Get involved
Get involved
Housing Choices Victoria is committed to strengths-focused and place-based community driven development to support life opportunities and resilient, inclusive neighbourhoods. We aim to provide the necessary information, skills, tools, motivation, and confidence to facilitate positive community change and celebrate a sense of place.
There are many ways you can connect with Housing Choices Victoria and your local community.
If you would like to get involved or have ideas for other community activities and programs, contact us on 1300 312 447 or via email communitydevelopmentvic@hcau.org.au
New community and neighbourhood programs are being developed for our growing portfolio. More information on these will be provided in our quarterly resident newsletters, social media, and on this website.
Housing Choices Australia encourages residents to get involved in contributing to their community.
Resident advisory committees
The Housing Choices Australia group has a Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) for each state we operate in. This is supported by a National Advisory Committee that reviews the activities of all state committees and provides advice on national policies. The committees represent the diverse needs of our residents, raise broad issues that affect residents and encourage community development.
The state committees have 12 members and meet every two months. The national committee meets every six months.
Community meetings
We also hold social meetings in most of our larger communities. Residents and staff can meet one another, discuss common issues and propose solutions. Housing Choices Australia also gives updates on housing and maintenance issues so everybody is informed. Sometimes we invite a guest speaker to the meetings too!
Resident community fund
The Resident Community Fund provides people with the opportunity to turn their own ideas or vision for their community into reality. It’s a chance for residents, support agencies and Housing Choices Australia to work together to do what you want to do!
Residents and support agencies can apply for up to $2,500 for projects that will benefit the community or give residents the opportunity to participate in recreational or educational activities. Examples include:
- community gardens
- cooking classes
- days out
- environmental initiatives
- group education
- park benches or seating
- art and craft groups
- parents’ group excursions
- exercise or recreation groups
- men’s shed.
Applications are reviewed by the Community Development Team and the Resident Advisory Committee. We would prefer to make payment following the receipt of invoices. However, we will work with you before your project starts to discuss this. If your project goes ahead, you will need to tell us when your project is complete. This is so we can make sure the grant was successful and can measure the impact it has had on the community.
Preston Community Hub
Our Preston Community Hub is a community space for use by local residents. Located at one of our developments at 137 High Street, Preston, Victoria this space consists of two rooms that are used by a number of community organisations and Housing Choices Australia.
Housing Choices Australia have partnered with the following organisations to provide programs and activities at the Preston Hub:
- The Bridge
- Neami
- Arbias
Residents can also book the Hub on Fridays. If you would like to know more about the Hub, please call us on 1300 312 447.
Futures scholarship program
Housing Choices Australia has launched a new resident education scholarship program in Victoria called Futures Scholarships with the first round of scholarships becoming available in Semester 2, 2017 .
Futures Scholarships are part of Housing Choices Australia’s commitment to supporting our residents to access and engage in education and training opportunities. The Futures Scholarships are an initiative of the Housing Choices Australia Community Development Program in Victoria. These scholarships can assist Housing Choices Australia residents to turn their vision for the future into reality. These scholarships are open to residents of Housing Choices Australia and their children who will be participating in the following recognised and accredited courses:
- Year 11 or Year 12
- VET Course
- Certificate Courses Levels 1 to 5
- Diploma Certificates
- Bachelor
- Apprenticeship course
Futures Scholarships can be used towards out of pocket expenses incurred in completing your studies. These may include course fees, text books, stationery supplies, excursions and tutoring. If awarded, scholarship funds will be supplied direct to the institution or provider. There are ten scholarships of up to $500 each available each semester.
To apply for a Futures Scholarship an eligible resident will need to complete the Futures Scholarship Application Form (linked below). To guide you through the process, we also have the Futures Scholarship Program: Guidelines and Criteria below.
Applications for Semester 2, 2022 are now open. If you have any questions or would like assistance to complete the application form please contact the Community Development Team on 1300 312 447.