Housing Justice in Bendigo, Victoria | Non-profit organisation

Housing Justice

Locality: Bendigo, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5445 0990

Address: 171 Hargreaves St 3550 Bendigo, VIC, Australia

Website: https://arcjustice.org.au/

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• Non-profit organisation
• Social service
• Housing assistance service

25.01.2022 With Stage 3 restrictions now in force to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in regional Victoria, our Bendigo office will remain closed until further notice. If you have a tenancy problem, we are still here to help. Our Housing Advocates can provide tenancy advice and support over the phone. Please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990 to book a telephone appointment, or email us at [email protected]. We will be monitoring emails regularly, with staff available to respond on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

25.01.2022 Check out the video below from the Victoria Law Foundation, featuring our own Kirsty Waller (Housing Justice Manager) and Tenants Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge talking about housing, tenancy and your rights during the COVID-19 crisis. We answer some of your frequently asked questions: Can I be evicted from my home during the pandemic? What can I do if I am struggling to pay my rent? What happens if the property owner wants to sell or move back in? Thanks to Lynne Haultain, Executive Director of the Victoria Law Foundation for hosting this informative discussion for Law Week 2020 Your Law Victoria #LawWeek #EverybodysHome

25.01.2022 Next week is the launch of Homelessness Week and a new campaign calling on Federal MPs to pledge their support for a social housing construction boom to create jobs and help end homelessness across Australia. The campaign will be launched at an online panel discussion on Monday 3rd August at 12:00pm, with guest speakers including Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services, the Hon Luke Howarth, Opposition Housing and Homelessness Spokesperson, Jason Clare, Chair of Homelessness Australia, Jenny Smith and Kate Colvin from the Everybodys Home Campaign. Register for this event below, and join in next week to learn how you can support this important campaign, because Everybody Needs a Home. #HW2020 #BuildSocialHousing

24.01.2022 Tomorrow is the Raise the Rate for Good National Day of Action. We are joining the Australian Council of Social Service and other groups around the country calling for a permanent increase to the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments to ensure that everyone can afford lifes essentials, including food, housing, utilities, medicine and healthcare. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have found themselves out of work an...d struggling to find jobs. To help people through this crisis, the Federal Government has temporarily raised the rate of JobSeeker (formerly Newstart) to cover the basic costs of living. But the economic impacts of COVID-19 will be long-term. We cant turn back to the old Newstart rate of $40 a day. We cant turn our backs on those in our community who are at risk of being left behind. We need to #RaisetheRateforGood. To find out more about how you can support this campaign and join the National Day of Action on Tuesday 14th July, visit: https://buff.ly/2LnfM8e

23.01.2022 The Victorian Government will create an $80 million rental assistance fund for tenants facing hardship due to coronavirus. To be eligible, renters need to have registered their revised agreement with Consumer Affairs Victoria or gone through mediation, have less than $5,000 in savings, and still be paying at least 30% of their income in rent. If you need help negotiating with your real estate agent or landlord, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or email [email protected] for assistance.

23.01.2022 In case you missed the Everybodys Home Webinar yesterday hosted by Haven; Home, Safe you can check out a video of the event here: https://buff.ly/30w4JQv. Kate Colvin from the Everybodys Home campaign discussed the need for more social housing, while Trevor Brown shared a powerful story about his lived experience of homelessness. Our own Kirsty Waller (Housing Justice Manager) also joined the panel discussion, emphasizing the need for more social housing and homelessness services in our region #HW2020 #BuildSocialHousing

22.01.2022 On Monday 27th July there will be a historic opportunity to #RaiseTheAge of criminal responsibility so that children aged 10 to 13 cannot be locked away in prisons. In Australia children as young as 10 can be arrested by police, charged with an offence, hauled before a court and sent to prison. In a single year close to 600 children aged 10 to 13 have been locked away. 65% of these kids are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. In just three days, the Council of Attorneys-General will meet to discuss raising the age. We need your help to make sure they cant ignore the call to keep kids in community not behind bars. Sign the petition here: https://buff.ly/3eQjnqnIn

21.01.2022 The moratorium on evictions has been extended until December 31st! This is a welcome announcement for people who have lost their jobs or experienced financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19. More information on the moratorium rules can be found on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website here: https://buff.ly/3hftBSq. It is important to note that you can still be evicted for other reasons during COVID-19, so please contact us if you are struggling to pay your rent or have other tenancy issues. Our Housing Advocates can provide free advice and support over the phone. Call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990 to book a telephone appointment, or email us at [email protected] #EverybodysHome

21.01.2022 Todays question about your tenancy rights and COVID-19: What if I cant afford to pay my rent due to COVID-19? The Victorian Government recently announced a Rent Relief Grant to support tenants experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. This is a one-off payment of $2000 direct to your agent or landlord to help with your rent. To be eligible for this grant, you must: ... 1. Have registered your rent reduction agreement with Consumer Affairs Victoria, or have already been through mediation with Consumer Affairs Victoria; 2. Have less than $5000 in savings; 3. Have a household income that is less than $1903 per week; and 4. Be currently paying 30% or more of your income towards your rent. More information can be found on the Housing Victoria website here: https://buff.ly/2SqYrNL. We are also here to help. If you are worried about paying the rent or need help negotiating with your real estate agent or landlord, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990, or email: [email protected] for assistance. For answers to more frequently asked questions about tenancy rights and COVID-19, see our website here: https://buff.ly/2YmoCcc

21.01.2022 Below is a summary of key changes to JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and JobKeeper that will come into effect on the 25th September 2020. Please visit Services Australia for more information: https://buff.ly/3h8kKkJ. And remember, if you are experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay your rent, or have other tenancy issues, we are here to help! Please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or email [email protected] to book an appointment with one of our friendly housing ad...vocates. As of 25th September 2020: - The Coronavirus Supplement will change from $550 to $250 per fortnight. The new, (lower) supplement will continue to be paid until 31 Dec 2020. - The income free area for JobSeeker and Youth Allowance job seekers will increase to $300 per fortnight. This means if a person earns above $300 per fortnight, their payment will be reduced by 60 cents for each dollar they earn over this amount. This does not apply if the job seeker is a principal carer. - The partner income threshold will increase. If a person is on JobSeeker and their partner earns income, the persons payment will be reduced by 27 cents per dollar that their partner earns over $1165 per fortnight. If the persons income is less than $300 per fortnight, their partner can earn up to $3086.11 per fortnight before their payment reduces to zero. - Asset testing will re-apply from the 25th September 2020. People receiving payments have been sent a message through MyGov asking them to go online and enter their asset details. Depending on their assets, this may impact their payments and eligibility. - People still need to declare any JobKeeper payments as income if they are also on JobSeeker or Youth Allowance payments.

20.01.2022 In case you missed the Everybody's Home Webinar yesterday hosted by Haven; Home, Safe you can check out a video of the event here: https://buff.ly/30w4JQv. Kate Colvin from the Everybody's Home campaign discussed the need for more social housing, while Trevor Brown shared a powerful story about his lived experience of homelessness. Our own Kirsty Waller (Housing Justice Manager) also joined the panel discussion, emphasizing the need for more social housing and homelessness services in our region #HW2020 #BuildSocialHousing

20.01.2022 The City of Greater Bendigo are calling for feedback on their Affordable Housing Action Plan. This plan sets out the Citys role and the actions it will take to meet the growing demand for more affordable housing in our community. You can view the plan and submit your comments at the link below. Public comments will be accepted up until 4th of October.

19.01.2022 With the end of the financial year fast approaching, now is a great time to make a tax deductible donation to Housing Justice (a program of ARC Justice). We are a not-for-profit community organisation that provides free tenancy advocacy and support to people in rural and regional Victoria who are are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Your donation will help us to reach some of the most vulnerable families in our community who have found themselves at risk of homelessness due to the COVID-19 crisis. Its quick and easy to make a donation online today - just click on the link below. Thank you for your vital support - it makes a real difference! #EverybodysHome

18.01.2022 Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence are hosting a range of local and online events in Bendigo for the #16Days of Activism against gender-based violence. Check out the program below and follow on Facebook for updates on how to get involved and show your support. Housing Justice provides information, advice and support for tenants who are experiencing family violence and other tenancy issues. To book an appointment, contact us on (03) 5445 0990 of FREECALL 1800 450 990. Our... colleagues at Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre provide free legal advice and assistance with family violence intervention orders. Call (03) 5445 0909 or FREECALL 1800 450 909 to book an appointment. You can also contact Centre for Non Violence for assistance on 1800 884 292. The 24-hour statewide Safe Steps family violence crisis line is 1800 015 188. In an emergency, please call '000'.

18.01.2022 The Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival starts today as part of National Reconciliation Week. This year the festival will be streaming online, sharing films created by, starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Check out the full program here, including a number of free events: https://buff.ly/2Aa9Mey #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020

17.01.2022 Did you know that Victoria has the lowest proportion of social housing in Australia? We need to build at least 6000 more social housing units every year for the next 10 years to provide enough safe and affordable housing for everyone who needs it. To learn more and show your support for the All Victorians Deserve a Home campaign, click on the link below: https://buff.ly/3bwSAgy #EverybodysHome

16.01.2022 This week we join the community in celebrating National Reconciliation Week. We acknowledge Aboriginal Peoples as the traditional and current custodians of the land upon which we work. We respect that this land always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Aboriginal sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, as well as all Aboriginal people who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality, self-determination, culture, Coun...try and community. We recognise the systemic injustices that have been caused by colonisation and remain ongoing today. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves about these issues. We celebrate the strength, culture, connection to Country, incredible resilience and contribution of Aboriginal Peoples to our whole community. We are grateful for the knowledge and wisdom so many Aboriginal people have shared with us. #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020 See more

14.01.2022 Todays question about your tenancy rights and COVID-19: Can I be evicted if I cant pay my rent? From 29th March 2020, the Victorian Government has put a temporary ban on most evictions. For the next 6 months, you cannot be evicted if you are behind on rent because of COVID-19. You can still be evicted for other reasons during this period. We are here to help. If you have received a Notice to Vacate before or after 29 March 2020, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL ...1800 450 990, or email: [email protected] for assistance. For answers to more frequently asked questions about tenancy rights and COVID-19, visit website here: https://buff.ly/2YmoCcc.

14.01.2022 Last week the Victorian Government passed temporary adjustments to the Residential Tenancies Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes provide important protections for tenants during this difficult time. The laws apply for six months from 29 March 2020 and they mean you cant be evicted if you are served a notice to vacate on or after this date if you cant pay your rent due to coronavirus (COVID-19). You can still be evicted for other reasons during this peri...od. The new laws also include a ban on any rent increase during this period. If your income has been affected by COVID-19 and you are concerned that you may not be able to pay part or all of your rent, we encourage you to speak to your landlord and negotiate an agreement. If an agreement is unable to be reached, you can contact us on 54450990 or 1800450 990 (if youre outside of the Bendigo area) to seek assistance with the negotiation process. You can also contact Consumer Affairs (1300 558 181) or see https://buff.ly/2VdGrrG for more info. The Victorian Government has also made funding available through their rental relief grant, this can only occur after you register your agreement on the Consumer Affairs website. To see if youre eligible you can find more information about the scheme here https://buff.ly/2SqYrNL. If you have any further questions or require assistance you can call Housing Justice on 5445 0990. Alternatively you can email [email protected] with your details and one of our housing advocates will get in touch with you.

13.01.2022 Todays question about your tenancy rights and COVID-19: Can my landlord raise the rent? The Victorian Government has out a temporary ban on rent increases for six months until 29 September 2020. New laws also come into effect in Victoria on 1 July 2020 that limit how often landlords can increase rent. For leases starting on or after 19 June 2019, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months. For leases starting before 19 June 2019, landlords can increase rent once... every 6 months. We are here to help. If you are having trouble paying your rent, or are worried about a rent increase, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990, or email: [email protected] for assistance. For answers to more frequently asked questions about tenancy rights and COVID-19, visit our website here: https://buff.ly/2YmoCcc

11.01.2022 Today is National Sorry Day, a time to remember and acknowledge the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations which continues to this day. Aboriginal children are ten times more likely to be removed from their families and communities. We must do more to address the systemic injustice and over-representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection and out-of-home care system. We need to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and be guided by Aboriginal-led solutions. Many National Sorry Day commemorations are being live-streamed on Facebook today, including this event in Yarra at 2:00pm: https://buff.ly/2TFXSQN #sorryday #InThisTogether2020 #NRW2020

11.01.2022 Today is the Raise the Rate for Good National Day of Action. The Federal Government is considering plans to reduce the JobSeeker payment rate introduced at the start of the COVID-19 crisis. We cant go back to the old Newstart rate of $40 per day. This is not enough for people to afford basic essentials such as food, housing, utilities and medical care. Join us in calling for a permanent increase to the rate of JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments to keep people out of poverty and to ensure that no one is left behind as we recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. Call or write to your local politician or visit https://buff.ly/2LnfM8e to find out more #RaisetheRateforGood

11.01.2022 It can be difficult for newly arrived migrants and refugees to find information about COVID-19 in their own language. Thankfully Bendigo Community Health Services have put together a range of information sheets and videos in Karen, Dari and Dika. These can be accessed in the link below. Great work BCHS!

11.01.2022 We are advertising for an Advocacy Support Worker to join our Housing Justice team. This role will support people at risk of homelessness and with other tenancy issues, helping clients to connect with local support services and advocate for their rights. Visit the link below for more details.

11.01.2022 This week would normally be NAIDOC Week, but due to COVID-19 the celebrations have been postponed until November 8-15. A poster for NAIDOC 2020 was launched today, which you can download at the link below. There are lots of other ways you can educate yourself about the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the lead up to November. Check out the excellent documentary "In My Blood it Runs" currently streaming on ABC iView here: https://buff.ly/38s3PqD and learn more about the campaign to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Australia here: https://buff.ly/3eQjnqn #raisetheage #NAIDOC2020

09.01.2022 Housing Justice welcomes the measures announced by the Victorian Government to provide hotel accommodation until at least April next year for 2,000 homeless Victorians while they are supported to access more stable housing. But we also recognise that more is needed to ensure that people living in vulnerable circumstances in our community have access affordable housing in the long-term. We urgently need more social housing to meet growing demand, with Victoria well below the n...ational average for available public housing. To find out how you can support the campaign to #BuildSocialHousing, join us for the launch of Homelessness Week next week by registering for the online launch event here: https://buff.ly/3jO6q3f #HW2020 For more information about the measures announced by the state government to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis, click the link below: https://buff.ly/39yQgpJ.

08.01.2022 Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting a growing issue in our community. We know that many older people have experienced increased physical and social isolation due to COVID-19, and may have found themselves under housing or financial pressure from family and relatives. To learn more, check out this toolkit from Seniors Rights Victoria which provides answers to common questions about elder abuse and how you can provide support: https://buff.ly/2KgzReW. We all ...have a role to play in calling out elder abuse, standing up for the rights of older people, and recognising the amazing contributions they make to our community #WEAAD If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact the Seniors Rights Victoria help line on 1300 368 821. For help with tenancy issues, call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990 to book an appointment with one of our housing advocates.

08.01.2022 Todays common question about tenancy rights and COVID-19: How do I ask for a rent reduction? Speak to your landlord or real estate agent about your situation. They may have a COVID-19 rent reduction application form for you to fill out. If you cant come to an agreement with your landlord or real estate agent, mediation services are available. We are here to help. If you are worried about negotiating with your agent or landlord and need help, please call us on (03) 5445 09...90 or FREECALL 1800 450 990, or email: [email protected] for assistance. For answers to more frequently asked questions about tenancy rights and COVID-19, see our website here: https://buff.ly/2YmoCcc

08.01.2022 The Victorian Government has announced works to improve and upgrade 23,000 social housing units, and to construct 168 new units, as part of a $500 million package to strengthen the economy. Housing Justice welcome this significant investment in maintenance and upgrades, 25% of which will be spent in Regional Victoria. Many rundown units will become livable again, but more social and community housing is still needed to bring Victorias level of social housing in line with oth...er states. We are calling on the government to commit to more social housing builds to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe and affordable home. A construction boom would create even more jobs and further boost the economy as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis. To show your support for the All Victorians Deserve A Home campaign, follow the link below: https://buff.ly/3bwSAgy #EverybodysHome

08.01.2022 Exciting to see the first artist impressions of the new Bendigo Law Courts to be constructed on the corner of Hargreaves and Mundy St. This facility will house the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) alongside other courts, and will greatly improve access to justice and safety for our community, particularly for people with disability and those affected by family violence. To learn more, and to share your feedback and ideas on the new development visit: https://engage.vic.gov.au/bendigo-law-court-development. Public feedback will be accepted up until September 30th.

07.01.2022 This week is Homelessness Week. According to Homelessness Australia, there are 5200 people who are homeless in regional Victoria, including 400 people in the Bendigo region. The Loddon Campaspe Homeless Alliance is holding a free webinar this Wednesday at 10:30am to discuss how this problem can be addressed with more social housing. Kate Colvin from the Everybodys Home Campaign will be the Keynote Speaker, and our very own Kirsty Waller (Housing Justice Manager) will be joining the panel discussion. Click the link below to register and find out how you can support the campaign to #BuildSocialHousing for #HW2020.

07.01.2022 A big thanks to Bendigo JShop in Eaglehawk, who will be giving surplus stock away to those who may need assistance with getting some furniture items.

05.01.2022 This week we are answering some common questions about your tenancy rights and COVID-19. Todays question: Do I have to pay rent? Answer: Yes. You must continue to pay your ordinary rent, unless you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and an agreement has been reached with your landlord to change your rental agreement. The Victorian Government has recently announced a Rent Relief Grant for people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. This ...is a one-off payment of $2000 paid directly to your agent or landlord. More information about this grant is available here: https://buff.ly/2SqYrNL We are here to help. If you are worried about paying your rent, or need help negotiating with your real estate agent or landlord, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990, or email: [email protected] for assistance. For answers to more frequently asked questions about tenancy and COVID-19, visit website here: https://buff.ly/2YmoCcc.

05.01.2022 If you are struggling to pay your water and electricity bills due to COVID-19 JusticeConnect has some helpful advice on your rights to delay debt collection until after 31st July. See below for more details. If youre facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 your energy and water providers have certain obligations to make sure you are safe. If you cant afford your water and electricity bills, you have a right to ask your provider for a payment plan. Your energy and water p...roviders cant cut you off without your approval. If you have outstanding debts, your electricity or water providers cannot pursue those debts until after the 31st July 2020, so you have time to get back on your feet. To find out more about managing debts during COVID-19, including how to challenge providers decisions if you think youve been treated unfairly, see this helpful resource from Justice Connect: https://buff.ly/31wOvHL/responding-to-debt-collect/ If you are renting and need assistance, you can also call our team at Housing Justice on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990 for information and support.

04.01.2022 Congratulations to Fi and her beautiful Labrador Bella, the winner of our Easter Pets Competition! Thanks to those who entered and helped to raise awareness of changes to rental laws for pets in Victoria. From July this year, tenants have a right to keep pets in their rental property if they have written permission from their landlord. Landlords can only refuse permission if they get approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). For more information about changes to the Residential Tenancies Act starting in July this year, visit https://buff.ly/2Ke5STM. Please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or email [email protected] if you have any questions about how these changes may impact you.

03.01.2022 This week we are celebrating #RefugeeWeek. Check out these amazing stories from some of the Refugee Week Ambassadors making valuable contributions to the community. We support refugees in our community to access safe and stable housing. For information about our tenancy advocacy and support services, you can contact us on (03) 5445 0990 or FREECALL 1800 450 990 #YearOfWelcome

03.01.2022 Service Update: Bendigo office open from September 21st We have adapted how we are working to ensure community safety. Youll notice several changes on your next visit to our office. Find out more below. From Monday 21st September, the Housing Justice office in Bendigo will be open to the community for walk-in enquiries. We will also continue to deliver a range of services remotely and encourage people to contact us by telephone. ... Our new opening hours are 9am to 4pm. Our phone lines will stay open until 5pm. The health and safety of our clients, staff and the community remains our number one priority. We will be following official public health guidelines and a strict cleaning schedule to ensure that our offices are COVID safe. All visitors to the office will be required to sign-in, wear a face mask, and follow instructions from our staff to help maintain social distancing. Masks and hand sanitiser will be available at reception. If you have any feedback or questions about the steps we are taking to ensure our office is COVID safe, please call us or speak to one of our friendly reception staff on your next visit.

02.01.2022 Consumer Affairs Victoria have prepared this helpful resource, with information and tips for people who have been impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus) https://buff.ly/2VdGrrG. If you need help negotiating with your real estate agent or landlord, please call us on (03) 5445 0990 or email [email protected] for assistance.

02.01.2022 Join Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson this Wednesday 27 May at 10:00am on Zoom for a special smoking ceremony to mark the start of Reconciliation Week. The #NRW2020 theme this year is #InThisTogether2020, encouraging each of us to consider our role in reconciliation and how we can come together to build mutual respect and understanding, and build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures. Click here to join the Zoom meeting tomorrow morning: https://buff.ly/2TzMXYN. If you are having trouble connecting, contact [email protected]. And while youre here, check out Uncle Ricks great COVID-19 awareness-raising rap!