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Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 1
Contents
From the CEO’s Desk
From the CEO’s Desk 1
Important Dates
1
PLH Contact Details
1
Tenant Customer
2
Important Messages
for Tenants
3—4
Tenant Programs
5
Our Amazing Ten-
6
Community
Announcements
7-12
Healthy Recipes
13
Kids Holiday Fun
14
Attachments Include;
2015 Events Calendar
Chill your Power Bill
Financial Rights Factsheet
 Annual Report



Welcome to our first edition of this years Tenant Newsletter. Hard to
believe it’s the end of Summer and the first quarter of the year is almost over.
Please take a moment to read the attached Customer Expectations
and Service Charter; This documents explains how we will deliver
service to you, our tenants, and what we expect from you in return.
Whilst our aim has always been to provide a high quality community
housing service for our clients, we are now highlighting the fact in a
new stand alone document. If you would like a copy sent to you, please
contact the office. It is also available to download on PLH’s website.
The Tenant Programs are proving again to be popular. It’s good to see
so many of you using these for yourself and family members, particularly the Scholarships, SHEW and Learner Driver programs.
The New Events Calendar for 2015 is also enclosed. Take advantage of
these forums and social outings and if you need assistance with
transport cost or child minding fees, let us know.
Please take care with heaters as Winter approaches and ensure your
smoke alarm is working. There is also some good information and tips
from EWON included with this newsletter.
If you have any articles or stories you would like to see published in
the newsletter please let us know.
Keith Gavin – CEO
IMPORTANT DATES:
Easter Holidays: Good Friday 3rd April—Easter Monday 6th April; School Holidays: Friday 3rd April—Friday 17th April; Anzac Day—Sat 25th April; 2015 PLH
Scholarship Applications open for Round 2 in June; See attached Calendar of
Events for Tenant Forums and Social Outings for 2015.
PLH CONTACT DETAILS
Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
9am to 5pm
Street Address:
Suite 2, Level 1
10 William Street Gosford
Phone: (02) 4324 7617
Toll Free: 1300 654 973
WEB: www.pacificlink.org.au
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1888
GOSFORD NSW 2250
Fax: (02) 4324 1601
Email: [email protected]
After Hours Emergencies: 0409 341 457
Entry via Mall next to R & R Café Take lift to 1st floor — Disability Access friendly
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 2
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 3
EXTRA RENT PAYMENTS
DID YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO PAY EXTRA MONEY TOWARDS YOUR NON-RENT ACCOUNT?
BY PAYING SOME EXTRA MONEY
FROM AS LITTLE AS $10 PER FORTNIGHT—ADDS UP TO $130 OVER 6
MONTHS. YOU COULD HAVE A GOOD
PART OF YOUR WATER BILL PAID
FOR, OR ALL OF IT IN SOME CASES.
EITHER WAY YOU’RE STILL AHEAD.
The Energy and
Water Ombudsman (EWON)
Warns against
using outdoor
gas cookers inside
EWON IS WARNING consumers about
the dangers of using outdoor gas cookers and barbecues inside their homes
and is urging customers struggling with
power bills to seek help to stay connected to energy services.
If a customer is unable to reach an agreement with their electricity or gas provider
about a payment plan or extension, they
can contact EWON for assistance on
Freecall 1800 246 545 or lodge a complaint online.
IMPORTANT MESSAGES
FOR TENANTS
Contact Us
If you have any questions or require
further information about your rent
or non-rent payments, please call
the Accounts department and speak
with a staff member.
If you are having financial
difficulties call today !
WATER METER READINGS
FOR THOSE TENANTS IN CAPITAL PROPERTIES, (NOT LEASED THROUGH PRIVATE
REAL ESTATE) A REMINDER THAT YOUR 6
MONTHLY WATER METER READING WILL BE
CARRIED OUT BY PLH CONTRACTORS IN
MARCH / APRIL 2015
REMINDER:
IT IS THE TENANT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE
THAT WATER METERS ARE
CLEAR OF GRASS AND VEGETATION AND
EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY OUR CONTRACTORS
AND COUNCIL.
Where tenants are using these cookers indoors because of a faulty stove or oven,
EWON urges them to notify their landlord
or real estate agent immediately to report
the issue and request a repair.
AN EXCEPTION IS IF THE WATER METERS
ARE IN COMMON AREA AND THE GARDENS
ARE MAINTAINED BY PLH.
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 4
IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR TENANTS
TENANT REFERENCE COMMITTEE
The Tenant Reference Committee (TRC) has kicked off the first meeting for the year with 2 new tenant
members, Brie and Greg, and a new director, Wal, who has replaced David since his retirement
from the Board last year. We welcome you all and look forward to a productive year.
Agenda items for discussion included strategies for several new tenant programs, contributions and
articles for the tenant newsletter and PLH’s Customer Charter statement. The TRC provides valuable
input and feedback to the Board of Directors and helps us to understand the needs of our tenants in
greater context.
If you would like to discuss any ideas or have any questions for the TRC, please call the office and we
will pass your details on otherwise, you can pop into the tenant forums and catch up with members
there.
Did You Know..?
First Lady: On 5 June 1988 at age 34, Kay Cottee sailed her boat, Blackmores
First Lady, into Sydney Harbour to greet more than 10,000 well-wishers. Cottee
departed for her 46,000 kilometre 189 days earlier, on 29 November 1987 and
became the first woman to circumnavigate the world single handed.
Wondrous Wildlife: Madagascar, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the
coast of Africa, is home to 22 million people as well as many forms of wildlife. About 75 percent of the
species found in Madagascar live nowhere else on the planet .
Your tongue is the fastest healing part
of your body
Fleas can accelerate 50 times faster
than a space shuttle
All the planets in our solar system
could fit inside Jupiter
Toilets use 35% of indoor water
use
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 5
Tenant Programs / Information
Learner
Driver
Program
Education Scholarship
Program
Round 2 of the 2015 Scholarships
will close Friday 12th June 2015…
We are very excited to announce that
PLH’s Learner Driver Programs now provides 10 lessons (plus 1 free from NRMA
driving school) for each student.
If you're thinking about studies next year or
maybe your child needs a laptop to help them
with their schoolwork, why not apply.
If you are a tenant between the ages of 16—19
years old living in a Pacific Link property who are
applying for or hold a current learners licence, an
Australian Citizen or permanent resident and have
no outstanding tenancy issues you are eligible to
apply for the Learner Driver Program.
Applicants must have a tenancy of at least 12 months
with a good history i.e. rent
payments on time.
Also, if you are a previous applicant and would
like a top-up to the 10 lessons, please give us a
call.
Laptop Program
We currently have HP PAVN Laptops available for purchase. The model is 11-N034 and
costs $498.00 each.
Eligible tenants can purchase a laptop interest free
for a minimum payment of
$20 per fortnight.
No Age limit
Sport Health Exercise & Wellbeing
The SHEW Program offers an amount of up to
$250 to assist each eligible child (between 5–12
years of age) living in Pacific Link Housing,
with some of the cost associated with sporting,
physical activity and exercise.
The SHEW Funds can be used to purchase
items or services, which will help the tenant in
their physical education or activities e.g. arts,
dancing, football and swimming etc.
For further information contact the office or download a
factsheet and application
online.
Application Forms and Factsheets for all of the above programs are available to
download online at www.pacificlink.org.au or you can contact the office for further
information on 4324 7617.
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 6
Our Amazing Tenants
In the 12 months that I was a client at Pacific Link Housing, I was lucky enough to be awarded the
Sheila Astolfi Scholarship package. In this package, I received a laptop with a wireless mouse and carry
bag, a printer, a Wi-Fi modem and a pre-paid internet voucher – I was so excited because it was my
first laptop that was my very own! As part of the scholarship package, Pacific Link also paid for me to
undertake my Certificate I & II in Business at ET Australia. This opportunity was life changing for me!
After receiving the scholarship and completing my Certificate I & II in Business, I then went on to complete my Certificate III.
After completing my Certificate III in Business, I was able to secure a full-time position as a Receptionist and Administration Assistant for a local company that provides Domestic Assistance and Social
Support services to our elderly community, and I feel very lucky to be working in such an amazing and
rewarding industry.
I left Pacific Link Housing in mid January 2015 as I secured my own private rental with my partner.
Being a part of Pacific Link’s youth housing program and scholarship program has helped me grow as a
person enormously, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Pacific Link’s amazing community
support services.
After being so fortunate, I have been inspired to give something back to my community. I am now a
member of the NSW RFS, as a Volunteer Fire-fighter. This is something that I find very rewarding, and
I particularly enjoy attending community engagement activities. I am also a new member of the Young
Labor party, I decided to join Young Labor as I am keen to have input into government policy and I am
passionate about advocating for the needs of disadvantaged young people.
I strongly feel that Pacific Link should be
recognised for the amazing things that they are
doing, and deserve our support so that they can
continue to create opportunities that offer a better
future for the youth of our community!
Regards,
Sharni
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 7
Community Announcements
RSPCA PET CARE—POOPS PROGRAM
A pet can mean everything to an older person, especially if they are socially isolated. The RSPCA Pets of
Older Persons (POOPs) program helps these people
by looking after their pets in times of crisis.
The aim is to keep pets and their elderly owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as
long as possible.
RSPCA can assist people 65 years of age or older with
temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency
boarding of the pet should the owner require medical
treatment, respite or other assistance.
They also help with veterinary treatment, assist with
pet grooming, and conduct home visits to assist with
basic pet care. These services are also available to palliative care patients of any age who are socially isolated.
As with all RSPCA services, POOPs does not receive
any ongoing government funding, so relies on your
generosity to continue to help people and their pets.
Volunteers for the program are also welcome. For
more
information,
please
email
[email protected] or phone (02) 9782 4408.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW
(EWON) is urging consumers to make use of
the online resource, Chill Your Winter Power Bill, to help avoid the stress of power bill
shock without missing out on the comfort of
winter warmth.
Quarterly billing means that many households won’t see how their energy charges
add up for several months, but with the colder weather setting in, now is the time to start
thinking and acting.
Chill Your Winter Power Bill (see attached factsheet) consists of consumer
tips, information and referrals laid out in
simple steps that consumers can take now to
help avoid bill shock, debt and disconnection
later.
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON)
provides a free, fair and independent dispute
resolution service for electricity, gas and
some water customers in NSW.
If you have a problem, contact your energy
or water supplier first. If you are not able to
resolve the problem, or you are not satisfied
with the company's response, you can contact EWON on freecall 1800 246 545 or
lodge a complaint online.
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 8
Community Announcements
The Indigenous Youth Careers Pathways
Program (IYCP)
gives Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander students
a head start in
their careers through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
National Youth Week 2015
National Youth Week (NYW) is the largest celebration of
young people in Australia. Thousands of young people aged
12-25 from across Australia are involved in NYW each year.
In 2015, NYW will be held from 10-19 April.
New theme. Check. New design. Check. National
Youth Week 2015 is gearing up!
It starts with us is the theme for 2015 and was decided
by the National Planning Group Young Members. Hand-inhand with the 2015 theme is an awesome new design that is
featured on all the NYW promotional material including
this website!
For information on how you can get involved in activities
near or far from you, visit NYW Around Australia for all
state/territory contact details.
National Youth Week is an opportunity for young
people to:
• share ideas
From our Youth Survey results, we know that
starting work is particularly important to young
Indigenous Australians.
In fact, young Aboriginal people put a higher value on getting a job than their non-Aboriginal
peers, although they feel they are less likely to
find employment or study further after school.
IYCP is an Australian Government program that
aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people who make the transition from school into further education, training or employment.
The program combines school studies with paid
work and training, helping students to plan a life
after high school. Students will learn a trade or
occupation at Certificate II, III or IV level while
they finish high school.
• attend live events
• have their voices heard on issues of concern to them
• showcase their talents
• celebrate their contribution to the community
Available to students in Years 11 and 12 (and in
some cases Year 10), IYCP helps Aboriginal youth
overcome barriers to building a career.
• have fun!
Contact your local Mission Australia office to
find out what Indigenous Youth Careers Pathways Programs are available in your local area.
For further information and to find out what
events are in your local area visit http://
www.youthweek.com/
Call 13 11 24 or search for you local office
in the service directory.
• take part in competitions
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 9
Community Announcements
NSW State Election - 28 March 2015
In this election 93 candidates for the Legislative Assembly will be elected, and in the Legislative Council, 21 of the 42 seats will be contested. This election was preceded by an electoral redistribution which
has meant that district boundaries have altered. Two Easy Read Guides focusing on the NSW State
Election on 28 March 2015 are now available.
1.
Get your name on the Roll
2. How do I fill out my voting papers?
These resources are available for download on the NSW Electoral Commission's website.
http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/about_elections/community_education_resources/
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 10
Community Announcements
Be Inspired 14 - 22 March 2015
The 2015 NSW Seniors Week magazine features
NSW Government and Telstra which prostories from our inspiring ambassadors who share
vides low cost or free training to older people
their wisdom and tips on enriching their lives
across NSW.
through art, sport, technology, food, fashion, recreation and travel.
Tech Savvy Seniors helps older people to access
online information, websites and services in orIt also includes an interview with Kathryn Greiner
der to enhance their social engagement, interacAO, relevant information from key service providtion and connection with friends, families and
ers and sponsors, as well as event highlights across
communities.
the state.
Download here http://
www.nswseniorsweek.com.au/about_us/
magazine or pick up a copy by visiting one of
these selected outlets:
 Service NSW service centres
 Telstra retail stores
 Fone Zone stores
 Westfield concierge desks
 NRMA MotorServe service centres
 your local council or library
Helping older people to use technology makes a
big difference in people's lives, helping people to
stay connected and active.
Since the commencement of Tech Savvy Seniors,
more than 9,000 people aged over 60 across
NSW have attended training and other events to
learn to use computers, smart phones, laptops
and tablets. To find out more, go to the Tech Savvy Seniors page in the Ages 65+ tab on this website, or visit: www.telstra.com/seniors
The theme of the 2015 concerts will be
'Viva Las Vegas', channelling the big Vegas NSW Seniors Week is your time to shine. With
hundreds of events and special offers across the
state between 14 – 22 March, there's something
new for everyone to try. From art, music, entertainment and technology, to sport, recreation,
health and good nutrition, there's a wealth of exThe concerts will be held on Tuesday 17 March periences on offer to stimulate your mind, reinat 4.30pm and Wednesday 18 March at vigorate your body and enrich your life.
10.30am and 2.30pm. A concert for NSW seniors groups at 11.00am on Tuesday 17 March has The 2015 NSW Seniors Week Expo is being
held on 17-18 March 2015, in conjunction with
already booked out.
the Premier’s Gala Concerts at the Qantas Credit
Tickets can be booked at www.ticketek.com.au/ Union Arena. Information and giveaways from
nswseniorsweek and in person at participating government, community and
commercial exhibition stands will
Ticketek outlets and Westfield Concierge desks.
Tech Savvy Seniors is a partnership between the be available to concert goers.
shows, from the years of Frank Sinatra, Elvis and
the Rat Pack to more contemporary showstoppers
from artists such as Tom Jones, Celine Dion and
Elton John," Mr Ajaka said.
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 11
Community Announcements
Harmony Day 2015
Celebrations at
The Entrance Foreshore
Before you sign up to a training
course know your rights
NSW Fair Trading is running an education
campaign to alert consumers about inappropriate conduct by training providers and
marketers in relation to marketing VET FEEHELP courses.
Date and Time: 29 March 2015 – 10am-3pm
Over 5% of the Central Coast’s population was born
in a non-English speaking country and almost all of
these people speak a language other than English in
their homes. This incredible cultural diversity is worthy of celebrating. By participating in these activities,
we can learn and understand how all Australians
from diverse backgrounds equally belong to our community and make it a better place. Wyong Shire
Council and Gosford City Council are committed to
the principles of multiculturalism. Both Councils
have agreed to host a Central Coast-wide Harmony
Day celebration each year. In 2015, Harmony Day
celebrations will be held in the Wyong Shire at the
Entrance Waterfront. Everyone is invited to come
along and celebrate our diversity through dance, art,
music, storytelling, cooking and sharing cultural
meals.
Location: Memorial Park, The Entrance Foreshore
The Entrance NSW 2261
Entry is free
The campaign aims to provide greater awareness and understanding to NSW consumers
about their rights and obligations before
signing up for a training course under the
Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
The key message of the campaign is a ‘free
gift could cost you thousands’.
To help consumers understand their rights
before signing up for a training course, Fair
Trading has produced an Education Kit designed to help educate you, your clients and
the wider community.
For more
information
call 13 32 20
Legal Aid NSW produces easy to understand resources to help people with their legal problem. All
our publications can be viewed or ordered online.
Need more information?
Visit http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/getlegal-help/factsheets-and-resources
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 12
Healthy Recipes
Fried rice
Make your favourite take-away dish at home.
10 mins preparation + 15 mins cooking (plus cooking and cooling time for rice)
Serves 6
Ingredients
 1 cup long grain rice
 2 eggs, beaten
 Olive or canola oil spray
 1 teaspoon olive or sesame oil
 75g lean leg ham, diced
 1 onion, diced
 1 red or green capsicum, seeded and diced
 2 cups Chinese cabbage, shredded
 1 cup green peas, cooked
 1 cup sweet corn kernels, cooked
 1 cup bean shoots
 2 spring onions, diced
 3 tablespoons reduced-salt soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
This recipe contains 13 serves of vegies.
Cook rice following packet directions, drain and cool completely. Lightly spray a heated non-stick
pan with oil and pour in eggs to make a thin omelette. Cook over gentle heat until set. Transfer to a
plate and slice thinly. Set aside. Lightly spray the same pan with oil and cook ham and onion until
golden. Add capsicum, cabbage, peas, and corn. Cover and toss well for several minutes. Add remaining ingredients except omelette. Stir until sauce has mixed through. Fold in sliced omelette. Serve
hot.
Kids Treat
A fun snack that everyone will enjoy making.
2 mins preparation + 4 mins cooking
Makes 6 cups
Ingredients
½ cup popping corn
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup dried apple, chopped
1 cup sultanas
Put the popping corn in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 4 minutes or cook in a
saucepan or electric frypan according to packet instructions. Stand popcorn for 1 minute.
Mix remaining ingredients into the popcorn.
Autumn 2015
Newsletter Page 13
KIDS HOLIDAY FUN
Win a family pass to
The Sydney Royal Easter Show!
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event,
attracting close to 900,000 people each year.
It is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural
traditions to our modern day lifestyles, providing unique
experiences for everyone.
 Visit the Farmyard Nursery and wash or pat a chook, pat a pig or milk a cow at
The Dairy Farmers Milking Barn. See Australian Cattle dogs in action at Bonnie
Yard Dog demonstrations.

Channel Seven LIVE Village

For the most exhilarating and thrilling rides
in the country head to the Coca-Cola Carnival for fast and furious rides such as the Crazy Spinning Coaster and Extreme


My Little
Pony Live
on Stage
Meet and
Greet
Transformers
Bumblebee
and
Optimus
Prime
Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles
on Stage Live
Light up the kids’ faces with delight in the Kids Carnival with classic family rides including the
Carousel, Super Slide and Wave Swinger.
To win a Family Pass, colour in the attached “Happy Easter” poster , write your name, age and address on it and return to PLH PO Box 1888 Gosford NSW 2250, Entries close 20th March 2015.
The family tickets include; Entry into Show including train/transport, carnival ride tickets and meal
vouchers.