Tenant News - Latest edition (February 2010)

• Minister’s message

  The start of a new year allows us to reflect on what we want to do with our lives over the next 12 months. For many, the New Year brings a sense of hope and excitement, but for some, it can be a time of social isolation and hardship.

• Director-General’s message

  Last year was a very busy one with the transition of the former Department of Housing to the Department of Communities and difficult economic conditions.

• Planting the seeds to create communal vegetable gardens

  Social housing tenants across Queensland have started growing communal vegetable gardens as part of a new Tenant Participation initiative.

• More social housing on the way

  More than 4,000 new social housing dwellings will be built across the state by 2012 as part of Queensland's $1.2 billion share of the Australian Government's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

• Finding a place to rent

  The Department of Communities has a new service to help people find a place to rent in the private market.

• Affordable homes to rent

  Through the Australian Government's National Rental Affordability Scheme, up to 50,000 affordable rental dwellings will be built across Australia by 2012 to help eligible low to moderate-income earners secure a place to live.

• Pension increases and rent assessment

  In September 2009, the Australian Government increased some single pension payments by up to $32.49 a week.

• Local groups helping tenants to reduce energy costs

  The Ipswich Regional Tenant Group has been representing the interests of local social housing tenants for more than 15 years.

• Have your say on tenant participation

  The Department of Communities is seeking your ideas about how we can improve our Tenant Participation program to better meet the needs of all social housing tenants.

• Shirley Hughson Tenant Group

  The Shirley Hughson Tenant Group has come a long way since members first met under the shade of a mango tree 16 years ago.

• Garden awards attract 1100 entries from across the state

  A record number of entries were received in 2009 from proud gardeners.

• Sun safety

  The majority of skin cancers can be prevented by taking some simple precautions when outdoors. Here are some tips from Queensland Health on keeping safe in the sun.

• All abilities playgrounds

  Sixteen new all abilities playgrounds are now being created across the state as part of the Queensland Government’s All Abilities Playground Project — enabling participation in play.

• Healthy eating

  Research shows that four out of five Queensland adults don’t eat enough vegetables every day. It’s important to get active for at least 30 minutes each day and choose healthy food options for a healthier lifestyle.

• Seniors cards

  The Seniors Business Discount Card and Seniors Card are part of a free discount scheme that delivers savings to eligible Queenslanders aged 60 years and older.

• Prepare for the storm season

  Many areas of Queensland are subject to severe storms and even cyclones. Here are a few things you can do to plan for storms, to help prevent injuries to people and damage to homes.

• Tenant News goes audio!

  If you would like this newsletter in audio format instead of a paper copy, please phone 3225 1962 to talk to a staff member

• Maintenance contact details

  Maintenance contact details

• Have your say on your newsletter

  Please contact us with your news, views, handy hints and ideas for future newsletter stories.