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Ken Horsham Scholarship 2025

The Ken Horsham Scholarship is an initiative to assist CHC and HomeGround affordable tenants to achieve their study goals. The late Ken Horsham was a founding director of CHC and served in various roles from 1998 onwards, including Chair of the Board of Directors. Ken had a strong interest in progressing his community and a passion for social justice and it is in this spirit we are pleased to honour him with this scholarship.   How much is the scholarship? The scholarship total fund is $8,000 and each student can apply for a value up to, but not exceeding, $1,000 to further their education. Successful recipients may only receive one scholarship per year. Who can apply for the scholarship? You are eligible to apply if you: are a current CHC/Affordable HomeGround tenant have been a CHC/Affordable HomeGround tenant for at least three (3) months prior to submitting your application are over 16 years of age at the time of submitting your application, and can provide proof that you are currently enrolled in study in a part or full-time capacity How long do I have to apply for the scholarship? Applications open on Monday, 10 December 2023 and close at 5 pm on Friday, 24 January 2024. Late applications won't be considered. Where can I learn a bit more? You can download and read the Ken Horsham Scholarship Applicant Factsheet or email community@chcaustralia.com.au How can I apply for the scholarship? To fill out the application form online, click here. Please note: Applying for the Scholarship will not guarantee your success. You will receive a confirmation via email from one of our staff members if your application is successful. If you wish to apply and require assistance, please call Lianna Pritchard (Community Development Officer) on 02 6248 7716.

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Resident’s story: Simone Bartram

Finding independence, creativity, and home Simone Bartram likes to say she’s been driving since the age of three, recalling her early childhood navigating life in a wheelchair. Now 27, the part-time actor and aspiring novelist refuses to allow disability to limit her independence. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Simone grew up in Canberra with her parents, and sister and brother, later graduating from Lake Tuggeranong College with a Major in Drama. At college she discovered Rebus Theatre company – an inclusive performance group known for putting people with disabilities on stage and at the centre of storytelling. People with a disability are looked at differently, Simone says. “As a child I tried everything to find my niche. It’s not easy for a kid with Cerebral Palsy to find your niche, it’s not easy for anyone.” After growing up with her family, Simone tried share-houses but found the diverse needs of the residents often meant she had to fit in with the timetable of other residents and carers. In 2021, a two-bedroom accessible townhouse operated by Canberra-based community housing provider CHC became available in the southern suburb of Kambah. It allowed Simone – who needs access to 24-hour care – to live independently and choose her own team of support workers, providing the freedom to manage her own routines. “There aren’t many disability properties available and once they’re built, they’re snapped up,” Simone says, noting how important it is for her to have these design specifications. CHC has built eight homes to accommodate special disability residents in Kambah – Simone’s townhouse is in a complex of six. Simone’s home is fully accessible, with no steps, an open-plan bathroom, and a sunny courtyard, and has allowed her to live independently for the first time. “Having this home is a big thing for me. It gives me space to think and the freedom to choose and be independent,” Simone says. “It’s nice to feel like I’m my own person and not constantly having to ask permission.” Importantly, the home also accommodates her nine-year-old spoodle, Romeo – a non-negotiable when she applied. The pair often walk together with Romeo’s lead attached to Simone’s wheelchair, though the Canberra winters are a challenge, she says. Outside of work, she’s writing a novel titled Jason and the Demons, a fictional work inspired by both personal experiences and the loss of a close family member. “One day I was waiting for a long time for a taxi and was thinking ‘I wish I could fly’, she says. Around the same time Simone lost an Aunt to cancer. “The novel is a way to deal with grief and anger and my situation, but to also to look at the positive,” she says, describing a protagonist fighting both physical and mental demons. It’s set in a world where the support system is reversed, and people with disabilities are the ones providing help and guidance to others.

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Media Release 26 Feb 2025

CHC to deliver 175 homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund. Wednesday 26 February 2025 Canberra-based community housing provider CHC is pleased to announce that three projects totalling 175 homes will be delivered in the ACT and NSW under the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF) program. CHC welcomed the Federal Government’s release today of the preferred projects under Round One of the HAFFF funding program. CHC’s successful projects, with a total development cost of more than $100 million, cover a mix of housing types from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom homes and will be occupied by a range of people in need of housing from at-risk youth to families. The projects are: An 80-unit affordable apartment building purchased on a ‘turnkey’ basis in Queanbeyan, NSW. Construction is due to start on the one- and two-bedroom project later this year with tenants expected to move in during late 2027. A project of 55 homes on the former PCYC headquarters in Canberra’s Turner. The joint venture with Canberra PCYC, supported by the Snow Foundation and ACT Government, comprises 45 affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments for essential workers and 10 one-bedroom social dwellings to support at-risk young people. The project is expected to see tenants living in the homes in early 2027. A 40-dwelling project in the Canberra suburb of Taylor made up of 34 affordable and 6 social single-level three- and four-bedroom homes. Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2025 with the homes available to tenants in early 2027. CHC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “CHC is delighted to be delivering a wide range of much-needed homes in the ACT and NSW under the HAFFF, with the 80 affordable apartments in Queanbeyan marking CHC’s first NSW project. “CHC’s successful projects under the HAFFF underscores the vital role public, private and community housing sector partners play in the provision of quality, safe and affordable homes. We are working hard with Housing Australia and our other partners to deliver these homes as soon as possible. “Congratulations all successful applicants, and particularly those in the ACT and Capital region who will now be able to move forward with delivering this critical social infrastructure.” *In September 2024, the Federal Government and Housing Australia announced that 185 projects would make up the initial pipeline under the first funding round of the HAFFF and NHAF. For more information: marketing@chcaustralia.com.au click here to see the official media release

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Basic Computer Skills Workshop – 20 May 2024

As a part of our Digital Literacy Program, the Basic Computer Skills Workshop will provide you with the skills and understanding to use common computer systems relevant to most workplaces. You will learn how to operate: Windows systems Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) Printer Web Browser, and more! Join us in a relaxing, supportive environment where the trainer will guide you through simple computer processes in order to build your confidence in navigating the computer and various Microsoft systems. This workshop is suited to people who are returning to work or starting a new role where computer skills are required. Who would this workshop suit? Parents returning to work after parental leave Adults returning to work after an extended break from the workforce Teenagers and adults who have little, or no previous experience using a computer Teenagers and adults looking to improve their computer skills Teenagers and adults looking to start/change career paths This course will be presented by the Centre of Professional Learning and Education of Communities at Work and will provide you with face-to-face, hands-on training using your own device. Date: Monday, 20 May 2024 Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Location: Common Grounds Dickson Address: 8 Hawdon Place, Dickson ACT 2602 CHC will provide a light lunch. Participants are to bring their own laptops with Microsoft Office Suite. A limited amount of laptops are available for loan, please advise if you need a loan laptop with your ticket selection. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out. Registrations close on Monday, 17 of May, at 5 pm. Register here

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Basic Computer Skills Workshop – 25/03/24

As a part of our Digital Literacy Program, the Basic Computer Skills Workshop will provide you with the skills and understanding to use common computer systems relevant to most workplaces.   You will learn how to operate: Windows systems Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) Printer Web Browser, and more!   Join us in a relaxing, supportive environment where the trainer will guide you through simple computer processes in order to build your confidence in navigating the computer and various Microsoft systems.   This workshop is suited to people who are returning to work or starting a new role where computer skills are required.   Who would this workshop suit? Parents returning to work after parental leave Adults returning to work after an extended break from the workforce Teenagers and adults who have little, or no previous experience using a computer Teenagers and adults looking to improve their computer skills Teenagers and adults looking to start/change career paths   This course will be presented by the Centre of Professional Learning and Education of Communities at Work and will provide you with face-to-face, hands-on training using your own device.   Date: Monday, 25th March 2024 Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Location: Denman Village Community Centre Address: 5 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect ACT 2611 CHC will provide food and beverages. Laptops are available to participants, but if possible, we encourage you to bring your own laptop with Microsoft Office Suite.   Spots are limited, so don’t miss out. Registrations close on Monday, 18th of March, at 5 pm.   Register here

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Basic Computer Skills Workshop

As a part of our Digital Literacy Program, the Basic Computer Skills Workshop will provide you with the skills and understanding to use common computer systems relevant to most workplaces.   You will learn how to operate: Windows systems Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) Printer Web Browser, and more!   Join us in a relaxing, supportive environment where the trainer will guide you through simple computer processes in order to build your confidence in navigating the computer and various Microsoft systems.   This workshop is suited to people who are returning to work or starting a new role where computer skills are required.   Who would this workshop suit? Parents returning to work after parental leave Adults returning to work after an extended break from the workforce Teenagers and adults who have little, or no previous experience using a computer Teenagers and adults looking to improve their computer skills Teenagers and adults looking to start/change career paths   This course will be presented by the Centre of Professional Learning and Education of Communities at Work and will provide you with face-to-face, hands-on training using your own device.   Date: Friday 23 February 2024 Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm Location: Denman Village Community Centre Address: 5 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect ACT 2611 CHC will provide food and beverages. Participants must bring their own laptop device that has access to Microsoft Office.   Spots are limited, so don’t miss out. Registrations close on Wednesday, 21st of February, at 5 pm. Register now!

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