I hope, as this year draws to a close that you are going well. It is amazing to think what has been achieved in Australia compared to many other places, which are struggling to get COVID under control. I am sure we are all appreciating being able to catch-up with friends and family again.
Annual General Meeting
It was wonderful to see everyone who attended the recent, and very different, CEHL Annual General Meeting this year. There were many contributions to questions and discussion, and technology will certainly assist people from afar to attend meetings in the future. However, by meeting online, we certainly missed the opportunity to chat, catch-up on your news and share lunch with you. We are looking forward to being able to do so next year.
Funding opportunities
We have positive news about successful submission for funding that CEHL made for one-off economic stimulus funding to go towards maintenance. It’s our biggest ever investment in property improvement, by combining the government funds and our annual property upgrade budget. The works will improve home energy efficiency and comfort and reduce climate risk and maintenance liability. Please read our feature story for all the details.
We are still working through what the recent Victorian Government announcement of $5.3 billion stimulus funding for social housing might mean for the Program. Hopefully this will provide a pipeline of funding that will enable CEHL to work with co-ops to develop proposals that respond to your aspirations as outlined in your Future Directions Plans and create an opportunity to provide co-op housing for many more people.
Company Rent and Affordability Benchmark
The board recently made decisions about the Company Rent and Affordability Benchmark process. Thanks to the high level and consistency of feedback from co-ops, the CEHL Board agreed to;
- Retain the current Affordability Benchmark and commit to continue to work with co-ops on our options to address our shared financial and Program challenges
- Request that CEHL further develop a draft Company Rent model that will give co-ops more choice
Acknowledgement of Darina Seal
I also want to inform you that Darina Seal is retiring from CEHL at the end of the year. Darina joined the Program 30 years ago as a member and has worked in mostly senior manager roles at CEHL for the past 17 years. We acknowledge and appreciate Darina’s passion for and contribution to the Program and wish her well.
It has been an extraordinary year and a challenging year. Thanks for all of your efforts to contribute to the Program.
I wish you a happy, safe and healthy festive season and New Year.
I am looking forward to seeing you and working with you next year.
Best wishes
Stephen Nash
CEHL Managing Director