“Thank you Argyle Housing for helping me to find housing that meets my needs so well. After some problems last year I am so happy where I am living. Thank you again.”
(Campbelltown tenant)
Argyle Housing’s Access and Allocations team is the first contact point for people in need of safe, secure and affordable housing. The team’s role is to assist people to access either social or private market accommodation that meets their needs.
In addition to its primary function, the A&A team plays an important role within the community as an advocate for homeless services. The team also collaborates with local government, community groups and private business to develop adaptive and innovative solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups within the community.
The A&A team works closely with local Family And Community Services (FACS) Housing Service teams to facilitate the housing assistance products Argyle Housing does not have access to, but which benefit clients. This collaboration has been very successful and has achieved many positive outcomes.
“Our biggest challenge is assisting our homeless clients who are struggling to find affordable, suitable private rentals. The housing waitlist is so long! We offer various housing assistance products and advice to these clients but they are often the most vulnerable in our society and desperately need support. We also struggle to meet the housing needs of people living with a disability who need specific physical modifications to a standard property. This takes time, money and resources and the wait for modified properties is often extremely long.” (Julie Roberts, A&A Team Leader)
Eric embodies the term adaptability in every moment of his day to day living. As a quadriplegic, Eric lives an independent lifestyle and continues to overcome obstacles with a positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude that has allowed him to achieve remarkable outcomes for himself and other people who live with a disability.
After the accident that left him a quadriplegic, Eric was quick to learn how to cope with a new way of life. He is a passionate advocate for those in the same situation and offers disability and emotional awareness training to businesses, and consults on workplace and home design accessibility.
For the past 11 years Eric has been a disability advocate across the greater community, fighting to have local train stations upgraded with disability access. Eric recently participated in Argyle Housing’s Strategic Plan review providing valuable feedback and ideas on how Argyle Housing can improve its approach to supporting tenants living with a disability.
Always humble, Eric believes that he doesn’t do anything special, that he is no different to anybody else and is not doing anything that others couldn’t do in the same situation.
Argyle has been proud to collaborate with Eric over the many years of his tenancy to ensure that he is able to continue living in his home and to maintain his amazing garden. Eric reminisces that;
“Despite early setbacks or ‘teething problems’ with modifications, Argyle Housing has always provided me with a fully co-operative discussion towards any modifications or other assistance that I have needed over the past decade or so. Argyle Housing has been very supportive over the years and has provided me with understanding and acceptance. The staff I have dealt with have been a credit to the organisation and have enabled me to live as independently as possible.
To sum it all up I’ve had many experiences over the last 16 years, good and bad, and have weathered the storm coming out the other end more knowledgeable for the experience. When I need to wind down I spend time in my gardens. I do all my own planting and propagating although my carers do assist from time to time with things like tying up tomatoes, hammering in stakes etc. I also sell succulents in my, sometimes very limited, free time as a hobby.”
“We are thankful for the Argyle Housing community. They have helped us through the last 19 years with support that we had not received from anywhere else. Because of that we looked after the house like it was our own home.”
At the end of 1999, Ruta and her family moved into their home as Argyle Housing tenants in the Campbelltown area. It was a time when the family of seven was young and there was a need for them to live in affordable housing. Argyle Housing was able to provide them with a 4 bedroom house in the local area and the family of seven has been there since then.
The comfort of living in a house that was central to schools and local amenities meant that as the children grew they would never be too far from the family home. For Ruta and her husband, the family unit is one of the most important influences on their children’s lives.
“I would like to thank Argyle Housing for blessing us with all they have provided over the years. Any time we have needed anything fixed around the house, Dave has been there to help and Jaylene has always provided us with the best service. Our family has been able to grow in a comfortable environment and we are proud to see our children grow into young adults.”
As the family grew older, the children needed greater personal space for their study and personal lives. Instead of the children moving out, the family discussed and agreed to move into a larger house that would suit their needs. The decision was not an easy one. The family had spent the last 19 years of their lives in the current house and had so many good memories that made them feel like they were home.
“Many of our friends had decided to move out of the area over the years, but we loved our house and the Argyle Housing community so much. Now with the kids being older and also working, we are able to afford a bigger house where we all can have our own private space. Thank you Argyle Housing.”
Throughout 2017/18, Argyle Housing has continued to provide tenants with educational opportunities and support that enhance their capacity to find employment, achieve financial independence and, potentially, exit social housing.
The Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship program commenced in July 2014 as a Board funded initiative for tenants who wanted to study and/or learn new skills. The Scholarship program has continued grow with $57,505 funding in total to 30 June 2018.
The Scholarship continues to support a range of Argyle Housing tenants, from young people who have just left school, to adults who are studying to improve their chance of finding employment. Argyle Housing’s Scholarship recipients have expressed a renewed sense of hope for the future, increased self-worth and, for some, improved health/mental health.
“I have always been motivated to learn, and it was the right time for me to take the next step forward in my life. My motivation extends beyond myself, I pushed my daughter to take on her studies and it has been a significant step forward for her as well…I am so proud of her achievements.” (Melodie achieved a Certificate IV Education Support, and Ruby is in her second year of a Bachelor Communications/Media & Art qualification - both scholarship recipients)
Argyle Housing would like to thank its 2017/18 Scholarship co-sponsors, AJ Gallagher and KPMG. The additional funding provided by these partners enabled Argyle Housing to offer additional scholarships for the year.
We are confident that the scholarship program will continue to grow and enable more educational opportunities for Argyle Housing tenants. With additional support in 2018/19 from the Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme and Highlands Garden Society we are looking forward to another successful scholarship year.
“The Argyle Housing Scholarship helped me with the costs associated with studying but also helped me focus on where my life is going. I have to make sure I balance study and home life, but I am really looking forward to seeing where it takes me. IT is such an in-demand industry!” (James, Certificate IV Business Administration).
Since its inception, the scholarship program has funded a total of $57,505.00 in scholarships. Overall, 28 tenants have completed their study and 10 are continuing. Four tenants have obtained full time work as a result of their studies from the scholarship program, whilst others are actively looking for work or volunteering in their communities.
“It took me 6 months of hard work and dedication, but it was absolutely worth it. Just go for it, no need to delay it [studying] because time will go by quickly either way, especially if you are experiencing addictions. I am now a proud person who has completed his Certificate II in Business Studies. I am no longer gambling. I am leading an active life selling the Big Issue, enjoy bowling with friends and am a regular gym visitor. Thank you very much Argyle Housing, without you this would not have been possible.” (ACT Tenant).
“You cannot rush someone’s journey towards recovery; however, you can provide the bridge that enables change.” (Argyle Housing Tenancy Action Worker, Young)
Stable housing and support from the Argyle Housing team in Young has helped to enable Francene to transform her life and start to plan for the future. Francene is proud to share her story and hopes that it will inspire others to reach out and dare to hope that change is possible.
Francene is an amazing single mum and Argyle Housing tenant who has experienced significant life events that affected her deeply. Diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety she had no supports in place when she was first housed.
A turning point for Francene was meeting Argyle Housing’s Tenancy Action Worker in Young. Over time she gained the confidence and trust to ask for help. Francene had decided she had had enough of living her life the way she was – she wanted more!
“I took one action step and achieved a goal - it felt so good. Then another action step and before long I had completely changed my life inside and out.”
2018 sees Francene stepping out with a new look, house proud, improved health, improved relationships, incredible weight loss and a recipient of an Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship. Francene is currently studying a Certificate III in Individual Support at TAFE and has linked with a job agency to obtain work in this field.
“I could not have achieved everything I have this year without God’s help. Reconnecting with my faith has given me the strength I needed and I have appreciated the support I received from Argyle. I could not have done this alone.”
In partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Macarthur Community College and Robertson Technical Centre, Argyle Housing has been able to offer its tenants in the Wingecarribee area the opportunity to undertake three separate computer training courses that were held throughout 2018.
Funded by Wingecarribee Shire Council, a six week Introduction to Computers course was organised for Argyle Housing tenants and low income community members to enable them to upskill, gain employment or advance with further education. The initiative was very successful with six ladies completing the training.
“I learnt about new technology plus computers and it helped me to get ahead in my Certificate II in Business.” (Corina)
Macarthur Community College offered a free basic computer course for Argyle Housing tenants and a very successful first round of training was held in Argyle Housing’s Bowral office in early 2018. 14 tenants in total completed the basic training and were so excited with their new skills that they requested further training.
As a result, two units from a Certificate III qualification in Business Administration was conducted by the college in Bowral during July, August and September 2018, with 12 tenants attaining these units.
“The course has been fabulous. I now know what I am actually doing on computers and I can do things like budgeting with ease. The whole experience has been empowering. Thank you” (Yvette)
Thank you to our partners without whom these opportunities would not have come to life.
‘I don’t know where I would be without Argyle Housing. I am very grateful for the support they have given to make me feel safe and linking me with other services.’
Frank’s life has changed for the better after meeting the Albury Tenancy Officer Lauren and the Tenancy Action Worker, Chantelle. Lauren and Chantelle have built a positive relationship with Frank over time and, recognising he was at risk in his accommodation, supported Frank to transfer to a lovely new unit with his loyal companion dog, Tammy.
The team from Argyle Housing were there to help Frank through the move. This included helping with the transfer of his belongings and furniture. Chantelle visited Frank at the new property to follow up on how he had progressed.
Frank reported he wasn’t coping very well. He was forgetting things such as if he had eaten dinner or why he had walked into a room. He was also getting lost when driving. Most worrying of all was that he couldn’t remember if he had fed his dog or not and was frequently feeding her twice. Having also reported that he had stopped taking some medication as he thought it would help his memory, Chantelle worked with Frank to refer him to My Aged Care for an assessment to take place.
Chantelle supported Frank with connecting electricity and gas to the new property and assisted Frank with making doctor appointments and referrals to ensure Frank received enough support to live happily and safely in his unit. Frank has now been approved for a high priority care package, which will provide Frank with access to transport, social visits and in-home support.
Frank has a very close relationship with Tammy (his pet dog). Tammy makes him feel safe and is a great social support for Frank. Frank is very grateful he was able to keep Tammy when he moved to his new property.
Argyle Housing is committed to assisting people on low to moderate incomes to access housing solutions that meet their needs. We are responsive and accountable to our tenants and strive to enable improved social and economic outcomes, whilst acknowledging the role stable housing plays in the lives of people who are not able to live elsewhere.
We provide tenancy management services to 4601 people from Campbelltown to the Victorian border, down to Wollongong and in the ACT. Tenancy services are provided from 13 separate office locations with the Management, Finance, Rent Review, Access and Allocations and Asset functions centralised in our head office in Bowral.
Tenants are the heart of Argyle Housing and we would particularly like to thank the tenants who have shared their inspirational stories in this annual report.
Ainslie
Gungahlin
Bowral
Campbelltown
Griffith
Queanbeyan
Goulburn
Wagga Wagga
Albury
Yass
Young
Wollondilly
Wollongong
204
102
1440
836
216
300
113
300
100
217
310
385
43
“Thank you Argyle Housing for helping me to find housing that meets my needs so well. After some problems last year I am so happy where I am living. Thank you again”
Campbelltown Tenant
Argyle Housing’s Access and Allocations team is the first contact point for people in need of safe, secure and affordable housing. The team’s role is to assist people to access either social or private market accommodation that meets their needs.
In addition to its primary function, the A&A team plays an important role within the community as an advocate for homeless services. The team also collaborates with local government, community groups and private business to develop adaptive and innovative solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups within the community.
The A&A team works closely with local Family And Community Services (FACS) Housing Service teams to facilitate the housing assistance products Argyle Housing does not have access to, but which benefit clients. This collaboration has been very successful and has achieved many positive outcomes.
Read full storyNumber of people Argyle houses who live with a disability
Male tenants with Argyle Housing
“Despite his physical restrictions, Eric looks for the shining light in the task ahead and works to turn a negative into a positive.”
Eric embodies the term adaptability in every moment of his day to day living. As a quadriplegic, Eric lives an independent lifestyle and continues to overcome obstacles with a positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude that has allowed him to achieve remarkable outcomes for himself and other people who live with a disability.
After the accident that left him a quadriplegic, Eric was quick to learn how to cope with a new way of life. He is a passionate advocate for those in the same situation and offers disability and emotional awareness training to businesses, and consults on workplace and home design accessibility.
Read full storyNumber of people Argyle houses who have English as a second language
Making the move to private rental
“We are thankful for the Argyle Housing community. They have helped us through the last 19 years with support that we had not received from anywhere else. Because of that we looked after the house like it was our own home.”
At the end of 1999, Ruta and her family moved into their home as Argyle Housing tenants in the Campbelltown area. It was a time when the family of seven was young and there was a need for them to live in affordable housing. Argyle Housing was able to provide them with a 4 bedroom house in the local area and the family of seven has been there since then.
Read full storyThroughout 2017/18, Argyle Housing has continued to provide tenants with educational opportunities and support that enhance their capacity to find employment, achieve financial independence and, potentially, exit social housing.
The Argyle Housing Tertiary Scholarship program commenced in July 2014 as a Board funded initiative for tenants who wanted to study and/or learn new skills. The Scholarship program has continued grow with $57,505 funding in total to 30 June 2018.
Read full story“You cannot rush someone’s journey towards recovery; however, you can provide the bridge that enables change.” (Argyle Housing Tenancy Action Worker, Young)
Stable housing and support from the Argyle Housing team in Young has helped to enable Francene to transform her life and start to plan for the future. Francene is proud to share her story and hopes that it will inspire others to reach out and dare to hope that change is possible.
Read full storySingle parents with Argyle housing
Female tenants with Argyle Housing
“The course has been fabulous. I now know what I am actually doing on computers and I can do things like budgeting with ease. The whole experience has been empowering. Thank you” (Yvette)
In partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Macarthur Community College and Robertson Technical Centre, Argyle Housing has been able to offer its tenants in the Wingecarribee area the opportunity to undertake three separate computer training courses that were held throughout 2018.
Read full storyNumber of people Argyle houses who are over 55 years old
‘I don’t know where I would be without Argyle Housing. I am very grateful for the support they have given to make me feel safe and linking me with other services.’
Frank’s life has changed for the better after meeting the Albury Tenancy Officer Lauren and the Tenancy Action Worker, Chantelle. Lauren and Chantelle have built a positive relationship with Frank over time and, recognising he was at risk in his accommodation, supported Frank to transfer to a lovely new unit with his loyal companion dog, Tammy.
Read full story