Page 2344 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Havelock Housing Association
Team Jim Jam
MR COE (Ginninderra) (6.21): Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the work of the Havelock Housing Association. Havelock Housing Association is a not-for-profit association which provides housing to people on a low to moderate income using the community housing model. The association’s mission is to provide members with safe and secure accommodation consistent with community housing standards that will contribute positively to their quality of life. In achieving this mission, the association will promote social justice, work towards maximising members’ participation, follow sound business principles and be responsive and an innovative organisation.
Havelock Housing Association seeks to provide housing for low- to moderate-income earners, young mothers, single-parent families, students, asylum seekers, refugees, people with mental health issues and apprentices. The association encourages tenant participation in the management of the properties as well as ensuring that tenants are represented on its board.
Havelock House in Turner was first opened in 1951 as a hostel for public servants. The Australian Federal Police were given control of the building in 1983, but after strong community protest an agreement was reached to allow the building to be used for low-cost housing. It was handed over to the association, and the first residents moved into the building in April 1988.
The association currently provides accommodation for over 100 residents as well as providing space for community groups within Havelock House, including the Tenants Union, welfare rights, ACT Shelter and the women’s legal centre.
The association’s board is Craig Shannon, Jeff House, Paul McBow, Amanda Oosterweghel, Faye Digby, Franklin Hardi Bangura and Laurie Hovi; the CEO is Loc Luu. This government has not recognised the role the Havelock Housing Association plays in our community, but I hope under a new minister things will change.
The association has extensive partnership with community groups, including Richmond Fellowship, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, Koomarri, CatholicCare, Home Help Services, the Australian Federal Police, the Community Programs Association, the National Training Group, the ACT Neighbourhood Watch Association, the Canberra Student Housing Cooperative, the Canberra Institute of Technology, the YWCA of Canberra, the Red Cross, the AIDS Action Council, ACT Mental Health, the Canberra Men’s Centre, SNP Security, the ACT fire brigade, the Rooftop Foundation, MARSS and Construction Charitable Works.
Last Friday I was pleased to attend the Havelock Housing Association’s 25th anniversary afternoon tea. I congratulate all involved, including the board members, staff and tenants, for the wonderful work that they do, and wish them all the very best for many more successful years. For more information about Havelock Housing Association’s work, I encourage members to visit their website at www.havelock.asn.au.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video