including a DIY thrift idea that’s fun and cheap to do at home.
You can make designer candles from old glassware or China, that are not only affordable, but they are also beautiful originals too. Here’s a few examples and how to make them. You can recycle old candle remnants to keep costs down. Great as Christmas gift ideas or just to freshen up your home.
What you need
• Old glassware or China from your local Vinnies or thrift shop
• Old candles or soy wax melts (Kmart stock candle making supplies)
• Waxed wicks with a metal base (Kmart)
• A skewer, chopstick or a knife
• Wax crayons for colouring (old ones are fine)
• Fragrance oils
• Small saucepan and a heat proof bowl that sits on top (double boiler)
• Scissors to trim wick.
Steps
Prepare your glassware of china by ensuring its clean and dry. Choose a wick and position it in the centre of the cup or glassware you are using.
Tie the top to a skewer or chopstick to position it in place
Measure 2-4 cups of wax melts or old candles in your ceramic of glass bowl. Place the bowl on top of saucepan ¾ filled with water. Slowly bring the saucepan to a simmer and allow wax to melt.
Break off some coloured crayon to colour your wax if you like and allow to melt in with wax.
Add 30-60 drops of essential oil, lavender, rosemary, lemon whatever you like.
Carefully pour into your chosen container. Leave to set. Once cooled remove skewer and cut wick.
Your candle will harden over next few hours. Enjoy!
Remember to always stay fire safe around candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended or without adult supervision.
A Roaring Good Time at the Zoo: Eufelia’s Special Day Out with Hume
AT HUME, WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING MEANINGFUL, JOYFUL EXPERIENCES FOR THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT. RECENTLY, EUFELIA—A LONG-TIME RESIDENT IN HUME’S SDA HOME IN GUILDFORD WEST—HAD A WONDERFUL DAY AT THE ZOO, WITH ONE MOMENT STANDING OUT ABOVE THE REST: WATCHING THE ELEPHANTS BEING FED.
Eufelia, 56, has lived independently with 24/7 one-onone care since 2017. With ongoing support tailored to her needs, she enjoys being part of the community and trying new activities. Her latest outing took her to the zoo, an experience carefully planned by the Hume Housing team to be safe, structured, and full of fun.
The highlight of the day came at the elephant enclosure, where Eufelia stood in quiet awe, closely watching the animals enjoy their lunchtime feed. The elephants reached for apples, bananas, and leafy greens with their trunks, causing ripples of laughter from nearby visitors. Eufelia was completely captivated—smiling, pointing, and staying focused as the elephants interacted with their keepers.
“The look of joy on her face said it all,” said one of her support staff. “She was completely engaged—calm, happy, and really taking in the experience.”
To add to the comfort of the day, Hume Housing provided a personalised snack box for the outing including fresh fruit, a sandwich, and one of her favourite treats.
Using visual prompts and one-step instructions, staff supported Eufelia throughout the day to ensure her routine was maintained and her needs met. They gently redirected her when needed and made sure she felt safe, relaxed, and included at every stage.
Back at her home, Eufelia excitedly shared photos of the elephants and talked about the feeding session—her favourite part of the day.
At Hume, we’re proud to support individuals like Eufelia to live life with confidence, connection, and joy—one adventure at a time.
OPENFORINSPECTION
Hume Community Housing is proud to offer seven newly built Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) villas in central Liverpool, designed for NDIS participants with Improved Liveability and High Physical Support needs
Physical Support needs
These modern one-bedroom homes provide a balance of privacy and community, offering independent living with the option to connect through shared outdoor spaces
These
SPECIALIST DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
Rental Properties now available
What is SDA?
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are properties that have been approved for some people funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to live in.
PORT MACQUARIE
ACCESSIBLE DUPLEX LIVING
IMPORTANT
Hume cannot assess your eligibility for SDA. You will need to contact your NDIS Support Coordinator to see if you are eligible for SDA funding and/or request a review of your NDIS plan if it is not included.
THE PONDS
PERMANENT STAY | SHARED INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH 24/7
SUPPORT – SIL NORTHCOTT.
Fully accessible, single-storey home close to shops and Rouse Hill:
• 5 spacious bedrooms (2 with ceiling hoists)
• 2 shared bathrooms (1 with Arjo bath & ceiling hoist)
• Ducted air conditioning throughout
• Garden & alfresco area
• House van available for transport.
3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 2 Parking Spaces – 24/7 support SIL Life Without Barriers.
Quiet, friendly neighbourhood close to everything!
• Ramp access, wide door frames & pathways
• Built-in robe & ceiling fan in bedroom
• Split system A/C in living areas
• Common room, staff office, and 24/7 support capacity
Current Housemates:
Males aged 25–35, into gaming, football, music & a good chat. Looking for a social, friendly housemate.
FORSTER
ACCESSIBLE SDA VILLA IN FORSTER – ROOM AVAILABLE NOW!
Permanent Stay | Shared Independent Living with 24/7 Support Life Without Barriers
2 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 2 Parking Spaces
Modern, Purpose-Built SDA Living in a Quiet Street
• Air conditioning & heating
• Fully accessible
• Common room for socialising
• Secure backyard, veggie garden, and fruit trees.
SPECIALIST DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
Rental Properties now available
ST MARYS
MODERN SDA HOME IN ST MARYS – ROOM AVAILABLE NOW!
Permanent Stay | Shared Independent Living with 24/7 Support Life Without Barriers
5 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1 Parking Space
Close to shops and Nepean Hospital
• Spacious shared living, kitchen, dining, & laundry areas
• Ducted air conditioning & heating throughout
• Secure backyard & garden – a peaceful outdoor retreat
• Suit male – 30’s plus.
BLACKTOWN
LIVELY & ACCESSIBLE SDA HOME IN BLACKTOWN – ROOM AVAILABLE NOW!
THE PONDS
ACCESSIBLE SDA HOME IN THE PONDS – ROOM AVAILABLE NOW!
Permanent Stay | 24/7 Support | SIL Northcott 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms |2 Parking Spaces
• Spacious bedrooms with built-in robes
• Two open-plan shared living areas
• Ducted air conditioning & heating
• Secure backyard, garden & outdoor entertaining space.
Permanent Stay | 24/7 Support - Northcott SIL | Social Household
5 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Parking Spaces
• Well-sized bedrooms
• Two shared bathrooms
• Two spacious living rooms with central air-conditioning
• Outdoor deck, BBQ & entertainment areas.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HUME’S SDA PROPERTIES, PLEASE CONTACT US ON 1800 004 300 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.HUMEHOUSING.COM.AU
Get a wardrobe makeover and save the planet
Spring to it and get your spring and summer wardrobe sorted. Deciding what items to keep and what should be donated or thrown away is important if you want to recycle safely and responsibly. The more we can keep clothing out of landfill the better!
Did you know that in 2021 Australia generated textiles, leather and rubber waste that was more than 16 times the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’ (National Waste Report, 2021).
To make it easier to recycle, brands like H&M and charities including Red Cross Australia are accepting your previously loved clothes in exchange for vouchers. Simply call your local Red Cross store or H&M store to arrange specific time to allocate a drop off.
H&M allows you to take any textiles or clothing you no longer have space for and drop it off at any store.
How does it work?
1 Bring your clean, previously loved clothing or textiles to one of our stores—they can be from any brand. Find your local store here: H&M (hm.com)
2 Place garments and textiles in the dedicated garment collecting box.
3 H&M empty the boxes, and their partner sort the items into different categories to enable
Red Cross Australia also offers a rewards customers who recycle and donate clothing they no longer wear. Red Cross provides tips for decluttering your wardrobe and how to do it smart and affordable.
1 Lay your wardrobe out in your room and split into two piles: the items you wear often and the items you don’t wear as much.
2 Take the items you don’t wear much and try on each piece as part of an outfit – shoes and all. By doing this you can see what you like and don’t like, what doesn’t fit, and what you realistically won’t wear anymore.
3 Gather the clothes, shoes and accessories you no longer want or need and check they’re undamaged, unsoiled, and of good quality. If you wouldn’t give it to a friend don’t donate it.
4 Take your donations to an Australian Red Cross Shop and receive a stamp on our loyalty card for your generosity. Once you reach 10 stamps, you’ll get 25% off your next purchase.
Red Cross Australia have also partnered up with Country Road to upcycle clothes you no longer need. By taking any Country Road product to your nearest Red Cross Australia store, you will receive a $10 voucher which can be spent on your next item at Country Road.
ABORIGINAL ARTWORK COMMISSION
‘Step by Step’ unveiled for Raymond Terrace office
ON THE 8TH OF AUGUST HUME HOUSING HOSTED AN ARTWORK UNVEILING OF A COMMISSIONED ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY ABORIGINAL ARTIST AND HUME CUSTOMER, TYSON JOLLY AT OUR RAYMOND TERRACE OFFICE.
‘Step by Step’ is a contemporary artwork that represents a journeying across Country in search of a safe and stable home.
This artwork not only depicts an experience many Hume Housing customers may connect with but also has significant cultural ties to the lived experiences of Aboriginal people as they navigate personal challenges of connecting with their cultures and built communities.
The artwork was commissioned by Hume as part of a competition open
THE SQUARE MOTIFS IN THE PAINTING REPRESENT MAN-MADE STRUCTURES AND SERVICES AND USES THE HUME BRAND COLOUR PALETTE.
to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists residing in the Hunter region. Earlier this year Hume participated in an Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property program with Australia’s oldest and largest Indigenous owned Legal and consulting firm; Terry Janke and Company, specifically to ensure we followed a transparent and sensitive acquisition process that acknowledges Indigenous peoples’ rights to their cultural heritage based on the fundamental right to selfdetermination.
We received many quality entries and following a formal judging process, selected Tyson as our artist of choice. He was commissioned to create an original piece to take pride of place in our Raymond Terrace office.
At the launch Tyson spoke of how he arrived at the artworks design and how, as an Aboriginal man experiencing homelessness, his life changed after finding a home and stability through Hume Housing. The square motifs in the painting represent man-made structures and services and uses the Hume brand colour palette to showcase Hume’s role in Tyson’s journey. His artwork acknowledges the strength, resilience and partnerships that help create a sense of belonging and place.
This event was attended by Hume employees including Chief Operating Officer Victor Prasad and guest including Leonie Garvey from Ambulance NSW, Murook Perry from Karuah LALC and very special guests – Tyson’s proud parents.
Above: Tyson with his mum.
Budget buster recipes for Spring
Lemon custard flowers
When you are keeping an eye on your budget, it’s good to know you can eat cheaply without sacrificing nutrition and flavour. Our cheap and easy recipes will have you whipping them up in a flash.
TO WELCOME SPRING, LEMON CUSTARD FLOWER TARTS ARE FUN, TASTY AND EASY TO MAKE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
1
Ingredients
2 sheets shortcrust pastry, thawed
160g (2/3 cup) Pauls French Vanilla Double Thick Custard
2 tbsp lemon curd
Icing sugar, to dust
2 tsp finely grated lemon rind
2
3
Preheat oven to 180/160C fan forced. Lightly grease six holes of a 12-hole 30ml mini muffin pan, alternating the holes you grease.
Use a 9cm flower pastry cutter to cut out 16 flower shapes from the pastry. Press 6 flowers gently into the greased holes, keeping the petals flat on the surface of the pans. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to chill.
Prick the pastry bases with a fork. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through. Set aside to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining pastry to make 16 flowers.
Chicken paella
FLAVOURFUL COMFORT RECIPE THAT SPEAKS TO THE SOUL! THIS CHICKEN PAELLA IS A BRIGHT, DELICIOUS AND FILLING MEAL THAT ONLY TAKES 30 MINUTES TO PREP AND SERVE FEEDING A FAMILY OF 4.
1
Ingredients
4 Coles Australian RSPCA
Approved Chicken Thigh Fillets, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp Portuguese seasoning or Cajun seasoning
400g can diced tomatoes
2 x 250g pkts microwavable brown and wild rice mix
500g pkt frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
2
3
4
Combine the chicken and Portuguese or Cajun seasoning in a large bowl.
Heat a non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add half the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for 5 mins or until brown all over. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Return the chicken to the pan with tomato. Bring to a simmer. Stir in rice mixture and vegetables.
Cook, tossing occasionally, for 5-7 mins or until rice and vegetables are heated through.
4
Spoon custard and curd into 2 separate sealable plastic bags. Snip off a corner of each bag, 1.5cm from the end. Pipe curd into the base of the pastry cases. Pipe the custard over the top. Dust with icing sugar. Sprinkle centres with lemon rind. Serve immediately.
A squeeze of lemon juice over the plate of paella makes a huge difference.
Spring is here
3. Round __________ or pretty bird
7. America’s favourite past time
9. Easter __________ chocolate _________
10. First spring flower
12. Dutch bulbs
13. Marshmallow treats at easter
15. Cherry tree ___________
1. Kermit the __________
2. Little yellow furry animals
4. The opposite of fall 5. _____________ maker or weather that you need an umbrella
6. Spring Holiday
8. Colour them at easter
11. You plant them in the garden 14. Warms our day
WORD SEARCH
Spring in Australia
DIRECTIONS
Find and circle the vocabulary words in the grid. Look for them in all directions including backwards and diagonally.
Creating homes & communities
We believe that having a safe and affordable home is key to building a stable and bright future.
Humelife Spring
Humelife magazine is proudly bought to you by the Communications Team at Hume Housing. We have been fortunate to have two dynamic communications interns from the University of Western Sydney join us to help put this Spring issue together.
Harmony and Halima have loved learning more about Hume Housing, our customers and the programs and supports we offer. We hope you enjoy the Spring issue. If you have feedback to share about Humelife and how we can improve it – we want to hear from you! Email us at communications@humehousing.com.au.
Left to right: Linda, Harmony, Halima and Meagan from Hume Housings Communications Team.
Compliments, complaints and appeals
CONTACT HUME TO PROVIDE A COMPLIMENT, COMPLAINT OR APPEAL, YOU CAN FIND A FORM ON OUR WEBSITE.
FEEDBACK TAKES DIFFERENT FORMS:
COMPLIMENTS
• We appreciate hearing from you about the good service, experiences and overall satisfaction with Hume. Knowing what we are doing well helps us keep doing more of the same.
COMPLAINTS
• An expression of dissatisfaction with the standard or type of service we have provided.
APPEALS
• A request to have an official decision reviewed as you don’t agree with the outcome
• If you still don’t agree with the outcome of an appeal, you can contact the Housing Appeals Committee on 1800 629 974 and they will conduct an independent review.
CONTACT US
General enquiries: 1800 004 300
General email: hume@humehousing.com.au
Repairs email: repairs@humehousing.com.au
• If you are experiencing problems with your neighbours or their visitors, it is not recorded as a complaint
• Your Neighbourhood Officer will manage these reports and keep you updated on a regular basis.
Website: www.humehousing.com.au
Please like Hume Community Housing on Facebook to receive updates.
ABN: 66 647 041 988 Offices PLEASE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE ATTENDING ANY HUME OFFICES