ANNUAL 2018 - Access Housing
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2018 ANNUAL REPORT
2018 WINNER Haven @ Rockingham
CONTENTS
OUR STORY 2
OUR BUSINESS PLAN 2018–2020 4
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT 6
OUR GOVERNANCE 10
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM 13
OUR PEOPLE 14
OUR INFLUENCE 16
OUR AWARDS 18
OUR TENANTS 20
OUR PROPERTIES 28
OUR VALUED PARTNERS 34
OUR COMMUNITY 36
OUR FINANCIALS 37
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // Contents 01
OUR STORY
OUR VISION
Access Housing Australia is a leading
affordable housing provider delivering
strong growth in housing options which
make a difference to people’s lives.
OUR PURPOSE
To make a difference to people’s lives
through provision of affordable housing
solutions and quality services.
OUR VALUES
\\ Fairness
\\ Respect
\\ Integrity
\\ Sustainability
\\ Cooperation
02 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR STORY
ACCESS HOUSING
AUSTRALIA LTD
Access Housing is one of Western Australia’s leading not-for-profit providers
of Community Housing. We proudly manage, purchase and develop secure,
sustainable and affordable homes for some of WA’s most financially and socially
vulnerable people including seniors, people living with a disability or mental
health illness, families and singles.
With more than 1,800 homes under management
across the Perth, Peel and South West regions, we
are one of WA’s largest non-government social and
affordable housing providers.
Access Housing works closely with a range of specialist
support providers and government agencies operating
in the disability, aged care, mental health, homeless,
youth housing, domestic violence and substance
addiction sectors to further assist our tenants beyond
our primary role as landlord. We encourage at-risk
tenants to engage with appropriate support services to
assist them in the ongoing stability and sustainability
of their tenancy.
Our property development projects deliver new homes
in high demand areas for people seeking affordable
rental, owner-occupier and investment options. Our
property sales to National Rental Affordability Scheme
investors further increase the much-needed supply
of affordable rental housing in WA, complementing
the homes Access Housing builds and retains for our
Community Housing portfolio growth.
The company’s not-for-profit status allows us to
reinvest earnings generated through our core
business into funding programs to support tenants to
access education, training and employment options
to increase financial resilience and break welfare
dependency. It also allows us to reinvest profits into
maintaining and growing our property portfolio which,
in turn, enhances our capacity to facilitate pathways
into and out of the social housing system for current
and prospective tenants.
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR STORY 03
OUR BUSINESS PLAN 2018–2020
Creating
Awareness
Creating Creating
Stability Homes
Creating Business
Choices Enablers
04 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR BUSINESS PLAN 2018–2020
• Influence Federal and State housing policy.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
• Raise public awareness of housing
Creating Awareness affordability issues and the potential
A competitive and contestable of the Community Housing sector.
affordable housing system that • Increase Access Housing’s market profile.
facilitates the growth of a large-scale • Demonstrate the social value impact of our
Community Housing sector. activities to leverage philanthropic, social
impact and government investment.
• Ensure continuous improvement in customer
MEETING HOUSING NEEDS focused services that are compliant with
Creating Stability legislation and regulatory requirements.
Sustainable, stable tenancies • Proactively manage tenancy risks to protect
in well managed and maintained tenants, Access Housing and the community.
homes located in livable and • Provide responsive, cost-effective property
inclusive communities. maintenance services to ensure quality livable
homes for tenants and protection of assets.
• Expedite sustainable pathways into social
MAKING A DIFFERENCE housing for people who are in housing need.
Creating Choices • Invest in programs and partnerships that
Consumer focused services with improve tenant wellbeing and social inclusion
greater choice and control, enabling and facilitate positive exits from social housing.
effective pathways across the • Expand service options in the disability and
housing continuum. seniors’ markets.
• Develop strategic alliances to deliver
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH scalable housing supply solutions.
Creating Homes • Explore national and state strategic
Large scale, replicable housing alliance or merger options.
supply programs delivering a • Acquire and develop new housing stock
diversity of affordable housing aligned with need and to address
outcomes. targeted market segments.
• Provide effective strategic asset management.
• Productivity: Optimise business efficiencies.
BUSINESS ENABLERS
• Governance: Strengthen governance systems
Access Housing is a substantial, and performance to safeguard business risk.
diverse and viable business that • People: Align people and culture
is well governed with effective, with business strategy.
strategic leadership.
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR BUSINESS PLAN 2018–2020 05
CHAIRMAN AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER’S REPORT
In many ways the 2017/18 financial year for Access Housing resembled the year
preceding it. The WA property market continued to feel the effects of the State’s
sluggish economy as residential dwelling values remained depressed and rental
vacancy rates hovered around the levels seen during FY2016/17. This climate
provided Access Housing with some challenges during the year but also drove
the company to consolidate, innovate and enhance our areas of expertise and
quality of service delivery.
Access Housing achieved re-registration with the WA including overseeing the Creating Choices Scholarship
Department of Communities as a Tier 1 Community Fund. This fund is designed to assist tenants with fees
Housing Provider under the new Community for education or training courses and associated costs.
Housing regulatory framework during the year. The It is proudly funded by the Access Housing Board of
framework, harmonised with the National Regulatory Directors who donated $10,000 this year from their
Scheme for Community Housing, requires us to sitting fees in lieu of receiving personal payment.
demonstrate capacity and compliance against seven Thanks go to our Directors for generously supporting
key performance areas including Tenant and Housing this meaningful initiative.
Services, Housing Assets and Community Engagement.
Access Housing’s enhanced focus on supporting and
Thanks go to our staff who ensured the re-registration
creating choices for tenants was positively received as
process went smoothly and delivered the outcome
was reflected in our annual tenant survey results. The
allowing the company to continue its role as one of
overall satisfaction rate amongst our tenants increased
WA’s leading Community Housing Providers.
3% from last year to 90% in 2018. Congratulations
The re-registration process with the Department of and thanks to our General Manager Community
Communities provided a catalyst for the company to Housing Natalie Sangalli and her team, as well as to
revisit and refresh our Business Plan for the 2018-2020 our Property Assets team, for their dedication and
period. Our Board of Directors agreed on an updated commitment to our tenants to help us achieve this
strategic direction at the end of 2017, which will see the pleasing result.
company focus on five pillars of operations and service
The year was another memorable one for our Property
delivery – Strategic Leadership (Creating Awareness),
Assets team. We celebrated the completion of an
Meeting Housing Needs (Creating Stability), Making
award winning 51 apartment development at Baldivis
a Difference (Creating Choices), Sustainable Growth
(Jervis Rise) in the first quarter of FY2017/18 and
(Creating Homes) and Business Enablers over the
collected a prestigious 2018 Property Council of
ensuing period.
Australia Innovation and Excellence Award for our
Our Community Housing department embraced Haven @ Rockingham development in May. Jervis Rise
their Creating Stability and Creating Choices pillar was also a finalist in the 2018 Urban Development
responsibilities during the year. This resulted in an Institute of Australia National Awards for Excellence
uplift in meaningful tenant engagement and outcomes (Affordable Development category) following its win
and strengthening of our choice based, inclusive and in the same category at the WA State awards in late
customer focused service. The department’s Tenant 2017. To be nominated for and win illustrious industry
Support and Capacity Building team successfully awards like these is a boon for not just Access Housing
delivered a range of programs and initiatives to assist but also the Community Housing sector as it generates
tenants aspiring to improve their circumstances, greater awareness of the sector and helps mainstream
06 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // REPORT
Community Housing Providers within the broader
property development sector. The year was another memorable
The completion of Jervis Rise took Access Housing’s one for our Property Assets team.
total number of residential dwelling completions since We celebrated the completion of an
FY2012/13 to 321, of which 203 have been retained
by the company for Community Housing purposes.
award winning 51 apartment
In addition to this, at 30 June Access Housing was at development at Baldivis (Jervis Rise)
90% completion on a small scale over 55s complex in the first quarter of FY2017/18 and
at Hamilton Hill. We extend our thanks to our General
collected a prestigious 2018 Property
Manager Property Assets Duane Moroney and his team
for their continued outstanding effort and achievement Council of Australia Innovation and
in delivering quality new affordable homes. Excellence Award for our Haven @
Market conditions impacted our expected Property Rockingham development in May.
Development sales targets in FY2017/18. To address
this, management and the Board spent the past 12 complemented by upgrades to desktop and server IT
months reviewing activities and opportunities to infrastructure. These upgrades increased operational
interrogate our business model and have identified an efficiencies for staff, improved our business continuity
area of huge potential in our assets, asset management position and provided enhanced functional strength
practices and treatment of assets. Initiatives in this underpinning our commitment to the best possible
space will be rolled out in FY2018/19. Unfortunately, security framework to protect tenant, corporate,
one of these initiatives is the closure of our real estate employee and stakeholder data. Thanks to our General
agency, Access Housing Realty Pty Ltd (trading Manager Corporate Services Lyn Brun for her oversight
as Magna Realty). At 30 June the company had of the office relocation process and leadership of our
commenced winding down Magna Realty operations, Corporate Services team. The team provides a valuable
with rent roll sale negotiations underway and the back of office service to ensure the company can
staggered transfer to Access Housing of the affordable continue to provide a high level of frontline service
housing business managed on behalf of the City of delivery to our valued tenants and other stakeholders.
Perth and not-for-profit organisations. The finalised In February we farewelled Rebecca Tomkinson and Su
closure of Magna Realty is expected in 2019. Groome from the Access Housing Board of Directors
Access Housing’s revenue increased $4.79 million and Executive management team respectively.
from last financial year to $29.67 million in FY2017/18. We acknowledge and thank them both for their
However, the severity of the depressed property professionalism and commitment.
market in WA had a negative impact on the company’s In June, Access Housing joined with Community
finances overall as properties held by Access Housing Housing Providers across the country in welcoming the
experienced reductions in value in line with the WA passing of National Housing Finance and Investment
property climate. The net result for the company was Corporation (NHFIC) legislation in federal parliament.
a loss of $4.03 million. We acknowledge and thank The NHFIC will administer a $1 billion National Housing
our Chief Financial Officer Ian Aiyathurai for his fiscal Infrastructure Facility and Australia’s first national
leadership and our Finance team for their efforts Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator. The bond
throughout a challenging year. aggregator is designed to encourage non-government
In December 2017 Access Housing’s head office investment in affordable housing. The bond aggregator
relocated from Fremantle to a brand new open-plan is accessible to Access Housing and will provide
space at Rivervale. The new corporate surrounds were cheaper, longer-term finance than traditional lenders
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // REPORT 07
to Community Housing Providers to help increase the
supply of affordable housing. The National Housing The establishment of the NHFIC
Infrastructure Facility will provide Community Housing was a massive step forward for the
Providers with funding to finance infrastructure
required to fast track affordable housing delivery. Community Housing sector as
The establishment of the NHFIC was a massive step it will enable a significant increase
forward for the Community Housing sector as it will in social and affordable housing
enable a significant increase in social and affordable
housing construction across the country. Access
construction across the country.
Housing Chief Executive Officer Garry Ellender played who selflessly volunteered their time to deliver
an important role in lobbying the federal government strategic leadership and oversight expertise during
to create such a financial intermediary via his the year. Thanks also go to our dedicated Executive
Directorship on the Board of PowerHousing Australia. management team and their committed staff for their
PowerHousing Australia had a close engagement with continued hard work and front-line service delivery to
the federal government as it pushed for the creation of our highly valued tenants and other stakeholders.
a federally endorsed institutional investment entity to
support the growth of the Community Housing sector In the fourth quarter of FY2017/18 Access Housing
and delivery of new affordable homes nationally. entered into a due diligence process with a large
Community Housing Provider to consider whether we
After eight and a half years serving as Access Housing should join forces. Both organisations have separately
Chief Executive Officer, Garry Ellender advised of his achieved more than 10 years of helping vulnerable
resignation and departed Access Housing in October Australians access long-term, safe and affordable
2018. Under Garry’s leadership the company grew housing at a time of unprecedented challenges in the
significantly and diversified to become one of Western housing sector. Additionally, both organisations share
Australia’s largest not-for-profit affordable housing a strong commitment to providing accessible and
providers and developers. We thank Garry for his affordable housing for people living with a disability.
service, contribution to Access Housing and to the
industry during his time at the helm of the company The primary focus for both parties in the due diligence
and wish him well for the future. process will be to clearly identify and explore options
that would strengthen both organisations and improve
Our political engagement extended to activities at a outcomes for existing and future residents. Through
State level. We had key staff meet with State members this process we are hoping to discover how we might
of parliament and WA government department staff realise our long-term strategies to expand our national
to promote Access Housing’s advocacy agenda and reach to help even more vulnerable Australians and
discuss housing affordability policy. These meetings achieve greater impact in our work.
were complemented by our staff further promoting
our advocacy agenda by attending and presenting at At the date of this report the due diligence process
various housing sector events, participating in media was still underway. A Board decision is expected before
interviews and publicising housing project completions. the end of the 2018 calendar year.
We extend our thanks to members of Access Housing’s It is with great optimism that Access Housing enters
Board, Property Development Committee, Audit the new age for the Community Housing sector
and Risk Committee and Governance Committee brought on by the advent of the NHFIC. We are excited
08 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // REPORTto see how we can leverage opportunities made
available through the NHFIC to assist us in our mission
to deliver new affordable homes to Western Australians
seeking secure, sustainable accommodation. The
rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
in WA will potentially provide Access Housing with
opportunities to collaborate with specialist disability
support service providers to deliver new, and upgrade
existing, properties to meet the needs of their clients.
Our innovative strategic asset management practices
will also hold us in good stead as we move forward.
This optimism extends to our core service delivery
area where we look forward to building on the positive
outcomes achieved this year in Creating Choices and
Creating Stability for our tenants.
We are positive and excited by the opportunities that
lie ahead in FY2018/19 and beyond.
DAVID LANTZKE LYN BRUN
Chairman Acting Chief
Executive Officer
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // REPORT 09OUR GOVERNANCE BOARD PRIORITIES During FY2017/18 the Board was primarily focused on: \\ Development and oversight of the new strategic Business Plan 2018-2020, key activities and priorities \\ Financial monitoring including oversight of the company’s cash flow, debt management and liquidity risk \\ Oversight of the company’s development programs including progress towards contractual targets with the Department of Communities (Housing) \\ Governance oversight \\ Key decision making including discussions regarding strategic National alliances and merger options THE HON. DAVID LANTZKE THE HON. JAMES ANTOINETTE Chairman (JIM) MCGINTY AM KENNEDY AO Deputy Chairman Patron 10 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR GOVERNANCE
DEBRA BAKKER GEOFF LOTTER MALCOLM O’DELL CHRIS
Director Director Director PARKINSON
Director
Rebecca Tomkinson
resigned from the Access
Housing Australia Ltd
Board of Directors on
28/02/2018.
MATT RAISON REBECCA STROM REBECCA
Director Director TOMKINSON
Director
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR GOVERNANCE 11COMMITTEES SUBSIDIARY
BOARDS
PROPERTY ACCESS HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT REALTY PTY LTD
COMMITTEE BOARD
Matt Raison (Chair)
(TRADING AS MAGNA REALTY)
David Lantzke Garry Ellender (Chair)
Jim McGinty Allan Wilkerson
Louise Ainsworth (resigned 22/02/2018)
Steve Carroll Beverlie Denver
(appointed 19/03/2018, resigned 29/06/2018)
Duane Moroney*
Natalie Sangalli
Garry Ellender*
(appointed 29/06/2018)
Ian Aiyathurai*
Liz Waterhouse (Company Secretary)
AUDIT & RISK ACCESS CCIN
COMMITTEE LTD BOARD
Geoff Lotter (Chair) Jim McGinty (Chair)
Chris Parkinson Malcolm O’Dell
Debra Bakker David Lantzke
Garry Ellender* Debra Bakker
Ian Aiyathurai* Liz Waterhouse (Company Secretary)
GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE
Rebecca Strom (Chair)
Malcolm O’Dell
David Lantzke
Antoinette Kennedy
Garry Ellender*
Liz Waterhouse (Company Secretary)
* Executive
12 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR GOVERNANCEOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
GARRY ELLENDER IAN AIYATHURAI NATALIE SANGALLI
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer General Manager
Community Housing
DUANE MORONEY LYN BRUN
General Manager General Manager
Property Assets Corporate Services
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM 13OUR PEOPLE Access Housing is proud of our
exceptional staff for their continued
dedication, professionalism and
This year was both an exciting and challenging one
for Access Housing. From a staff perspective this heart in ensuring we make a
dynamic was reflected in developing exciting new difference to people’s lives through
internal opportunities and initiatives for our team and
welcoming and supporting new talent to assist with our provision of affordable housing
the company’s growth and change.
solutions and quality customer
At 30 June Access Housing had 85 staff across our
Community Housing, Property Assets, Corporate focused services.
Services and Finance departments. were also able to participate in twice weekly stretching
The year saw Access Housing establish a People classes to improve physical and mental outcomes.
and Culture team, which has enhanced the strategic Additionally, the company’s new performance
approach to Human Resources functions within the management framework incorporates ongoing
organisation. Under the management of People and coaching conversations at least once per quarter, with
Culture Manager Belinda Coghlan, the team consults training and development opportunities and support
closely with staff to ensure culture and team dynamics offered to staff.
allow for continued success, job satisfaction and
achievement in line with Access Housing’s Strategic Access Housing continues to ensure staff are
Plan. As part of this process, the People and Culture supported by maintaining a workplace that promotes
team facilitated the development of Business Unit safe work practices and successfully lifted staff
Plans and used a ‘bottom up’ approach through staff engagement by introducing and tracking individualised
engagement to refresh our company values and online digital modules for our monthly safety
define associated attitudes and behaviours. The new awareness education topics.
values will be integrated across the business during
The committed team at Access Housing is to be
FY2018/19.
commended for another year of performance devoted
To assist employees to healthily manage challenges to serving our highly valued tenants, as well as each
and stresses that are sometimes apparent in their roles, other, to further consolidate the company’s position
the People and Culture team introduced several new as one of Western Australia’s leading providers of
wellbeing initiatives of benefit to staff. Throughout Community Housing.
the year we held ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions for staff
on dealing with change, anxiety, depression, resilience
building and financial planning. Staff at our Head Office
14 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // Our peopleNUMBER OF STAFF
85 IN TOTAL
73% 27% 12 known ethnic Gender parity
(62 female) (23 male) backgrounds in Executive team
STAFF AGES YEARS OF STAFF AT
SERVICE EACH OFFICE
2
5
0 – 3 YEARS HEAD OFFICE
51 staff (PERTH METRO)
4 – 6 YEARS 67 staff
29 18 to 24 years 5 23 staff PEEL OFFICE
25 to 44 years 49 7 – 9 YEARS 14 staff
45 to 64 years 29 6 staff SOUTH WEST
49
10+ YEARS OFFICE
65 & over 2
5 staff 4 staff
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // Our people 15OUR INFLUENCE
Housing affordability continued to be one of the Access Housing had a strong display and delegation
media, government, social services and property presence at the National Housing Conference in
development sectors’ most frequently discussed, Sydney in late November 2017. The biennial conference,
debated and reported on issues in FY2017/18. Amongst which is convened by the Australian Housing and
the diverse range of voices contributing to the broader Urban Research Institute, is the largest social and
conversation, Access Housing was able to make affordable housing event in Australasia. More than
meaningful impacts as our staff engaged and worked 1,000 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand
closely with a number of key stakeholders in these and further afield attended the three-day event. Day
sectors to achieve, and advocate for, greater housing two of the conference saw Access Housing Project
affordability outcomes. Manager Ralton Benn form part of an expert panel at
a workshop about energy efficiencies in housing. The
Access Housing Chief Executive Officer Garry Ellender
company showcased our services and achievements
continued in his role as a Director of PowerHousing
throughout the conference at a display booth in the
Australia (PHA) and was appointed to the Community
exhibition precinct.
Housing Industry Association (CHIA) Board as the
WA Region Director. Both organisations play key roles Access Housing also consolidated our role as a
in representing and advocating for the community conversation and collaboration leader within the
housing sector to government and business in Australia. mental health and housing discussion during the year.
Access Housing Practice Consultant Alison Paterson
With nearly 30 years’ experience in the housing sector,
presented a paper titled Improving Social Cohesion:
Garry was also a ‘go-to’ commentator on housing
Social housing, mental illness and addiction at the West
affordability issues for members of WA’s media during
Australian Council of Social Service 2018 Conference
the year. Highlights included featuring in two Business
in May and coordinated several workshops throughout
News articles written by journalist Katie McDonald and
the year with support providers assisting people living
providing comments for media articles written for local
with mental health issues.
metropolitan and South West newspapers.
In addition to memberships with PHA and CHIA, the
company enjoyed memberships with the influential
Property Council of Australia and Urban Development
Institute of Australia. Access Housing leveraged these
memberships to further advocate for the Community
Housing sector at a State and National level.
Ralton Benn presenting
at the 2017 National
Housing Conference
Image courtesy of AHURI
Garry Ellender addresses CHIA WA members in March 2017 National Housing Conference Access Housing’s exhibition boothBUSINESS NEWS ARTICLES
PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY
What is being approved?
Sustainability key to affordable living
Innovative affordable housing models PROPERTY
have emerged in Fremantle, with
three developers pushing the envelope
of sustainability and lifestyle.
“We’re creating affordable rental
There’s no one cookie-
Katie McDonald
katie.mcdonald@businessnews.com.au options,” Mr Ellender told Business cutter approach, it’s down to the Source: HIFG
Access Housing’s 51-apar
News.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation “We’re seeing the casualisation individual developers to ensure “The top of the building is about
Access Housing this month opened of the workforce, where people the height of the existing trees,” he
a $4.6 million affordable housing are running two or three jobs; it’s they deliver a product to the market said.
development in Fremantle it says a future that’s already with us.
is the first solar-powered project “That’s where the market gap
that will be acceptable - Garry Ellender Mr Pearce said his project would
provide options for people to move
of its kind in Western Australia. is; that type of person won’t be eli- into a quality development with a
Designed by Donaldson & Warn gible for public housing because small number of apartments.
and built by Western Australian that works on a stock stand- OPTIONS: Garry Ellender says medium density provides housing choice and more affordability. Photo: Attila Csaszar “There’s not much of this in Sub-
AFFORDABLE: Don Fini says Nightingale Housing provides an alternative model for
construction company JAXON, ard ‘your income is this’ model, iaco, there are a lot of apartments
Medium density misses the mark
sustainable development. Photo: Attila Csaszar
the project is being tenanted by whereas those (creative) incomes down the other end, but not up
members of the Fremantle-based are up and down, and often based this end,” he said.
Sustainable Housing for Artists on contract wins. “The elected members at state
and Creatives (SHAC) cooperative, “We’ve got to have more variable There’s new ground to be broken in and local level have to accept that
and features 12 residences (nine responses in terms of rental and it’s just not sustainable in Perth to
have already been leased), and two sales products. housing and in affordability - Don Fini A disconnect between urban infill ambitions in WA and the sector’s ability to deliver is continue with single residential.” Windsor Knight’s proposa
communal art studios. “Governments can’t afford to The City of Nedlands is also
keep pumping out new social
housing stock, they’ve got to find
the rising cost of power from
the grid,” Mr Marra told Business
especially among the new genera-
tion of buyers.
given to central service workers,
such as nurses.
hindering the development of medium-density projects. in the midst of reassessing its
framework, with the city’s draft
We’ve solutions.” News. The two-storey building Under its model, investor return Local Planning Scheme No 3 set to
apartments four storeys and at seniors and people living with Access Housing development according to a city spokesperson.
Mr Ellender said partnering “The One Planet Living inter- comprises three one-bedroom, is capped at 15 per cent per annum. replace its existing scheme, which
got to have housing associations such as national sustainability initiative one-bathroom apartments with a In addition, there are no selling above, followed by semi-detached disability currently under con- manager Duane Moroney said the Windsor Knight director Greg
has been in place since 1985.
Access Housing with financiers, is based on the idea that, to live shared garden and outdoor living one-storey dwellings, with the struction in Hamilton Hill. company was aiming to expand Pearce has been keeping an eye
fees or real estate agents involved
more variable builders and land developers was sustainably, we need to live within area, which were listed for sale in and no money spent on market- remaining medium-density prod- Mr Ellender said Access’s into dual-key and terrace housing, on its progress.
The draft scheme proposes a
selection of streets in Nedlands,
MARKET GAP: Garry Ellender says Access Housing is aiming to fill a market gap between social housing and private rentals. Photo: Attila Csaszar uct falling short (see table). projects were largely in the and that there were inconsisten- The local developer, responsible
responses in one solution. the limits of one planet’s natural April. ing activities, with sales made via
“Density seems to be an ugly medium-density space due to cies inherent in perceptions of for the recently completed Subi
such as Stirling Highway, Hamp-
“We can do that more effectively resources. One has subsequently sold. word-of-mouth ‘advertising’. den Road and Broadway to have
terms of rental than government,” he said. “This is more than simply In addition to solar panels, the WA developer Don Fini, who
word to many, associated with the increased ability to deliver what medium density actually Centro precinct, lodged a develop-
the potential for more density,
“We’re not bound by strict policy designing green, energy efficient Gen Y apartments integrate solar is driving the project, said these parking issues, land values and a affordable housing across a range represented. ment application for a four-storey
with a 1,000sqm block under the
and sales framework; we’re flexible, and buildings.” passive design principles and fea- conditions were put in place to loss of open space, but done well, of product types – units, villas, This was demonstrated at the mixed-use development at 385
R-code R160 allowing the develop-
SHAC is an example of where we Mr Marra said LandCorp had ture a 10,000 litre underground help buyer affordability, with we know this is not always the apartments and townhouses, UDIA event, where some panel Rokeby Road on the corner of
products Katie
5-PAGEMcDonald
FEATURE case,” Mr Rowley told the event. varying in size from one to three members defined medium density Duke Street in 2016. ment of 16 units.
can try different things. partnered with the City of Fre- rainwater-harvesting tank. a covenant on resale to ensure katie.mcdonald@businessnews.com.au This could help the city in
Aveling Homes’ Skinnies
“Most have heard of the argu- storeys, all with high-energy as any semi-detached or apart- The proposal, which planned
T
- Garry Ellender “These creative workers can mantle and community groups to The apartments were also built affordability was passed on. range (and above) Now Living’s 80sqm lot ho
HERE is a ‘missing middle’ ment for greater density – how ratings. ment dwelling up to four storeys. for two levels of basement car reaching a target set by the WA
now afford to reside within the ensure future residents of WGV with sustainable building mate- Apartments were also generally
phenomenon emerging in long is it going to take us to reach “There’s no one cookie-cutter Others, still, considered Georgiou parking, retail on the ground floor, Planning Commission for an
The solar power network, Fremantle area and stay active were supported to change their rials, including timber frames, listed 10 per cent below market
Western Australia’s prop- our infill target? approach, it’s down to the indi- Group’s The Pocket in Claremont, commercial space on level one and additional 4,400 dwellings to be “Other factors such as tax policy micro lots policy as part of the
funded with contributions from in the well-recognised cultural lifestyles, where each new resi- lightweight insulated cladding, price on an owner-occupier basis.
erty sector. “But this isn’t just about den- vidual developers to ensure they which features one six-storey two storeys of residential, was housed in the area by 2050. also play a role in why we haven’t state government’s push for more
project partner LandCorp, will be and artistic fabric that the city is dent would receive information and ‘green’ low-carbon concrete. “There’s new ground to be
Steven Rowley, the director sity, it’s about delivering housing deliver a product to the market building, to fit the brief. rejected – largely on the basis of Submissions on the draft close seen more medium-density prod- housing options, trialling terrace
the primary source of electricity, renowned for.” on ways to operate their home EHDO Architecture has adopted broken in housing and in afforda-
of Curtin University’s housing choice and affordability and this that will be acceptable,” Mr Ellen- “Fundamentally we need to its height, Mr Pearce said, of about on March 29, with strong opinions uct in WA,” Mr Allingame said. houses on sites of 100sqm or less
with estimates that tenants will The SHAC project sits within efficiently to reduce running costs similar design principles in its bility,” Mr Fini told Business News.
and urban research centre, told is the message we really need to der told Business News. define what medium density is so 17 metres (with current provisions voiced by numerous members of “Stamp duty in particular acts at Ellenbrook.
save between 15 to 20 per cent on LandCorp’s ‘One Planet Living’ and how to grow sustainable food, plans for WA’s first Nightingale “Nightingale is one model that
an Urban Development Institute enforce. Mr Ellender said medium-den- we’ve got a base to work from,” Mr allowing for about 12 metres). the community, so much so that as a financial barrier to people Long-term trials have already
electricity bills as a result. accredited White Gum Valley among other things. Housing project nearby the WGV we can use to improve affordabil-
of Australia industry breakfast “So why aren’t we better at sity product was best placed close Moroney said. “There is a real phobia about two of the city’s residents have downsizing and moving into more started in South Australia and
Access Housing will administer estate (WGV), and is one of its Mr Marra said WGV estate’s precinct on Wood Street, which is ity and I’d like to see how we can
earlier this month the state was delivering medium-density hous- to transport and high amenity, “When there’s inconsistency in height, people just can’t cope with created a website called ‘Con- appropriate housing. UDIA is sup- Queensland, with an Urbis anal-
sales of the energy generated onsite, strata developments benefiting energy initiatives could save res- due to start construction early 2018. get it to work in social housing.
failing to deliver in terms of its ing? Is planning framework or with Metronet hoped to be an definition then the community has it and I don’t understand it,” Mr cerned Citizens of Nedlands’, portive of a review of inefficient ysis commissioned by LandCorp
with excess electricity exported to from solar power infrastructure idents up to $1,200 each year in In addition to solar panels, the “It’s changing the landscape
density and affordability targets, lack of quality sites to blame?” enabler for more development in less confidence on what’s going to Pearce told Business News. which aims to debunk myths and taxes such as stamp duty and a finding micro lots provided hous-
the grid for wider community use. as part of a demonstration pro- reduced utility bills, with the aim two-storey, 12-apartment building and giving architects and devel-
and in terms of buyer choice. Access Housing chief executive this space. be proposed as medium density. “We need to come to grips with misinformation about density, move to a more broad based tax ing typically priced at 70 to 80 per
Access Housing chief executive ject supported by a $1 million to reduce grid energy consump- will feature rainwater harvest- opers opportunities to drive their
He pointed to the latest avail- Garry Ellender said although “It’s a growing market, espe- “A lot of weight falls on the the issues, take good planning in favour of a range of housing system.” cent of the median house price in
Gary Ellender said the idea for grant from the Commonwealth tion by 60 per cent and mains ing, double glazing, reverse brick own projects with good social and
able data from the Australian attitudes were changing towards cially for downsizers wanting to shoulders of local government.” advice and really ask ourselves, can options. He said the state government that surrounding area.
the project was developed in 2014, Government’s Australian Renew- water consumption by 70 per cent. veneer, a communal laundry and affordable outcomes.”
Bureau of Statistics, which ana- medium density, there was still move out of big traditional blocks Perth seriously continue its ever UDIA WA president Nick was currently tweaking frame- For example, Urbis found that
PIONEER: The Gen Y Demonstration Housing Project was when the SHAC cooperative had able Energy Agency. Another building at LandCorps rooftop vegetable garden, with Mr Fini said the project was still Framework
lysed 100,000 WA residential a strong presence of ‘Nimby-ism’ into more manageable spaces,” he increasing low-density expansion?” Allingame said a lack of a clear works for the medium-density the average house-and-land pack-
been lobbying the City of Freman- LandCorp chief executive WGV estate is the Gen Y Demon- intentions to recycle the exist- accepting expressions of interest
designed by Fremantle Architect David Barr. Photo: LandCorp building approvals over the past (not in my backyard). said. The City of Subiaco’s proposed Mr Pearce said quality design policy framework to facilitate and volume for R-Codes as well as age at Peet’s Lightsview estate in
tle for support, as many members Frank Marra said a recent shift stration Housing Project designed ing building’s brick and timber and had already attracted more
15-20%
five years and found about 35 During the past five years, “The property industry is Scheme Amendment No 35, which underpinned good medium-den- encourage medium-density devel- releasing their position statement SA was priced at $345,000 – 32 per
had been priced out of the area’s in buyers’ attitudes had led to by Fremantle-based architect material. than 35 prospective purchasers,
per cent of approvals in ‘other the WA-based not-for-profit starting to respond and innovate will allow development provisions sity developments, which is why opment had been a barrier. on micro lots. cent less than the median price in
housing market. a greater uptake of sustainable David Barr. Nightingale Housing is a Mel- who had been regularly surveyed
dwellings’. affordable housing company has because there is demand, but I to increase the size of building he increased his proposed residen- Finding appropriate land in the an associated suburb.
He said the SHAC cooperative developments. The project was inspired by bourne-based social enterprise to determine and choose additions
Breaking that category down, delivered 298 medium-density think red tape continues to be envelopes, received more than tial ceiling heights to about four right location for delivering qual- Alternative Last year, Now Living, a BGC
was an active participant in the “At a local level, homeowners research by Curtin University that delivers affordable and sus- such as air-conditioning, a laun-
SUSTAINABLE: Solar power is the primary source of electricity at the SHAC development. design of the project to help deliver are rethinking energy use and that showed sustainable housing tainable multi-residential housing dry and car bays, with costs listed
the biggest supply of density residences across 19 projects, problematic; there’s inconsistency 200 submissions during its recent metres, well above the industry ity medium-density product was Earlier this month, the WA Plan- Homes Brand, started work on
Photo: Abigail Harman ELECTRICITY BILL SAVING AT SHAC affordable housing options. exploring alternatives to negate influenced purchasing decisions, in cities, with buyer preference beside each option. focused dwellings were in including a development aimed across local councils.” public consultation process, minimum standard of 2.4m. another challenge. ning Commission released a draft the first residential green-title
30 businessnews.com.au | August 14, 2017 August 14, 2017 | businessnews.com.au 31 28 businessnews.com.au | March 26, 2018
Published: August 2017 Published: March 2018
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2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our influence 17OUR AWARDS
Access Housing’s Haven @ Rockingham apartment and townhouse complex
claimed the prestigious Best Affordable Housing Development award at the 2018
Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards in May.
The Property Council of Australia’s National Scheme investors to help increase the supply of
Innovation and Excellence Awards is one of the most affordable rental housing within the high-demand
prestigious property awards programs in Australia, Rockingham area. The development has also provided
promoting excellence in design and innovation in owner-occupiers with a range of affordable home
the built environment since 1982. ownership options.
Completed in November 2016, Haven @ Rockingham Haven @ Rockingham is located close to public
is an architecturally designed three-level mixed use transport routes and interchanges and is only
development comprised of 28 stylish apartments, minutes to the Rockingham foreshore. Other
four townhouses and three commercial spaces within a amenities such as schools, parks, sporting facilities,
secure, boutique complex. Murdoch University campus and Rockingham City
Shopping Centre are also close by.
Haven @ Rockingham provides much-needed
affordable rental housing for a diverse range of Access Housing Chief Executive Officer Garry
people, which is provided through homes retained by Ellender said Haven @ Rockingham’s award win
Access Housing for Community Housing purposes showcased the company’s continued ability to deliver
and homes sold to National Rental Affordability industry recognised affordable housing developments.
ward for Best
ntial Development 2018 WINNER
18 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our awardsAccess Housing General Manager Property Assets Duane Moroney accepting the
Best Affordable Housing Development award for Haven @ Rockingham at the 2018
Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards in Sydney in May
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our awards 19OUR TENANTS
27% 57
Organisations we worked with
of tenancies are to assist our tenants
supported tenancies
16% GENDER OF PRIMARY TENANTS
61%
Mental Health
9%
3026
Disability
2%
Crisis people housed 39%
PRIMARY TENANT AGE GROUPS
$10.4 15 to 24 years
25 to 44 years
million
1761
45 to 64 years
Social Value 65 & over
Indicator
Tenancies Reduction of living costs
delivered to tenants
3% 31% 41% 25%
OUR HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITIONS
3%
11%
3%
Single person Couple plus
9% child/ren under 16
Sole parent plus
60% child/ren under 16 Family
14% Couple only Group/non-related
20 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenants53
Tenants we referred
241
New tenancies started
210
Tenants attended
for support Access Housing
workshops, focus
groups and other
engagement activities
LENGTH OF TENANCY
0 to 5 years 980 (55%)
6 to 10 years 618 (35%)
55% 35%
11 to 15 years 126 (7%)
16 to 19 years 33 (2%)
7% 20+ years 4 (1%)
2%
1%
TENANT PRIMARY INCOME SOURCE
3%
OUR TENANTS
11% COME FROM
68 DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES
Wages
TOP 10 BIRTH COUNTRIES
Centrelink OF TENANTS
Other Australia, United Kingdom,
New Zealand, Congo,
Somalia, Afghanistan, China,
86% Philippines, Thailand, Sudan
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenants 21ANNUAL TENANT SURVEY
Access Housing again engaged the NSW Federation of Housing Associations to
conduct our annual Tenant Survey. The feedback from this year’s survey showed
a high level of satisfaction with Access Housing’s services, which is reflected in
a 3% increase on last year’s overall tenant satisfaction rate to 90% in 2018.
Other survey results showed:
of tenants were of tenants were
of tenants said
93% satisfied with the
condition of their
home
93% repairs staff were
helpful and attentive
89% satisfied with
communication with
Access Housing
of tenants were
of tenants were
88% satisfied their tenant
rights were upheld
86% satisfied with overall
repairs and
maintenance
ACCESS HOUSING HAS BEEN THE BEST THING
THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME. I DON’T
KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT ACCESS
HOUSING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MY LIFE IS
NOT EASY DUE TO MY HEALTH BUT YOU PEOPLE
SURE MADE THE REST OF MY LIFE EASIER.
ACCESS HOUSING
ARE DOING A GREAT IF IT WASN’T FOR
JOB IN PROVIDING THANK YOU TO THE
ACCESS HOUSING STAFF AT ACCESS
LOVELY HOMES FOR I WOULDN’T
PEOPLE LIKE ME HOUSING. YOU HAVE
HAVE A PLACE HELPED ME WITH MY
WHO SUDDENLY TO LIVE. I AM
I CANNOT EXPRESS HOME INTO GAINING
FIND THEMSELVES VERY GRATEFUL
HOW GRATEFUL ME INDEPENDENCE
WITHOUT A HOME AND HAPPY WITH
AND MY FAMILY ARE AND INTO HAVING A
THROUGH NO FAULT EVERYTHING
TO BE AHA TENANTS. GOOD QUALITY OF
OF THEIR OWN AND I ACCESS HOUSING
SUCH AN AMAZING LIFE. THANK YOU.
WILL BE ETERNALLY HAS DONE FOR
SERVICE. THANK YOU.
GRATEFUL TO THEM. ME AND MY KIDS.
I LOVE MY UNIT. IT IS THANK YOU. IT I HAVE FOUND ACCESS HOUSING
A LOVELY PLACE AND CHANGED MY ACCESS HOUSING HAS PROVIDED MY
HAVE NEVER HAD ANY LIFE COMPLETELY STAFF TO BE FAMILY A GREAT
PROBLEMS WITH ACCESS FROM HOMELESS FRIENDLY, OPPORTUNITY TO
HOUSING STAFF. THEY TO WORKING. I COMPASSIONATE, LIVE A HAPPY AND
ARE EXCEPTIONAL LOOK FORWARD RESPECTFUL AND FULFILLING LIFE.
AT THEIR JOB. TO MY FUTURE. HELPFUL. THANK THANK YOU.
YOU ACCESS!
22 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenantsCOMMUNITY HOUSING REPORT
The year was one of significant evolution and \\ in partnership with Sisters of St John of God,
consolidation for our Community Housing department. successfully housing women who had experienced
We provided enhanced opportunities to our tenants homelessness with their children in four Way Home
through a range of new programs and initiatives and program properties. With funding from Sisters of St
actively collaborated with a range of stakeholders to John of God, we invested in a Tenant Support
further assist with the ongoing stability, sustainability Officer who provides individualised support to
and success of our tenancies. ensure program participants are secure within their
tenancy and connected to their community.
To deliver on the company’s Making a Difference
(Creating Choices) strategic pillar, this year we further \\ continuing an intensive management approach with
invested in and evolved our Creating Choices Program our high-density apartment complexes through
for tenants. We would like to acknowledge SMYL, sensitive lettings, increased collaboration with
Moving On Program, Bizlink, Sodexo, Staff-Net and support providers and community services and
Communicare for working with us to progress the place-based tenant engagement initiatives.
program during FY2017/18. \\ evolving our customer service by streamlining
Creating Choices Program and associated tenant internal processes and investing in staff through
engagement achievements for the year included: Residential Tenancy Act and other training activities
for Community Housing department staff.
\\ running financial workshops that aimed to build the
financial resilience of participating tenants. These The year also saw our Community Housing department
workshops were run in collaboration with the leadership team progress activities aligned with our
Financial Counselling Network. Strategic Leadership (Creating Awareness) pillar. This
was done through collaboration with stakeholders in
\\ launching the Creating Choices Scholarship Fund, the government and social services sectors to build the
which allowed us to remove financial barriers for profile of Community Housing as a key element in
tenants with education and training ambition. deflecting from and disrupting cycles of homelessness
\\ improved monitoring of social outcomes by at a practice and policy level. This included starting
capturing tenant experiences to better understand discussions around mental health, housing and
their levels of safety, security, community homelessness to better understand the issues and find
connectedness and empowerment. more innovative and collaborative approaches to how
we can sustain complex social housing tenancies. Key
\\ strengthening our person-centred practice regarding
collaboration activities and achievements included:
tenant communications and publications, with a
focus on giving tenants a voice and providing more \\ spearheading a stakeholder reference group with
opportunities for them to steer the development of housing providers, community support workers,
content that affects and informs them. government authorities and tenants with lived
We continued to have a strong focus on our strategic experience of mental illness, alcohol and/or drug
pillar and core work of Meeting Housing Needs use. Findings were presented in an infographic on
(Creating Stability), with an emphasis placed on the cycle of mental health, housing and
concentrated property management to sustain homelessness at the 2018 Western Australian
tenancies with complex needs and tenant engagement. Association of Mental Health Conference.
There was a pronounced focus on our high density \\ presenting on the topic of Making Place – Social
social housing complexes and several of our housing Housing, Social Inclusion and Social Cohesion at the
programs throughout the year. This focus was a 2018 WA Council of Social Services Conference.
catalyst for high-level collaboration with support \\ facilitating consultations (funded by the Mental
providers and partner organisations to help sustain and Health Commission) with 61 tenants and support
strengthen tenancies, mitigate risks, strengthen workers impacted by mental health issues about a
compliance practices and improve outcomes for new model of recovery for those impacted by
tenants. Key achievements included: mental illness and/or drug and alcohol addictions
\\ Access Housing establishing a Tenant Support called ‘Recovery Colleges’.
Facilitator role. This enabled us to enhance working \\ attending workshops about collaboration following
relationships with support providers and mental changes to the machinery of government.
health clinics that support our Independent Living
Program tenants to remain housed. Our Community Housing department looks forward to
building upon our successes of 2018 as we continue to
deliver our high-level, customer focused service to our
valued tenants.
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenants 23SOUTH WEST HOME IS WHERE
THE HEART IS FOR ZENA
Zena says she feels “blessed”.
Sitting in her brand new 2-bedroom home within our
Riverside Villas development at Boyanup, Zena is full of
praise for Access Housing for helping her find and
sustain housing after a period of homelessness.
A few years ago, Zena had been living in a leaky caravan
at Busselton in the middle of a freezing winter. She got
in touch with Access Housing in search of an affordable
rental property and was offered a home in the form of
a 1-bedroom villa at Boyanup, 30 minutes north-east of
Busselton. She was delighted to be able to move into a
home of her own.
A bit over a year after commencing her tenancy with
Access Housing, Zena moved into one of nine newly
constructed neighbouring seniors’ villas. With an extra
bedroom and more room to move, Zena couldn’t
believe her luck.
“I have never in my whole life lived Zena is a great supporter of the ageing in place concept,
in a brand-new place and now I’m saying it has allowed her to stay connected with the
community activities and groups she is involved with
60 and look at me – I’m in this at Boyanup.
brand-new place,” she said. “I think it’s absolutely wonderful that in small rural
areas people have the opportunity to stay where their
Zena’s new home is one of 23 properties Access networks are, where they know the people around
Housing developed as part of our South West Ageing them,” she said.
in Place Housing Pilot Projects at Boyanup and
“Boyanup’s quiet, it’s really, really friendly. I just feel like
Dardanup. The new homes feature a mix of 2 and
this is my home now, which is brilliant after being
3-bedroom villas that were delivered primarily to offer
homeless. I love it, it’s beautiful here.”
local seniors the opportunity to ‘right size’ into
affordable housing options better suited to their needs Access Housing’s South West Ageing in Place Housing
without having to leave their home town. Pilot Projects were supported by Royalties for Regions.
24 2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenantsTENANT SCHOLARSHIPS
This year saw Access Housing commence our Creating Chanthou (pictured centre with Access Housing’s
Choices Scholarship Fund to assist aspirational tenants Creating Choices Officer Alex Kepes, right) received a
to become job ready. laptop, printer and software to support her studies
through the Scholarship Fund.
Access Housing’s Board of Directors donated $10,000
to the Scholarship Fund to assist tenants who are Chanthou is a single mum who came to Australia from
aspirational with fees for education or training courses Cambodia nine years ago. She is currently undertaking
and associated costs. a Certificate 4 in Education Support, with her long-
term goal to study primary teaching at university. She
is highly motivated, engaged and is now receiving
careers advice and support about next steps through
Each successful scholarship our Creating Choices Program.
applicant received up to a “Chanthou embodies everything the Scholarship Fund
maximum of $1,000 towards study and the Creating Choices Program aims to achieve –
she is highly aspirational, has potential and wishes to
or training related costs as well be a role model for her daughter and other women.
as support and guidance from She is very humble and hugely grateful for the support
from Access Housing,” Alex said.
Access Housing’s Creating Choices Chanthou was one of 17 tenants to benefit from the
Program team. Creating Choices Scholarship Fund in FY2017/18.
2018 ACCESS HOUSING ANNUAL REPORT // our tenants 25You can also read
