CHL Connect - Dec 2022

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Tenants,

Welcome to the December 2022 edition of CHL Connect.

Editor: Cathy Beadnell

Head

Internal Communications and Customer Experience

Assistance: Freya Toloa

Digital and Communications Specialist

Athaya Shakyna Hargiarly Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Copyright:

No part of CHL Connect Magazine may be reproduced without prior consent from Community Housing Ltd. If you wish to use the information, write to chlconnect@chl.org.au.

Disclaimer:

We try to make the information provided in this magazine as relevant, correct and accurate as possible at the time of going to press, but readers should seek independent advice in relation to any general content published. CHL and its subsidiaries cannot be held responsible for any changes as some of the information is reproduced from credible sources.

Data Protection:

We take the privacy of our tenants very seriously and seek consents of those tenants featured in this publication prior to printing it. CHL reserves the right to use the information and images entered by the participants in any of the competitions for any promotional purposes. If you do not wish for your submitted images to be publicised then please contact the CHL connect team in writing at chlconnect@chl.org.au.

Circulation:

Over 10,000 readership, including tenants and staff, together with a wide range of people who have contact with Community Housing Ltd.

It has been another busy year and it seems like the time has flown. We have so many good news stories to share, so a big thank you to everyone who took part in an event and activity showcased in this edition.

The results of our Tenant Satisfaction Survey are in and we are in the process of following up on your suggestions and concerns. Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey and provided feedback on the ways we can improve our services.

In this edition of CHL Connect we also congratulate everyone who received an Impact Grant this year and wish you well with your endeavours into the future.

It has been a good year for Gardening Competitions in 2022. Our South Australian competition participants enjoyed meeting Sophie Thomson from Gardening Australia, who generously agreed to be one of our judges.

You will also read in this edition of CHL Connect that we have an exciting new project in Bali, to provide housing for older Australian’s on low incomes who would like to live in a tranquil community and experience the ex-pat lifestyle.

As the year draws to a close, we wish all of our CHL customers a safe and happy festive season and a good year ahead in 2023.

Yours Sincerely, Cathy Beadnell (Pronouns: She/her) Head Internal Communications and Customer Experience

CHL UPDATES

NEXT STEPS FOR THE TENANT SATISFACTION SURVEY

The 2022 CHL Tenant Satisfaction Survey has closed but what’s the next step you ask?

As you may remember, the survey was conducted by independent agency, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA NSW) keeping your information and answers anonymous but also private, safe and secure.

Having reviewed the data, we are developing action plans to improve the key areas identified of concern to you. If you provided any comments or feedback that requested action or would like to share more of your ideas, we invite you to get in touch. You can contact us via feedback@chl.org.au, phone 1300 245 468 or scan the QR code to complete the “Get in touch” form at the bottom of the screen.

We value your feedback and would like to thank everyone who participated in the survey. It is your feedback that helps us to identify and understand the areas that work and where there is room for improvement.

We look forward to sharing the actions we will take to improve our services for you in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

RESTRUCTURING THE ASSET MANAGEMENT TEAM

We are restructuring our maintenance services in Australia. In the past, we had an Asset Management Division which focused on the delivery of maintenance to our properties, which has now been restructured.

Responsibility for responsive maintenance has moved to Housing Operations. The intent behind this is for maintenance coordination staff to work closely with housing staff so that communication and service delivery to our customers can be enhanced. All our customers should be in a position of knowing when a repair is timetabled to be fixed, the arrival time of a tradesperson and be assured that the repair meets standard.

We are also creating a Strategic Asset Portfolio Development team. They are responsible for planned maintenance and ensuring that our stock is fit for purpose. Housing which has reached the end of its purpose or life will either be redeveloped or disposed of with the intent to renew stock so we manage housing best suited to the needs of our customers.

Our Internal Maintenance Service will be expanded offering opportunities for our customers and people from the communities we serve to enter into traineeships and secure employment.

MAKING IMPACT WITH CHL GRANTS

The Impact Grants Program aims to remove barriers for individuals and communities who want to achieve their goals and aspirations. It could be for a TAFE course, driving lessons, art class, a community event, we want to assist you and your community.

At the end of July, round two of applications closed and we thank everyone who applied. Our team are currently reviewing applications and will be in touch with you on the outcome.

With the help from our sponsor YourPorter, CHL are elated that we can continue to support you in actualising your dreams and goals.

The 2023 dates are still to be confirmed. To keep up with the latest information, we encourage you to visit the Impact Grants Program page on the CHL or ACHL website, or follow us on our socials (details on the back cover).

IMPACT GRANTS BRINGS DREAM CLOSER

Meet CHL SA customer, Christine who longs to move into the mining industry. Thanks to the latest round of CHL’s Impact Grants program, Christine’s grant application was successful, providing her with funding to gain her heavy vehicle licence, bringing her one step closer to her dream.

Christine has since booked to complete her HR class licence this December and once successful, on the road to homeownership. The Impact Grants program is designed to encourage aspiration and remove barriers for individuals and communities who want to achieve their goals. Aligning with CHL’s Social Impact Framework and Community Development Framework there are three categories: community projects, education and employment and social connection.

Christine with her certificate of recognition for receiving a CHL Impact Grant.

NSWupdate

Finding mental wellness through art

Twenty-three CHL customers in Port Macquarie shared their stories through the powerful medium of art encouraging conversations about mental health, thanks to a collaboration with mental health organisation, Way Ahead.

Born out of the many talented and artistic CHL customers, CHL NSW partnered with Way Ahead to put on an art exhibition that showcased its customers art inspiring and uplifting those who have lived experience with mental health.

CHL Community Development Manager Steve Neale said, “Art exhibitions like this are an opportunity to not only recognise but genuinely celebrate the lives, creativity, and experiences of people who have faced mental health challenges.

Artist, Donna with artwork.

“Through collaborative partnerships with the likes of Way Ahead, we can further support and empower our customers to be the best versions of themselves.

“It is wonderful to see our customers so engaged in the community and participating in activities like the art exhibition,” Steve said.

Artist, Donna has kindly shared her artwork that is proudly displayed at CHL’s Port Macquarie office for all who visit to see.

Another artist, 13-year-old Sheyleace said, “I like art and being creative as it helps me relax. I enjoy Aboriginal art such as dot paintings and healing stones who I am.”

Watch the media coverage received on the CHL on News Channels page: chl.org.au/news/news-media/ chl-on-news-channels

Cadetship program opens doors to employment

CHL NSW officially welcomed its first successful cadet, Damian to the housing team thanks to a Cadetship program made possible by the NSW Government in conjunction with housing peak body, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) NSW. The peak body collaborates with community housing providers like CHL to encourage people to work in the sector.

The Cadetship program provides an opportunity for cadets to commence studying the CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing and undertake paid employment for 12-months in all aspects of social housing management including application management, asset services, cultural awareness, homelessness and tenancy services.

Damian learned the ins and outs of the social housing sector while based out of the Port Macquarie office and in September graduated along with several other successful cadets from the State.

Currently we have another cadet from the 2022 intake who is based out of the Kempsey office and is well on their way towards completing their studies in early 2023.

If you would like to work with us, we encourage you to visit the CHIA NSW Cadetship page (https://bit. ly/3gzedVM) for more information.

We welcome and look forward to working with the new cadets as the program continues into 2023.

Connecting at Nyiirun Djiirun

CHL and ACHL had the honour of attending this year’s Nyiirun Djiirun Wakulda Women’s Festival held at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Lands Council in mid-October.

This is the 6th year for the festival, and it did not disappoint with over 600 women in attendance. The festival fosters connections by providing a culturally safe space for open and honest conversations and provides opportunities to share stories, cultural customs, and knowledge. For us that is to share information about CHL and ACHL’s

Wakulda

roles in the community, the services that are on offer and to forge pathways to ensure community are know when, where and how to engage CHL and ACHL if needed.

On the day, the CHL and ACHL team had a great time meeting you all. We hope you found the information provided valuable and the hand massages relaxing.

See you at the next one!

CHL Cadet, Damian graduating alongside his cohort from the CHIA NSW 2021 cadetship program.

VIC update

The local community at the official opening of CHL and Melba Support Service’s new Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Independent disability housing officially opens

CHL and long-time partners, Melba Support Services, officially opened its new housing development purpose-built for people living with disabilities in Lilydale.

The new 15-unit development offers more independence and choice to people living with a disability in the area with the latest mod cons and additional assistive technology including a communications system that connects residents to on-site SIL providers 24/7.

In 2018, a study found there are more than 28,000 Australians with a disability who were identified as living in inappropriate accommodation. It is estimated over 6,000 younger Australians live in aged care facilities due to the lack of housing options.

The Lilydale development will provide people living with a disability with more housing options and choice. With the nearest amenities only a few minutes’ walk away, the area is well connected to community services ensuring people have the opportunity to thrive and live independently.

The new development has been built to specific design standards. It also has 24/7 on-site support provided by Melba Support Services while CHL is responsible for the tenancy and property management.

Watch our video on the Lilydale development on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Pxyv_BPTSY8.

Gaining ground on GLM1

CHL is proud to be a part of the Building Communities Consortium partnering with Homes Victoria to deliver over 1,000 new homes through a Ground Lease Model (GLM1). The first stage of this model will see new developments in Brighton, Flemington and Prahran.

The sites will deliver social, affordable, specialist disability and market rental homes that are welcoming and secure and which meet modern design and accessibility standards.

Our specialist disability accommodation at these sites will be two bedroom, two bathroom apartments in the High Physical Support design category.

If you’re seeking specialist disability accommodation around these areas, please contact Hannah.

Meet Kate, CHVL’s Community Development Manager (She/Her)

Welcome Kate, CHL’s new Community Development Manager for Victoria. Kate has been hitting the ground running visiting the sites, engaging and co-designing with you on the many projects happening across the State.

Kate comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in community development having previously worked on community development projects from working with vulnerable communities and influencing policy. Kate worked with people experiencing homelessness in North East London. The organisation Kate worked for ran a shelter including a music venue and trained people in hospitality to run the café and bar for the venue. The funds raised from these activities supported the homeless shelter.

Kate is excited to be back in Melbourne and is working on the community engagement plan for the new builds in Brighton, Flemington and Prahran.

Members from CHL, Icon construction and Homes Victoria hosting the WA Housing Minister the Hon. John Carey and the then VIC Housing Minister, the Hon. Richard Wynne at the Flemington site.

“It’s great to be back home on my old stomping ground connecting with people and services and creating new housing and community spaces. I’m looking forward to meeting many of you, if you have any questions feel free contact me. (Refer to CHL’s contact details on the back cover).

“As a wise person once said, “We may have arrived on different ships but we’re all in the same boat now”. I wish you smooth sailing to happy adventures”.

Lynbrook development coming soon

Our newest development in Lynbrook is well underway and we’ll soon be unlocking the doors on 20 apartments. This development will provide 13 new social housing apartments, six apartments for specialist disability accommodation and an apartment for an on-site disability support provider to serve renters on site.

If you’re looking for specialist disability accommodation in the Lynbrook area, please contact Hannah our SDA engagement coordinator, Hannah.trood@chl.org.au.

SA update

Empowered customers cut utility bills

Forty-five CHL SA properties have had solar power installed to cut tenant power bills and enhance the lives of those living in social and affordable housing as part of a pilot program delivered between CHL and 369 Labs.

According to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), wholesale gas and electricity have tripled this quarter compared to 2021 which has seen bill increases between 5 to 20 per cent.

Since commencing in late June, solar panel installation has been completed at two blocks of units totalling 45 units across Enfield and Oakden, with their power bills forecasted to reduce by well over 25 per cent.

CHL Managing Director Steve Bevington said, “The energy crisis is impacting all corners of Australia, particularly the aged generation that spend more time at home and consume more energy.

“CHL customers have seen great benefits through solar projects in NSW, TAS and VIC and we wanted to bring this to our SA customers with the view to roll out solar more broadly across the State.”

CHL and 369 Labs have hosted on site workshops to SA customers to discuss energy usage, offer advice and support to make the most out of their solar generated energy and live as comfortably as possible.

“We have equipped CHL tenants with a Pulse® device that communicates how they are using energy using colours red and green. Red tells them that they are using energy from the grid and they should shift their energy behaviour during this time, while green tells them that they are using solar energy,” said Nick Demourtzidis 369 Labs Co-Founder.

The project has seen strong success in its early stages with most customers forecasted to save an average of $382 a year.

CHL Community Development Manager

Leonie Fuchs, SA CHL tenant Phillip Grange and 369 Labs CEO Domenico Gelonese.

SA’s garden competition underway

The judges were spoilt for choice this year with over 20 customers entering the SA competition. We were able to secure special guest judge, Sophie Thomson from Gardening Australia to visit some of these beautiful gardens along with CHL management. It was wonderful to see the creativity and care our customers have in their homes and gardens. Thank you to all our customers for sharing their pride and joy with us.

Judges:

ABC Gardening Australia show’s Sophie Thomson was one of the judges.

The other Judges are Nikki Holbrook Housing Services Coordinator and me Leonie Fuchs Community Development Manager.

Winners:

Most Inspiring Gardener

Lencia

Best Rear Garden 1st Lisa 2nd Elizabeth 3rd Maureen

Best Front Garden 1st Bella 2nd Kirk 3rd Daryl

Best before and after 1st David 2nd Patricia 3rd Corina

Best Fruit and Vegetable 1st Anivatt 2nd Zsofi and Steve

Join our working bee group!

CHL SA held a community working bee to beautify a beautiful yet overgrown community garden in October. Thanks to everyone who answered our call out and offered their time and muscle, we were able to clear the space and rejuvenate it for the warmer months ahead.

If you enjoy working in the outdoors and would like to get involved in beautifying the neighbourhood with us? We would like to hear from you. Please contact us either by phone 8210-0200 or email infosa@chl.org.au

TAS update

TAS Happenings

Since the last edition, CHL TAS has been working behind the scenes and are proud to share that we have achieved Tier-1 status as a community housing provider. Going forward, we will be referred to as Community Housing (Tas) Ltd (CHTL).

CHTL is governed by its own board of directors and will allow us to continue to provide more housing to Tasmanians in need.

CHTL Internal Maintenance Service team member Billy has offered the opportunity to take on a contractual secondment as a Housing Officer. Billy has been an employee of CHTL for the past six years and was hired on as an apprentice and upon completion of his certificate, he then secured a

permanent position as the Internal Maintenance Assistant Supervisor. Billy is now working in our Mowbray office learning the ropes as Housing Officer please feel free to come and say hello.

The CHTL team.

Garden comp 2023 now open

Fancy yourself a green thumb guru? Well now is your time to bloom and be in the chance to win Bunnings vouchers with our 2023 Garden Competition. Open to all CHL customers no matter what level you are, there is a category for you.

Five categories:

Best edible garden

Best small garden

Best native garden

Best front yard garden

Best under 30s garden

To enter please email infotas@chl.org.au with images of your garden along with your full name, address, contact number, the category(ies) you are applying for and a small blurb on what gardening means to you.

Bunnings vouchers are available for entries that place first, second and third place for each category.

Entries close 14 October 2023. For enquiries or support, please contact the team on 6325 0700.

COMPETITION TIME!

Modular homes change lives

Rockin’ Christmas BBQ at Rocherlea

Earlier this month, Rocherlea held its first annual Christmas event hosted by the Rocherlea Men’s Shed in conjunction with the Launceston City Council, Northern Suburbs Community Centre, City Mission Snagchat and a number of other community businesses.

The free event set up for the community of Rocherlea was filled with fun kids activities, lucky door prizes, Santa show bags, interactive fun and a free BBQ on offer, fun was had by all.

Community Housing (Tas) Ltd (CHTL) was proud to support this event with a few CHTL elves present on the night. Thank you so much to the local community who turned up. We hope you had a fun filled evening.

The ModHomes program is set to deliver a minimum of 50 prefabricated modular social housing homes per year over a span of four years on land owned by the Tasmanian government. CHTL is currently managing two new modular homes under this project.

These homes will help meet the growing demand of social housing within the Tasmanian community. For more information, please contact the Mowbray office by phoning 1300 245 468.

CHL customers on the Gold Coast enjoyed a visit from Thread Together who provide new, good quality clothing for people in need.

QLDupdate

Thread together

Community Housing Queensland has a wonderful new partnership in progress with ‘Thread Together’ – a National Charity operated by Anglicare.

Thread Together offers brand-new, good quality clothing to people in need. The service means that clothing is diverted from landfill to where it’s needed most. The service can be accessed online and directly from a mobile wardrobe.

Earlier this year we received our first online order for our Maryborough based Outreach Service and Men’s Shelter. The mobile wardrobe has visited several Gold Coast complexes already with more booked for December and January.

Homeless Connect

Congratulations to this army of volunteers who delivered the 2022 Gold Coast Homeless Connect Event on the Gold Coast. Community Housing Limited Queensland team members were part of the organising committee and volunteers on the day. CHQL has been part of the Gold Coast Homelessness Network for over 10 years. On the day, customers were able to access donated clothing, medical support and advice, entertainment, free food and most importantly, a sense of support from the wider Gold Coast community in these difficult times.

A big turnout for the Homeless Connect event on the Gold Coast.

Anti – Poverty Week

Our wonderful SASH team arranged a BBQ for customers during Anti-Poverty week in partnership with 12 Baskets who kindly donated their time and provided all of the food for the BBQ.

The BBQ was a great way to acknowledge Anti-Poverty week and also promote positive social engagement with tenants, staff and contractors at the complex.

Prosser point opening

In October this year, Minister for Disability services Don Punch was present for the official opening of our latest purposebuilt SDA properties, Prosser Point Living in Bunbury. Minister Punch said, ‘It’s fantastic to see state of the art SDA projects being built in regional WA.’

The opening symbolised a celebration towards quality accommodation, emphasising the importance of inclusivity. It is truly life changing not only for the residents but also the surroundings as they are now able to participate more within the community.

The five homes are a joint project between Active Foundation, WAI Group and Community Housing Ltd and were built by WA company Celtic builders. These homes include the use of assistive technology, and bespoke floor plans to increase tenants’ independence and accessibility. The property has a large collective outdoor space with direct access from each of the five homes with a BBQ area for all residents to share.

CHL’s role is primarily as the SDA provider and tenancy and property management.

WA update

100 Coldstream

A small group of customers in our Coldstream over 55s complex recently received $300 from the CHL Social Impact Grants Program.

These tenants work together to improve the environment of common areas of the 15-unit complex with their keen love of gardening. The activity has become a positive social activity both planting, watering, and tending to the garden. The costs have been generally shared between this small group and the impact grant has enabled the tenants to purchase much needed potting mix, seeds, and plants to ensure this activity can continue to grow.

L-R: Michael Heath CEO Activ; Sean Kelly CHL WA State Manager; Don Punch WA Minister for Disability Services; Paul Stanley WAI Group Director, attend the Prosser Street opening.

Jakob’s story: Finding home

Over a year ago, Jakob found himself homeless and at the mercy of the housing crisis currently plaguing the country. He experienced 0-degree weather while finding shelter at a local park. During this time, Jakob noticed the issues affecting him and his fellow camp mates. He recognised that he was still afforded the basic decency that some of the people around him were not receiving. He noticed the lack of safety, food, discrimination, and embarrassment involved with reaching out for help. Jakob decided that he would begin volunteering with a local food van to at least begin to be a bridge for those who were scared or too intimidated to access the food they needed.

Jakob worked with a group of camp sites setting up protection for people who were misplaced and disadvantaged in Launceston. After a year of living

in a tent, Jakob was contacted by a CHTL Housing Officer for an interview, he was ecstatic. Jakob went through the interview process and was offered a home to make his own. Jakob was grateful and thanked the CHTL team for the opportunity to have a stable, healthy, and safe home once again.

Jakob is still dedicated to the local community and is actively involved with food vans around Launceston. He regularly visits the camp sites to encourage those still patiently waiting for a home of their own.

*Name has been changed in this story for privacy reasons.

Red Cross mobilizes the power of humanity to bring people and communities together in times of need and builds on community strengths to achieve the following outcomes.

Amandesa

Treat yourself to the ultimate retreat

Community Housing Limited (CHL) Group invites you to come unwind at Amandesa, a tropical oasis where you can truly relax and recharge, surrounded by rustling palms and landscaped gardens while lounging by the pool.

In 2016, it was estimated that over 90,000 Australian retirees are living overseas. Bali being one of the most popular destinations.

As Australia’s largest community housing provider, we create innovative and diverse housing options for Australians on lower incomes. That is why we are pleased to be able to offer this housing option to you.

A first of its kind, Amandesa is a self-supporting community complex for older Australians on low to moderate incomes with the desire to retire in Bali. Nestled in the coastal town of Sanur, east of Denpasar Bali, is our 9-unit complex. Unlike Kuta and Legian, Sanur comes without the hustle and bustle. You can listen to a soundtrack of gently lapping waves. It also has a plethora of restaurants, cafes and shops making for a more authentic, traditional and tranquil experience.

Costs

Rent is paid monthly and is set at AUD$700 per month for singles and AUD$900 per month for couples. For a more comprehensive list of costings including visas refer to our FAQ sheet on our CHL website.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be an Australian retiree receiving an Australian pension and be 70 years of age and under. Current CHL customers will be given first opportunity to apply.

Register your interest

If you would like to embrace a new way of living, register your interest by:

• Visiting the ‘Indonesia’ page on the CHL website and submitting an online application chl.org.au/ about/where-we-work/indonesia-2.

Further information

Please call our contact centre on 1300 245 468 or send us an email enquiry amandesa_enquiry@chl.org.au

Have Your Say

CHL aims to provide a high standard of service in all areas of our operations. We recognise however that there are times when tenants affected by our operations may wish to comment on or complain about an aspect of our service.

CHL values and appreciates all the customer feedback you have kindly shared with us. Your compliments, insights and feedback are invaluable. Your information helps guide improvements in not only how we deliver our services to you, but also in ensuring that our policies and procedures are fair and transparent.

Did you know?

Any feedback that you choose to provide, CHL appreciates and aims to resolve any issues in a timely manner.

If you are unsure of where you can send this information, you can lodge your feedback in writing, over the telephone, on our website or in person and have it treated as formal feedback.

Remember you have the right to register a formal complaint when dissatisfied with issues about our service.

You can find information such as our complaints and appeals policies, processes and timeframe guidelines via:

• Phoning our staff on 1300 245 468

• Visiting our website on www.chl.org.au

• Visiting any one of our office locations (while adhering to that office’s COVID-19 guidelines).

Repairs and maintenance

CHL’s highly trained agents will help to diagnose your repair query and will assess whether your request is an emergency, urgent or a routine repair.

Type of Repair Description and Timeframe

Urgent Repairs

Consists of those which may cause serious harm towards a person or serious damage to the property e.g. storm, fire damage, gas leak, serious roof leak, a burst water service or sewage blockage and other faults that make the premises unsafe.

Priority Repairs

Consists of those of which may cause serious damage to the property and must be maintained within 24-hours* of filing the request to reduce the risk of it becoming an urgent matter e.g. failure of oven, stove or hot water service.

Normal Repairs

Consists of those which are not threatening to a person or damaging to the property but still need to be repaired within a 21-day timeframe*.

*These timeframes may differ state to state.

For leasehold properties, the landlord is responsible for routine repairs. In most cases, CHL will get urgent work fixed within four hours. The response times to each category may vary depending on where you live.

For all repairs and maintenance queries, call us on 1300 424 573 during business hours 7 days a week. You can also email us at maintenance@chl.org.au.

For any urgent and emergency repairs, you can call us on 1300 424 573 outside of our normal office hours, evenings and weekends. If you need police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Emergency and out-of-hours service

If you need police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, call triple zero (000).

For more information visit our Maintenance page on our website.

Household tips

Staying safe during natural disasters

With the ever-changing weather patterns, we are becoming more prone to natural disasters than we have in the past. Most recently, floods have swept the nation leaving people and communities in disrepair. That is why it is vital you are prepared by equipping yourself with the proper information and tools so that when a natural disaster inevitably strikes, you are ready.

Some key points to remember:

1. Set up a plan - have an emergency evacuation plan ready for all types of natural disasters.

2. Get local information – Make sure you know where to get the latest information including alerts and announcements for your area and follow evacuation instructions as required.

3. Know where the local evacuation centre is located.

4. Keep personal documentation in a safe and dry place.

5. Note emergency and SES contact numbers for your area.

For more information, visit the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/preparing-for-naturaldisasters?context=60042

FOOD CORNER

Quinoa Mung Bean Salad

Beans is a powerful way to care for the environment. It is low carbon footprint because the farmers need to add little to no nitrogen fertilizer and uses one-third of the water to produce other protein sources.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, washed

• 4⅓ cups water, for cooking quinoa and mung beans

• 3 cups kale, washed, leaves only, ripped into small leaves

• 1 cup mung beans

• 1 red onion, small, thinly sliced

• ½ cucumber, washed, cut into small pieces

• 1 cup cherry tomato, washed, cut in half lengthways

• 2 cups flat leaf parsley, washed, finely chopped

• 1 cup mint leaves, washed, finely chopped

Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin

• 1½ lemon, juice from fresh lemons

• 3 clove garlic, crushed

• 3 tsp sumac, powder

• 1½ tsp salt, sea salt

Method

1. Thoroughly wash the mung beans and drain any excess water

2. In a medium saucepan, add the mung beans along with 3 cups of water. Bring to boil, cover and cook on medium heat for 20-25 mins. You want the beans to be cooked but not mushy. You could use a pressure cooker for this step. Drain the cooked beans and allow them to cool completely before adding to the other salad ingredients.

3. Next, thoroughly wash the quinoa and drain any excess water

4. In another medium saucepan, add the quinoa and 1⅓ cup of water. Bring to boil, cover and cook on medium heat for 8 minutes. Allow the quinoa to cool completely before adding to the other salad ingredients.

5. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, kale, mung beans, onions, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley and mint.

Sumac Lemon Dressing

1. Add the dressing ingredients to a small mixing jug or bowl. Whisk to combine.

2. When ready to serve, pour the dressing on the salad and toss to mix well. Serve immediately.

Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Sourced from Shahzadi Devje website.