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Common Housing Register
Review of the National Community Housing Standards
Accreditation and Standards
Michael Forbes' powerpoint presentation to registered providers on compliance July 2009
Affordable and Social Housing Capacity Building Resource List - CHFA
Business Planning Kit
CHFV Rooming House Emergency Management Manual
CHFV Property and Asset Management Resource Manual
Community Capacity Building Project Management Template
Consultants List
Employee Assistance Program
External Appeals Body for the Co-operative Sector
Occupational Health and Safety Kit
Partnerships
Rooming House Mediation Service
Resources for your Board/Committee of Management
Training
Sustainability
Water price increases
Fundraising
Student Placement

Common Housing Register

CHFV is working in partnership with DHS Housing & Community Building (H&CB) to develop a "Common Housing Register" which will integrate all existing public housing and community housing waiting lists in Victoria.

Consultative Meeting With CHFV Members

On 11 March 2010, CHFV hosted a Members Meeting at which Anne Congleton and Robb McGregor from H&CB presented the Department's initial thoughts on what a Common Housing Register might look like. Members also considered and approved proposals on how consultation with the community housing sector should proceed, and the principles upon which CHFV would base its negotiations with the Department on behalf of our members.

H&CB presentation (ppt file, 64o KB)
Proposed consultative process (to be added shortly...)

CHFV Rooming House Emergency Management Procedures Manual

This manual outlines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders when emergencies occur in a community managed rooming house. The manual includes a kit of checklists and pro-formas which can be customised to suit individual organisations.

The "Emergency Response Kit" was first produced in 2004. In 2008 its original author, Mark Smoljo, was contracted to complete a review of the kit, and the updated Emergency Management Procedures Manual was launched at the CHFV Rooming House Sector Group meeting on 12 August 2009.

The following downloads are available. The Word versions of the new manual (Word 2007 if you have Vista, Word 97-03 if you don't) enable you to adapt the forms and checklists to suit your own organisation's needs; use the PDF file if you just want to print the manual.

CHFV Rooming House Emergency Management Procedures Manual 2009 (Word 2007 version - 67 KB)
CHFV Rooming House Emergency Management Procedures Manual 2009 (Word 97-03 RTF version - 798 KB)
CHFV Rooming House Emergency Management Procedures Manual 2009 (PDF file - 198 KB)

If you would like more information on the project, please contact Mark at chfv@chfv.org.au or 03 9654 6077.

CHFV Property and Asset Management Resource Manual (Maintenance Kit)

The Property and Asset Management Resource Manual for the Long Term Community Housing Program is intended to develop best practice resources for all elements of property and asset management planning and implementation, through identifying existing best practice that can be shared within the Community Housing Sector.

Please use the links below to obtain the relevant information:

CHFV Property and Asset Management Resource Manual HPF Option 1 (788 kb Word Document)

CHFV Property and Asset Management Resource Manual HPF Option 2 (1.46 mb Word Document)

This resource has recently been updated by Mark Smoljo, author of the original manual to incorporate all the changes to funding arrangements under the Housing Provider Framework and requirements of the Housing Registrar, and includes updated maintenance request forms in the style preferred by the Office of Housing. The Manual for HPF Option 1 can be used by THMs as Option 1 is very similar to their Funding and Service Agreement. Housing Associations can use the Manual for Option 2, bearing in mind that where they have responsibility for the areas listed as Office of Housing responsibilities as well.

If you would like more information on the project, please contact Mark at chfv@chfv.org.au or 03 9654 6077.

Employee Assistance Program

CHFV is very proud to have introduced an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) commencing February 2008, and extended for a further year in February 2009. The EAP is available to employees of member organisations and their immediate family, and provides a free professional counseling service through IPS Worldwide. It is a completely confidential service; neither employers nor CFHV are privy to information regarding anyone’s use of the service nor what is discussed during sessions with IPS.

The EAP can provide help with:

Work Issues - problems with performance, relationships between co-workers, managing conflict, manager coaching, adjusting to change, handling work stress, making career choices and dealing with traumatic events

Personal Issues - stress management, grief and loss, family Issues, work-Life balance and concerns about children.

A choice can be made between face-to-face or telephone counseling during work hours. Telephone counseling is available 24/7. Appointments need to be made in advance for all counseling. Counseling is offered ‘off site’ in professional offices in Melbourne metropolitan areas and regional locations.

Please call 1300 36 6789 for all EAP counseling services

Please call 1800 45 11 38 for EAP manager help line

If you would like more information on the project, please contact Holly at holly.mullaney@chfv.org.au or 03 9654 6077.

Occupational Health and Safety Kit

The CHFV OH&S Kit will be an essential guide to OH&S responsibilities and will be tailored to the community housing environment. In addition, CHFV will provide training to housing sector agencies in the use of the newly updated kit based on our OHS Contractors kit of 2002. This upgrade is timely because of the advent of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and community housing providers are now being required to register under the Housing Act 1986, and as such need to display their adherence to OH&S legislation through policy and procedure. Work will be done on the draft in the first half of 2008.

Please do not hesitate to contact CHFV at chfv@chfv.org.au or 03 9654 6077 for more information on this project or if you would like to participate in the draft of the new kit.

CHFV OH&S and Contractors Kit 2002

Organisations have the same legal OH&S obligations towards the contractors that they use as they do towards their own employees. This easy to use kit is designed to assist Community Housing and SAAP agencies to meet their OH&S responsibility towards contractors in a practical way. The kit contains information, advice and readily adaptable pro-formas.

Click here to download the kit

Community Capacity Building Project Management Template

We are pleased to announce the release of the CHFV Community Capacity Building (CCB) Project Plan Template. This will assist members in preparing a CCB Project Plan and Project Report at the end of every financial year. This template has been designed to complement the existing CHFV Business Planning Kit. All relevant groups with a Business Planning Kit have been posted a copy of the template.

Business Planning Kit

CHFV developed a business planning kit our small to medium sized community housing members to assist them gain registration. The Housing Registrar requires the lodgement of a Business Plan on an annual basis.

All CHFV members are entitled to a free copy of the kit. If you would like an additional kit

External Appeals Body for the Co-operative Sector

CHFV has completed its report on establishing a mechanism to resolve disputes within housing co-operative that occur between individual members and their co-operative. CHFV has now released the final report and is now in the process of advocating to the Office of Housing and Consumer affairs about the possibilities of establishing an appeals process for cooperative housing. You can access the report via the link below:

CHFV Ex-Appeals Project - Final Report 100706

Partnerships

Putting it Together - A Partnership Kit for Community Housing Providers and Potential Partners to Develop Affordable Housing Community Housing Federation of Australia 2005

This kit is aimed at understanding what makes a good partnership between a community housing organisation and private developer, or other partner.

Partnerships and Merger Resource Kit, published by the Office of Housing 2008 is orientated to CHO's preparing for the new regulatory environment.

Affordable and Social Housing Capacity Building Resource List - CHFA

This list has been complied by the CHFA to provide you with a guide to the numerous resources available (note that updates and information on other states go to www.chfa.com.au. The information provided here is the Victorian component.

Documents are sorted into the following categories:

Brokerage & legal
Business acumen
Consultants
Decision making & project management
Development Capacity
Finance
General Housing Research
Governance & Prudential Arrangements
Risk Assessment & Management
Sustainability & green buildings

Many of the resources contain hyperlinks which will take you to the resource and/or the contact from whom you can access the resource. Many of the hyperlinks will take you to the document within this memory stick. Should you wish to find specific resources, you can search this document using the above categories (CTRL+F). Alternatively, you can access each document through Windows Explorer. Please note that documents contained in the ‘Consultants’ folder are repeated in the other category folders.

Disclaimer

The resources and contacts provided within this package have been provided in good faith by the Community Housing Federation of Australia (CHFA). However, your use of the information and professionals contained is at your sole risk. CHFA has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained within this USB resource is accurate and up to date. CHFA does not warrant that the USB will operate error-free.

All information within this resource is provided as is, without any warranty, whether express or implied, of its accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement, and none of the third-party products or information mentioned in the work are authored, recommended, supported or guaranteed by CHFA.

CHFA will not be liable for any damages you may sustain by using this information, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Category	Resource	Jurisdiction	Contact details & further information
Brokerage & legal	Austlii	Across Australia	http://www.austlii.edu.au/ Austlii is a free, internet-based database that contains all regulations, legislation and reported cases across all jurisdictions in Australia.
Brokerage & legal	Legal On-line	Victoria	www.legalonline.vic.gov.au Provides legal information and links on a range of issues, including ‘homes and renting’.
Brokerage & legal	National Association of Community Legal Centres	Across Australia	http://www.naclc.org.au/ Provides information and links to Community Legal Centres in each jurisdiction in Australia.
Brokerage & legal	Putting It Together. A Partnership Kit	Across Australia	Shelly Forceville Administration & Communications Officer 02 6232 5043 chfa@chfa.com.au www.chfa.com.au Please contact CHFA for a copy of the resource.
Business	Achieving Excellence in Nonprofits	Across Australia	Sean Silverthorne with Herman B Leonard, Harvard Business School, 27 October 2008.
Business	Business Pack for Housing Associations	Across Australia	NSW Federation of Housing Associations 02 9281 7144 nswfha@communityhousing.org.au http://www.communityhousing.org.au/index.html Full set of five resources in binder: $110 (full member); $140 (affiliate); $150 (associate / non-member); + postage and handling - $10: order form. New finance - A resource for housing associations (August 2008) This resource covers financing options for development projects, requirements of financing, project limitations and opportunities created by tax treatment of charities. Considering group structure options - A resource for housing associations (May 2008) Identifies the range of group structures, outlines the mechanisms that establish them and discusses costs and benefits of group structures. CHFV HAS A HARD COPY AVAILABLE FOR LOAN - contact Andrea.sharam@chfv.org.au Doing community building - A resource for housing associations (July 2008) This resource will assist organisations to understand what’s required to play a role in community building, particularly in relation to social housing estates. Partnerships with the private sector - A toolkit for housing associations (November 2006) Covers working relationships with the private sector, preparatory steps and key issues for entering a commercial partnership, and building a business case. Housing Association Resource for Large scale partnerships with the private sector (November 2006) This resource looks at the issues to consider before entering large scale partnerships with businesses at all levels. Essential reading for any community housing provider executive and board member.
Business	Human Resource Management Good Practice Guides (1-4)	Across Australia	NSW Federation of Housing Associations 02 9281 7144 nswfha@communityhousing.org.au http://www.communityhousing.org.au/index.html Full set of four resources: $33 (full member); $42 (affiliate); $45 (associate/non-member); + postage & handling: order form The Human Resource Management Good Practice Guides include: An overview of the Employer’s responsibility in the Employment relationship (GPG 1) provides an overview of the law regulating employment responsibilities. Commencing the Employment Relationship (GPG 2) clarifies the legal obligations, rights and responsibilities in the recruitment process. Sample job descriptions, letters and checklists are provided. Managing the employment Relationship (GPG 3) An overview of performance management, professional development OH&S and dispute resolution processes. Sample policies and forms are included. Terminating the Employment Relationship (GPG 4) Guidelines for complying with industrial, legislative and common law obligation to employees on termination.
Business	Lake Maintenance	Across Australia	02 4351 7477 victoriapace@drlake.com.au http://www.lakem.net.au/Default.aspx & Lake Maintenance Pty Ltd (Lake Maintenance) is a licensed Building company. Lake Maintenance employs staff in the areas of Management, Administration, Building Trades, Building Design, Accounts, Assessment and IT. Lake Maintenance has many years experience in the Facilities Management Industry and in particular the NSW Department of Housing and Housing Tasmania Head Maintenance Contracts. Lake Maintenance utilises the latest technological advances to develop its innovative, flexible, proven and efficient Award Winning “Spider Systems” (SWS, SpMS, SAS) to aid in the successful delivery of its services with outstanding results. Our advances allow us to manage more work better, with fewer resources.
Business	Marketing Your Way Through a Recession	Across Australia	Article published by Harvard Business School (3 March 2008) Author – John Quelch
Business	Submitting a proposal	Across Australia	When considering whether or not to submit a proposal, plus in the initial development stages, the Proposal Review Checklist can be used to ensure that the proposal is compliant and meets the standards of the funder, in addition to the community organisation. Organisations are able to brand and use their template, as required.
Business / governance	Chartered Secretaries Australia (CSA)	Across Australia	02 9223 5744 info@CSAust.com http://www.csaust.com//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home & The CSA provides a number of ‘good governance guides’, downloadable from their website, including specific not-for-profit guides - which can also be found linked below: Board structure; Separation of authority between board and management; Stewardship and social responsibility; Volunteer management; Conflicts of interest; Risk management policy.
Business / governance	IP Australia	Across Australia	1300 65 1010 assist@ipaustralia.gov.au http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/ & Provides analysis and resources in what intellectual property (IP) is and how to protect it in Australia.
Business / IT	Donor Tec	Across Australia	Victoria / Tasmania : 03 9912 2869 http://www.donortec.com.au/ & DonorTec provides donated software and hardware from companies such as Microsoft and Cisco to eligible Australian non profit groups with Income Tax Exempt Status. Via this program community organisations can get the latest products at a significantly reduced rate.
Community organisation	Australian Council of Social Service	Across Australia	02 9310 6200 info@acoss.org.au http://www.acoss.org.au/Default.aspx The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is the national peak council of the community welfare sector in Australia. & ACOSS provides a range of publications on housing and various other subjects in the social services sector.
Community organisation	Australian Housing Institute	Across Australia	02 6494 7566 admin@housinginstitute.org http://www.housinginstitute.org/ & The Australasian Housing Institute (AHI) is the professional body for people who work in social housing in Australia and New Zealand and produces a number of publications on housing issues in Australia.
Consultant	99 Consulting	Across Australia	Jon Eastgate Partner 07 3846 5163 jon@99consulting.com.au www.99consulting.com.au & We have worked with a wide variety of generalist housing agencies and have specific knowledge of homelessness, domestic violence and disability issues. Have experience in partnership development, project management and governance (board development).
Consultant	A2Q	Across Australia	Dr Fiona McKenzie Partner 0417 098 880 f.mckenzie@curtin.edu.au
Consultant	Affordable Housing Solutions (AHS)	Across Australia	Hal Bisset Director 0417 346 798 halb@ahsolutions.com.au www.ahsolutions.com.au & AHS creates and nurtures partnerships between the private sector, government departments and not-for-profit community organisations which result in the development of new affordable housing solutions. AHS: works closely with developers to arrange the sale of land or completed dwellings for affordable housing; engages builders to construct affordable housing dwellings; negotiates with banks to arrange finance for affordable housing projects; works closely with Housing Associations to procure the ownership and/or management of affordable housing. AHS is an innovator of new affordable housing products. We are focused on long-term solutions, or programs, to deliver sustainable affordable housing solutions.
Consultant	Cocoon Consulting	Vic	Jen Scantlebury 0434 358 647 jen@cocoonconsulting.com.au http://www.cocoonconsulting.com.au/index2.html Offers risk management, business planning, governance and management services.
Consultant	Effective Change	VIC	Juliet Frizzell Director 03 9388 1661 effectivechange@effectivechange.com.au http://www.effectivechange.com.au/ & Offers governance development, business planning, policies and procedures.
Consultant	Flinders Partners Pty Ltd	Across Australia	Professor Andrew Beer Director - Flinders Institute of Housing, Urban and Regional Research 08 8201 3522 Andrew.beer@flinders.edu.au http://www.ssn.flinders.edu.au/geog/staff/beer.php Expertise in regional and local economic development, housing policy and housing wealth.
Consultant	HDG Consulting	Vic	Ro Saxon 03 9896 1237 ro.saxon@hdgconsulting.com.au http://www.hdgconsulting.com.au/ Offers governance, business management, strategic planning, quality assurance and research/evaluation services.
Consultant	Highwire Training & Development	Across Australia	Maree Davidson Consultant 0417 761 368 mareed4@bigpond.com Maree is based in South Australia where she has established Highwire - a training and development consultancy with a community sector and indigenous partnership development focus. Current projects include;- delivery of leadership training to CARA, a large disability support and accommodation service in SA; with her RTO partner Learning Potential International Maree is a panel member for facilitation of the National indigenous leadership program.
Consultant	JPX Consulting	Across Australia	Kerryn Edwards Director 08 9203 9058 jpx@iinet.net.au
Consultant	MC Two – Human Services Consultants	Across Australia	Joseph Connellan Director 03 9419 2420 / 0438 388 444 josephco@netspace.net.au http://www.mctwo.com.au/ Developing growth strategies to meet the housing challenges of the economic stimulus package.
Consultant	Pelorus Solutions	Across Australia	Director 0432 165 844 david@pelsol.com www.pelorussolutions.com Pelorus Solutions is an experienced and trusted provider of strategic business services which are based upon strong analysis and critical thinking and the implementation and delivery of innovative, pragmatic and commercial solutions which transform organisations and build shareholder value
Consultant	Premier Partners Consulting	Across Australia	Allison Zlomek 02 9216 9500 azlomek@premierconsulting.com.au www.premierconsulting.com.au Premier Partner Consulting provides services in: Commercial & Corporate Finance Aged Care & Retirement Living Affordable Housing & NRAS Financial Modelling and Project Feasibility Analysis Project Bankability Debt Tendering Further information regarding feasibility studies on affordable housing and NRAS, plus other projects, can be accessed on their website.
Consultant	Queensland-AHURI Research Centre	Across Australia	Associate Professor Andrew Jones Director 07 3365 2556 ae.jones@uq.edu.au www.ahuri.uq.edu.au
Consultant	SGS Economics & Planning	Across Australia	SGS has offices in major Australian cities. http://www.sgsep.com.au/ SGS Economics & Planning works with businesses and governments make successful policy and strategy decisions. Their aim is to contribute to good management and good governance in the public and private sectors, including a specialty in housing policy
Consultant	Victoria Heywood – Writer and Editor	Across Australia	03 9489 5442 vic@victoriaheywood.com
Consultant	Yolande Entsch & Associates (YEA!)	Across Australia	Yolande Entsch Director 0409 343 418 yolie@acenet.net.au We have worked with Community Housing Organisations and Cooperatives for almost 15 years. We specialise in Indigenous Housing Organisations. Our method of simplifying complex concepts through creative activities also works well with migrant groups, refugee groups and other groups of mixed social and cultural origins. We also work with other forms of non-government organisations, private owners and developers.
Consultant / Brokerage & legal	Affordable Management Corporation	Across Australia	James Whitelaw Director 07 3234 8989 Whitelaw@hmw.com.au www.hmw.com.au AMC will assist developers with compliance and management of allocated dwellings that are being operated under the NRAS. This service will be provided on an ongoing basis, over the duration that the dwelling is involved in the scheme.
Consultant / business	PT & Associates	Across Australia	Rhonda Phillips, Partner 07 3342 6405 rhonda.phillips@optusnet.com.au
Consultant / business	Vista Information Services & Solutions Pty Ltd	Australia-wide	Jan Titcombe Director 0413 665 759 jan@vistainformation.com.au www.vistainformation.com.au
Consultant / development	Urbanxchange Pty Ltd	Across Australia	Karen Janiszewski 0411 479 461 karen@urbanxchange.com.au www.urbanxchange.com.au
Consultant / finance	Australian Pacific Financial Solutions	Across Australia	Janet Len janet@apfsolutions.com.au www.apfsolutions.com.au Australian Pacific Financial Solutions helps businesses and individuals attain financial goals, using a holistic approach to each client’s needs. The company works with clients to develop financial services and strategies.
Consultant / finance	Financial planning		Ian Thompson 0412 615 449 ian.thompson@incanberra.com.au
Consultant / finance	HMW Partners	Across Australia	James Whitelaw, Steve Koman, Craig Hausler Partners 07 3234 8989 james@hmw.com.au steven@hmw.com.au craig@hmw.com.au www.hmw.com.au The Firm provides a range of accounting, taxation, audit and business advisory services to a range of industries.
Consultant / governance	Roberts Management Concepts	Across Australia	Jean Roberts Director Roberts Management Concepts Pty Ltd 03 9827 7997 jean@jeanroberts.com.au www.jeanroberts.com.au With an expertise in governance, Jean Roberts has developed the Jean Roberts Governance Framework¸ in addition to a number of tools and checklists for NFP organisations.
Consultant / project management	Clifton Development Consultants	NSW, VIC, SA, NT, ACT, QLD	David Finch Business Development Manager 02 9884 7422 david.finch@cliftondc.com.au www.cliftondc.com.au
Consultant / risk assessment	Doug Dalton Consulting	Vic	Doug Dalton 03 9029 3945 doug.dalton@iinet.net.au Specialises in business planning and risk management.
Decision making & project management	Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)	Across Australia	02 6244 1000 info@aihw.gov.au www.aihw.gov.au AIHW is Australia's national health and welfare statistics and information agency. The Institute aims to improve the health and well-being of Australians through national leadership in developing and providing health and welfare statistics and information. Data is available on-line, for use in research and project development.
Decision making & project management	Building a Better Urban Future: New Directions for Housing Policies in Weak Market Cities	Across Australia	Alan Mallach, Research Director, National Housing Institute Published by: Community Development Partnerships’ Network, The Enterprise Foundation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, National Housing Institute June 2005
Decision making & project management	Creating Inclusive Communities. Ensuring Housing Affordability in Inner City Redevelopment	Across Australia	May 2008. Joint Venture Research Project conducted by: Bond University, Queensland Community Housing Coalition, Land Partners
Decision making & project management	Infoxchange Australia	Across Australia	1300 306 645 info@infoxchange.net.au www.infoxchange.net.au Infoxchange Australia is a non-profit social enterprise company focusing on community development using information technology as the primary tool to create positive social change.
Decision making & project management	Project Action List	Across Australia	Template included for use by organisations when establishing a project. Checklist – Project Action List can be used to determine. Organisations are able to brand and use their template, as required.
Decision making & project management	Project Communications	Across Australia	Template included for use by organisations when establishing a project. Checklist – Project Communications can be used to ensure that the lines of communication are clear and responsibilities understood. Organisations are able to brand and use their template, as required.
Decision making & project management	Project Establishment	Across Australia	Template included for use by organisations when establishing a project. Checklist – Project Establishment can be used to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and documented at the beginning. Organisations are able to brand and use their template, as required.
Development capacity	Housing Affordability: more than rent & mortgages	Across Australia	A report from the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS)
Development capacity	Your Development	Across Australia	Your Development info@yourdevelopment.org http://yourdevelopment.org/ Dynamic website, providing information for developers, designers and builders, on sustainable urban development. Information is included on: Site ecology; Place making & social sustainability; Estate design Access & transport Materials & recycling Water management Energy management Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation Sustainability Management PDF versions of the guidelines are contained within this memory stick. Further information and downloads can be accessed at the Your Development website.
Development capacity / Sustainability & green buildings	Your Development	Across Australia	Your Development info@yourdevelopment.org http://yourdevelopment.org/ Fact-sheets on: Design for Open Space Tools & Rating Systems Indigenous Flora & Fauna Biodiversity in urban environments Soil Management Whole of Life Costing Landscaping Public Areas Ecological Footprint Siting Walkable Neighbourhoods Healthy Places Safety Place & Community Development Cohousing Ecovillages Design for Mix of Uses Heritage & culture Employer Liaison Transport Effects on building from climate change Density Mobility management Transit Oriented Development Wastewater planning Smart Metering Water Recycling Energy efficiency & design Community engagement Further information and downloads can be accessed at the Your Development website.
Education & training	2009 Housing Researchers Conference	Across Australia	http://www.fbe.unsw.edu.au/cf/apnhr/ & The 2009 Housing Researchers Conference, jointly hosted by UNSW's City Futures Research Centre and Swinburne University's Institute for Social Research, Sustainable Cities, will be held in Sydney, Australia between 5-7 August 2009. This conference combines for the first time the Asia Pacific Network of Housing Research [APNHR] Conference and the Australasian Housing Researchers Conference [AHRC]. With housing at the centre of the world’s financial and economic crisis, the conference is an opportunity for practicing housing researchers from countries in the Asia–Pacific region to compare and develop perspectives, and theoretical and empirical findings based on research into different dimensions of housing including economics, society and environment.
Education & training	Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)	Across Australia	02 8288 8700 info@aipm.com.au http://www.aipm.com.au/html/default.cfm AIPM’s role is to improve the knowledge, skills and competence of project team members, project managers and project directors, all of whom play a key role in the achievement of business objectives, not just project objectives. AIPM also aims to ensure that those involved at other levels in an organisation and the community understand the key role of project management. AIPM offers endorsed training in project management.
Education & training	Procurement and Contracting Centre for Education and Research (PACCER)	Across Australia	03 9651 2590 http://www.paccer.vic.gov.au/dhtml/index.htm PACCER provides training which is practical (deals with hands on, critical issues and incorporates leading edge information), accessible (short format workshops conducted regularly at convenient locations), and responsive (in-house training tailored to client's specific needs; use of focus groups and client feedback in designing workshops). Of particular use to the community and business sectors is the Winning Government Business Seminar, which is designed to help small to medium sized businesses to access opportunities and successfully compete for government business in the provision of goods and services.
Education & training	Property Council of Australia – Professional Development Courses	Across Australia	02 9033 1900 info@propertyoz.com.au http://www.propertyoz.com.au/Article/Events.aspx?type=pd&p=12&div=all The Property Council of Australia offers a range of professional development courses to housing and property professionals.
Education & training	Swinburne University	Across Australia	1300 275 794 study@swinburne.edu.au www.swin.edu.au Swinburne University offers courses on housing management and policy, including: Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy); Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy); and Master of Social Science (Housing Management and Policy).
Education & training / governance	Australian Institute of Community Practice and Governance	Across Australia	http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/training/training_main.jsp Offers standard and tailored training to community organisations on governance issues. The Resource Bank contains a wide variety of useful resources including information for boards, people management and strategic planning.
Education & training / Resources & publications	Sydney Building Information Centre	NSW	1300 884 876 info@buildingcentre.com www.buildingcentre.com The Building Centre offers a number of professional training courses, in addition to information on BASIX, sustainable building and development in NSW. In addition, the Building Centre offers solutions and expertise through members of its Networks of independent Professional Consultants, Service Providers and Suppliers, as well as a limited number of Smart Products that sell.
Education & training / Sustainability & green buildings	Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)	Across Australia	02 8239 6200 info@gbca.org.au http://www.gbca.org.au/ The GBCA was established in 2002 to develop a sustainable property industry in Australia and drive the adoption of green building practices through market-based solutions. Green Star Training is provided, including submission writing, interiors and an accredited professional course.
Finance	Community Sector Banking	Across Australia	Contact a Business Development Manager in your jurisdiction. www.csbanking.com.au Community Sector Banking (CSB) was established in 2002 as a joint venture between Bendigo Bank (now merged with Adelaide Bank) and a consortium of twenty not-for-profit organisations. CSB provides day to day banking services such as ATM access, phone, internet, deposit, loan and withdrawal services with the assistance of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank branches. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's community based approach to banking remains an important source of direct and indirect support for CSB's banking services for community sector organisations and their staff. Most importantly, in addition to providing a tailored banking service, CSB reinvests banking profits into the community sector and facilitates the development of broader and more effective community, government and business partnerships in order to support the broader objectives of its stakeholders
Finance	MECU	General	Steven Lynch National Community Banking Manager 03 9854 4659 steven.lynch@mecu.com.au www.mecu.com.au
Finance	NRAS Financial Planning and Modelling Tool	Across Australia	Rob Burnelek General Manager – Finance and Partnerships 02 9890 7455 Robert.burnelek@churcheshousing.org.au www.churcheshousing.org.au Financial modelling tool that enables organisations to quickly evaluate the financial viability of proposals under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). Using the information provided on the data form, organisations can assess various options for utilising the scheme. Results can be provided in a graphical or spreadsheet format.
Finance	Shared Equity Homeownership. The Changing Landscape of Resale-Restricted, Owner-Occupied Housing	Across Australia	John Emmeus Davis Research Fellow National Housing Institute 2006
Finance	Show Me the Money: Linking Environmental, Social and Governance Issues to Company Value	Across Australia	A product of the UNEP Finance Initiative Asset Management Working Group UNEP Finance Initiative
Finance	You Can See A Lot By Just Looking: Understanding human judgement in financial decision-making	Across Australia	Ian McAuley (October 2008). Centre for Policy Development. ISSN 1835-0135. Occasional Papers – Number 5.
General housing research	Developing a National Affordable Housing System for Australia: Building on research and practice	Across Australia	Hal Bissett, Ward Bisset Consulting (now Affordable Housing Solutions) National Community Housing Forum
General housing research	Managing Neighbourhood Change. A Framework for Sustainable and Equitable Revitalisation	Across Australia	Alan Mallach Prepared for the National Housing Institute with support from the Surdna Foundation
Governance	Boardsource	Across Australia	http://www.boardsource.org/ Although based in the USA, Boardsource offers a number of publications that are useful for the formation and maintenance of successful not-for-profit boards in Australia.
Governance	Community Housing Corporate Governance – Good Practice Guides (1-3)	Across Australia	NSW Federation of Housing Associations 02 9281 7144 nswfha@communityhousing.org.au http://www.communityhousing.org.au/S4_publications.html $22 (full member) $28 (affiliate) $30 (associate/non-member) + postage & handling ($5 for up to 3 guides - $10 for over 3) Price list and order form. Governance Good Practice Guide 1: What Makes Boards Work (2004) Provides an overview of the features of good corporate governance and some tools to assist boards to govern effectively. Governance Good Practice Guide 2: Effective Reporting and performance monitoring (2004) An overview of the features of effective reporting and monitoring and tools to assist boards to develop systems and practices to improve their management performance. Governance Good Practice Guide 3: Risk Management (2006) A key resource for risk management planning and effective risk monitoring approaches.
Governance	Corporate Governance in Community Housing. Managing the challenges posed by growth	Across Australia	Gapp Consulting Services Pty Ltd August 2004
Governance	Ethical Culture Guidelines	Across Australia	Resourced from AS 8001-2003 Fraud and Corruption Control, Section 3: Structural Elements, 3.1 A Sound Ethical Culture, p22. Council of Standards Australia, June 2003. Resource is provided for the use of community organisations.
Governance	Good Practice Guides (Revised)	Across Australia	NSW Federation of Housing Associations 02 9281 7144 nswfha@communityhousing.org.au http://www.communityhousing.org.au/index.html $22 (full member); $28 (affiliate); $30 (associate/non-member); + postage & handling: order form. The revised Good Practice Guides include: A Code of Ethical Conduct sets out in simple terms the ethical responsibility of each person in your community housing organisation. A model code of ethical conduct is included. How decisions are made in relation to access to the finite resource that is social housing is critical. These three Good Practice Guides cover good practice in relation to Housing Access ie. Handling Applications and waiting lists (GPG 2) Prioritising applications for housing (GPG 3) and Allocations - matching people to houses (GPG 4). Providing a sustainable tenancy and managing complex needs requires a supporting framework for tenancy management. These three Good Practice Guides cover good practice in relation to managing tenancies. This includes Starting a Tenancy (GPG 5) Managing a tenancy (GPG 6) and Ending a tenancy (GPG 7).
Governance	St James Ethics Centre	Across Australia	02 9299 9566 contact@ethics.org.au http://www.ethics.org.au/ St James Ethics Centres provides consulting services, training and leadership development with an emphasis on the exploration and development of ethics. Articles are regularly produced, including: conflict of interest; corporate governance; management; politics; and sustainability.
Governance	Template – Meeting Minutes	Across Australia	Meeting minutes template provide for the use of organisations.
Governance / business	Our Community	Across Australia	03 9320 6800 service@ourcommunity.com.au http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/ Contains a number of ‘help sheets’ that provide useful information for boards and community organisations, including: conflict of interest; and becoming a more accountable, transparent & consultative Board
Government departments & authorities	Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)	Across Australia	1300 135 070 www.abs.gov.au Australia's official statistical organisation. The ABS assist and encourage informed decision making, research and discussion with Governments and the community, by providing a national statistical service. & The ABS provides statistics and analysis particularly relating to housing.
Government departments & authorities	Australian Government – Economic Stimulus Plan	Across Australia	http://www.economicstimulusplan.gov.au/ Provides an outline of the Australian Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan, including details on the housing component.
Government departments & authorities	Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)	Across Australia	1300 300 630 http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf ASIC is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator. In addition to information for companies, ASIC provides a consumer service: FIDO.
Government departments & authorities	Australian Taxation Office (ATO)	Across Australia	13 28 66 http://www.ato.gov.au/ The ATO website contains a wealth of information for non-profit organisations, including information for administrators and a guide on GST obligations.
Government departments & authorities	Council of Australian Governments (COAG)	Across Australia	http://www.coag.gov.au/ The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia. COAG comprises the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Of particular interest is the> National partnership agreement on the Nation Building And Jobs Plan; and National Partnership Agreement on Social Housing.
Government departments & authorities	Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)	Across Australia	1300 653 227 enquiries@fahcsia.gov.au www.fahcsia.gov.au FaHCSIA is the Australian Government's principal source of advice on social policy. FaHCSIA works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations in the management of a diverse range of programs and services designed to support and improve the lives of Australians. Information, resources and publications on housing and homelessness are available at the Housing & Homelessness tab.
Government departments & authorities	Office of Housing	VIC	1300 650 172 http://www.housing.vic.gov.au/ This site provides Victorians with information about Office of Housing services including emergency and transitional accommodation, long-term rental housing, private rental and home ownership assistance. Access is provided to Victorian housing policies and reports through the Publications tab.
Government departments & authorities	Standards Australia	Across Australia	1800 035 822 mail@standards.org.au http://www.standards.org.au/ Corporate governance guidelines can be purchased from Standards Australia, which include: AS 8000-2003 – Corporate governance – good governance principles AS 8001-2008 – Fraud and corruption control AS 8002-2003 – Organisational codes of conduct AS 8003-2003 – Corporate Social Responsibility AS 8004-2003 – Whistleblower protection programs for entities
Government departments & authorities	VicUrban	Vic	03 8317 3400 www.vicurban.com VicUrban is the Victorian Government's sustainable urban development agency committed to delivering prosperous and successful communities in regional and metropolitan Victoria. Their initiatives include: Ownhome Sustainable and Affordable Home Initiative Partnerships with Affordable Housing Associations
Peak body	Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)	Across Australia	02 6122 9400 laura.ford@alga.asn.au www.alga.com.au ALGA is a federation of Local Government Associations from each of Australia's six States, the Northern Territory, and the ACT Government. ALGA publishes a number of documents, including State of the Region Report and information on native title, annually.
Peak body	Housing Industry Association (HIA)	Across Australia	1300 650 620 enquiry@hia.com.au http://hia.com.au/ HIA is a peak body of building professionals. The HIA website hosts a myriad of information on building and includes a number of training courses and information on GreenSmart, which is a voluntary practical approach to building that focuses on educating builders, designers, product manufacturers and consumers about the benefits of environmentally responsible housing
Peak body	Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA)	Australia	http://www.reiaustralia.com.au/ The REIA is the national professional association for the real estate industry in Australia. REIA produces market reports on the housing sector in Australia.
Risk assessment	‘Safe As Houses’ Risk Management Toolkit	Across Australia	Daniel Guise Business Development Manager Community Housing Coalition Western Australia 08 9221 7933 bpu@communityhousing.com.au www.communityhousing.com.au $80 for stand-alone manual $120 for training + manual for members $170 for training + manual for non-members & CHCWA provides training on risk and asset management in addition to resources developed specifically for the housing sector, specifically the Safe As Houses Risk Management Toolkit.
Risk assessment	Managing Risk in Community Housing Operations: Concepts & Tools	Across Australia	Chris Elenor, National Community Housing Forum, April 2006
Risk assessment	Risk Assessment Processes	Across Australia	Resourced from AS 8001-2003 Fraud and Corruption Control, Section 3: Structural Elements, 3.1 A Sound Ethical Culture, p22. Council of Standards Australia, June 2003. Resource is provided for the use of community organisations when assessing risk.
Risk assessment	Risk Management in Community Housing – Managing the Challenges Posed by Growth in the Provision of Affordable Housing	Across Australia	Authors: Hal Bisset and Vivienne Milligan with assistance from Barbara Livesey, for the National Community Housing Forum, October 2004. Please see Risk Management in Community Housing.
Sustainability & green buildings	Sustainability Indicators	Across Australia	Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts http://www.environment.gov.au/esd/national/indicators/index.html Australian Government site outlining sustainability indicators used in Australia. Also includes information on Environmentally Sustainable Development, the activities of international bodies and national State of the Environment reporting.
Sustainability & green buildings	Sustainable Community Rating Tool (VicUrban)	Vic / Across Australia	131 852 http://www.sustainablecommunityrating.com/cs/Satellite?pagename=SCR Sustainable Community Rating tools have been developed by VicUrban, based on: community wellbeing; environmental leadership; urban design excellence; housing affordability; and commercial success. The Sustainable Community Rating provides a common language to assist developers in the planning and delivery of sustainability in new communities Master Planned Community – described as a community with more than 500 homes, along with an element of mixed use; Urban Renewal Community – within the metropolitan area which is strongly influenced by existing adjoining uses; Provincial community – being planned in a provincial city.
Sustainability & green buildings	Sustainable Measures	USA / Across Australia	contactus@sustainablemeasures.com http://www.sustainablemeasures.com/ USA based but relevant to Australian sustainability issues. Develops indicators that measure progress toward a sustainable economy, society and environment. Sustainable Measures works with communities, companies, regional organisations and government agencies at all levels, including providing free training materials and a searchable database of indicators.
Sustainability & green buildings	The Climate Institute	Across Australia	02 9252 5200 http://www.climateinstitute.org.au/ The Climate Institute is a non-partisan, independent research organisation that works with community, business and government to drive innovative and effective climate change solutions. The Climate Institute publishes ‘Energy affordability living standards and emissions trading’ which can be accessed on-line.
Sustainability & green buildings	Your Home	Across Australia	buildings@environment.gov.au http://www.yourhome.gov.au/ In addition to Your Development, Your Home offers: Your Home – Buyers Guide; and Your Home – Technical Guides. Included on this memory stick, please find: The Adaptable House; Common Myths; Rating tools; Environmental design guide; and The Healthy Home.
Tenancy management	Tenancy management database	Across Australia	Liz Waterhouse Project Officer Access Housing 08 9430 0900 info@accesshousing.org.au http://www.accesshousing.org.au/
Tenancy management / governance	Tenant Participation: Good Practice Guide	Across Australia	NSW Federation of Housing Associations 02 9281 7144 nswfha@communityhousing.org.au http://www.communityhousing.org.au/index.html $22 (full member); $28 (affiliate); $30 (associate/non-member); + postage & handling ($5 for up to 3 guides - $10 for over 3) This good practice guide examines what genuine tenant participation is and the barriers that prevent tenants getting involved in their organisations and communities.
Tenancy management / IT	Community Housing Operations Data Administration (CODA)	Across Australia	Trish Dutton Queensland Community Housing Coalition 07 3844 9947 reception@qchc.asn.au www.qchc.asn.au Community Housing Operations Data Administration (CODA) is used throughout the community housing sector. CODA provides an easy to use interface for management of properties and tenants

Regulatory Compliance

Michael Forbes from the Housing Registrar briefed Registered Providers on the the periodical compliance requirements due at the end of August 2009. His powerpoint presentation provides an oversight to the on going regulatory requirements.

Compliance Briefing July 09

Accreditation and Standards

Aims

The aim of the National Community Housing Standards is to set out standards of good practice in service delivery in the community housing sector throughout Australia. The standards attempt to cover all the elements that constitute a high quality housing service for tenants in community housing.

Background

The National Standards for Community Housing were introduced in 1998, by the National Community Housing Forum (NCHF), following extensive consultation with the sector. Funding for their development was provided by the Commonwealth Government. A National Accreditation Council was established, to monitor and review the implementation of the standards.

As well as the Standards themselves, the Forum also developed:

a system to assess organisations on the basis of the standards, and
a structure to accredit community housing providers on the basis of the standards.

The Standards were reviewed and updated in 2003.

The Accreditation process

Individual states have responsibility for implementation of the Standards. Since 1999, the NSW and Queensland governments have funded the establishment of Standards and Accreditation units and a number of community housing providers in those states have achieved full three year accreditation. There is no formal mechanism for accreditation against the standards in Victoria, however community housing providers are being encouraged to begin the 'self evaluation' phase of the accreditation process as a quality improvement exercise. At this stage, the Victorian government says it is committed to the introduction of a formal accreditation process, but there is no timetable for this nor have resources yet been committed.

CHFV continues to lobby the government for the establishment of a formal accreditation system for community housing providers in Victoria. Meanwhile, the Federation is encouraging and assisting member organisations to embark on the process of self evaluation against the National Community Housing Standards. There are several 'tools' which have been developed to assist organisations with this process (see below).

National Community Housing Standards Manual - limited number of hard copies also available from CHFV.

The tools for self evaluation against the National Community Housing Standards:

Self Evaluation workbook

Tenant questionnaire

Referral Agency questionnnaire

Other useful sites:

National Accreditation Council

DHS accreditation webpage

Queensland Standards and Accreditation Unit

St Georges Housing Association

Review of the National Community Housing Standards

Since 2002, changes have occurred in the provision of social housing and in the operating environment for community housing providers. It is therefore timely to develop a third edition of the manual to reflect these changes and current ‘good practice’. This current review is intended to provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to give feedback based on current practices and accumulated learning in relation to using the standards and any related quality improvement activities.

The next step in the process is to offer the opportunity for all stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Manual.

This feedback may include:

Confirming feedback provided in earlier consultations is accurately reflected in the draft manual
New issues that emerge from viewing the draft in its entirety
Suggestions regarding format and usability
Suggestions regarding publishing of the document

Consultation feedback form

Comments should be forwarded to Jake Argyll at jake.argyll@dhs.vic.gov.au where they will be collated and forwarded to Queensland in time for inclusion in the consultation.

Comments will need to be submitted by Friday 21st August 2009 COB at the very latest.

(Please note that due to the short time frame

Proposed Third Edition National Community Housing Standards June 2009

CHFV Policy in Relation to Standards and Accreditation

Water Price Increases

Increases need to be factored into CHOs budgets

The Essential Services Commission recently confirmed real price increases to Melbourne metropolitan domestic water & sewerage supply of between 51% and 64%. The initial proposals put forward by the water companies contained far higher increases. The reduction has been achieved by deferral of infrastructure investments which means that at some point in time the price will be paid. Many commentators are suggesting that the combined impact of growth in population and climate change will result in bills doubling.

This has serious implications for CHOs who hold title to their properties as the vast majority of the water and sewerage bill are paid by the landlord when a property is tenanted.

City West Water bills are going from an average yearly costs of $568 to $858 which equals a 66% increase. A difference is $290 per annum. South East Water is going from $566 to $894 (63% or $328pa). Yarra Valley Water is going from $585 to $960 (60% or $375pa).

If a CHO had 50 properties in Yarra Valley Water’s area, that is an additional $18,750 added to the recurrent costs of the organisation.

If the CHO was paying 6.75% on a loan of $350,000 the annual cost of servicing the loan would be $29,016. That’s half a house lost.

Even if a CHO were not seeking to invest in new housing, the increased recurrent costs reduce the capacity of a CHO maintain a rental yield that maximises the number of tenants on statutory benefits.

Further increases may arise from National Water reform.

Resources for your Board/Committee of Management

Our Community has many resources for NFP organisations including a Guide for Treasurers

http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/files/community_treasurers_guide.pdf

The Guide for Community Board Members can be read online, downloaded in PDF format, or ordered free of charge
via the Our Community website – visit www.ourcommunity.com.au/freeguides.

Does your organisation have DGR tax status – if so the ACF workplace giving program may be a source of new funds

Employees at the companies who have launched Workplace Giving programs with The Australian Charities Fund have already donated over $41M through their programs. The run rate for contributions is expected to exceed $10M in 2009. Donated funds benefit over 180 large and small community organisations. The beneficiary charities provide services in 20 different areas of social need.

The Australian Charities Fund provides support to companies in the design, development, implementation and growth of their Workplace Giving programs. Your organisation can register with them to be in line for donations.

To register you must have GDR status.

Then fill out these two forms and submit them

Website Submission Template

ACF Registration template

For examples of content and to see how your charity feature will appear, please visit the ACF website at www.australiancharitiesfund.org.au

Please email the completed template to Nikole Moral at nikole.moral@bain.com

If you have any questions about completing the template, please contact 02 9024 8435.

Student Placement

Monash University students are available to help businesses while the students also gain valuable industry experience. We are seeking expressions of interest for placements in Semester 1, 2010. As part of the Faculty of Business and Economics' Work Placement Program, third year students - based at the Berwick or Peninsula campuses - are available to assist businesses with specific projects or tasks. Students are required to complete a 40-day work placement commencing in

March 2010. Under the Program, students could work continuously or intermittently, subject to agreement between the business, Faculty and student.

Work Placement students are undertaking or have the following majors which may be beneficial to your business:

* Accounting

* Marketing

* Economics

* Tourism

* Management

* International Business

* Human Resources

* Marketing and Communications

* Sports Management

Businesses are under no obligation to renumerate the students and students are covered by the University's insurance.

Your business can be in the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston or Berwick area or in metropolitan Melbourne. Students are able to travel. Could you benefit from hosting a student from one or more of the above disciplines? Please contact Lesley Soan via email or telephone 9904 4182..

Dr Stella Minahan

Senior Lecturer in Management

Deakin Business School- Faculty of Business and Law

70 Elgar Road Burwood Victoria

Postal: 221 Burwood Highway Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia

Telephone 03 9244 5521 Facsimile 03 9244 5533

www.deakin.edu.au/dbs

Rooming House Mediation Service

The Rooming House Mediation Service is a new service initiated by CHFV and the Tenants Union to help residents of rooming houses settle their disputes in a fair, confidential and co-operative manner. This free service is run by the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, whose mediators will assist those involved to identify key issues, look at options and reach their own agreement. See the information for tenants about the Mediation Service, and information for referring agencies and referral forms.

Resources for members