All News
October Update
Feedback from members about recently completed works…..
“Ben who renovated my bathroom did a great job at listening and his quality of work is the best I’ve seen in a long time”
“Tradies who installed the hot water system were terrific. Courteous, efficient and tidied up after themselves. The hot water system is working perfectly and having disconnected from the main gas, I estimate my monthly savings will be around $40 to $50 dollars. Much appreciated, thank you”
“The guys that did the underpinnings were amazing, hardly stopped for a break”
We are now on the way to reaching our delivery timelines, although we have had to put it out due to shortage of material and trades as well as the impact of illness.
August Update
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
Very good communication from the tradies
A few teething problems, but I am glad my house is getting updated instead of being pulled down. Thank you.
The plumbing company were very consultative and very helpful during these works.
Our delivery timeline has been extended to October 2022, given the shortages of materials and trades as well as the impact of illness.
Thank you for your patience and help in rescheduling works when needed
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID so we can reschedule works.
Call 1800 353 669 or email propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Any questions?
Our project team are here to help if you have any questions propertysupport@cehl.com.au
1800 353 669
July Update
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
Love everything about my new bathroom
Great tradesman. Great Communication. Great Service!
Would highly recommend.
Professional, polite and punctual.
Our delivery timeline has been extended to October 2022, given the shortages of materials and trades as well as the impact of illness.
Thank you for your patience and help in rescheduling works when needed
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID so we can reschedule works.
Call 1800 353 669 or email propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Any questions?
Our project team are here to help if you have any questions propertysupport@cehl.com.au
1800 353 669
May + June Update
Our delivery timeline has been extended to October 2022, given the shortages of materials and trades as well as the impact of illness. Thank you for your patience and help in rescheduling works when needed.
| Satisfaction with works is very positive |
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
I was kept well informed of when the project would start and finish. Tradesman we’re very good and professional.
Well done CEHL for using the stimulus package to get priority works done
The 3 houses done have a great finish to them
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID so we can reschedule works.
Call 1800 353 669 or email propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Any questions?
Our project team are here to help if you have any questions propertysupport@cehl.com.au
1800 353 669
March + April Update
More than 200 projects are already completed – and full steam ahead.
Satisfaction with works is very positive.
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
Painting was done quickly and I was given the choice to pick the colour. If you want tenants to take pride and maintain the CEHL homes, giving tenants some ownership is empowering.
Well done CEHL for using the stimulus package to get priority works done.
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID so we can reschedule works.
Call 1800 353 669 or email propertysupport@cehl.com.au
February Update
We value your feedback – and members love reading your comments. The team are over the moon that members are happy with the works.
Data in the tables below represent all regions, as most surveys are completed anonymously.
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you have scheduled works and are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID call 1800 353 669 or propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
Beautiful kitchen, first-rate from beginning to end. Workmen were extremely professional and accommodating to my needs. Admired by everyone, Thank you.
Click here to view the information on our previous monthly updates
Any questions?
Our project team are here to help if you have any questions propertysupport@cehl.com.au
1800 353 669
January Update
Contractors are back at work after the Christmas break. Energy Efficiency upgrade works are ramping up in February 2022 installing ceiling insulation, draught proofing and heating and cooling split systems.
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you have scheduled works and are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID call 1800 353 669 or propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
The colour that was picked is beautiful. The job was done very professional.
They all worked very hard. It was a major job removing rotten boards high on the west wall and replacing them.
The finished job looks amazing. Well done to all.
December Update
Contractors are back at work after the Christmas break. Energy Efficiency upgrade works are ramping up in February 2022 installing ceiling insulation, draught proofing and heating and cooling split systems.
! REMINDER
Please call the Property Support Team as soon as possible if you have scheduled works and are not feeling well or isolating due to COVID call 1800 353 669 or propertysupport@cehl.com.au
Feedback from members about recently completed works…
Beautiful kitchen, first rate from beginning to end. Workmen were extremely professional and accommodating to my needs. Admired by everyone, Thank you.
Painting was done quickly and I was given the choice to pick the colour. If you want tenants to take pride and maintain the CEHL homes, giving tenants some ownership is empowering.
Highly recommend the painting company
November Update
CEHL is proud to partner with Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative to install locally made, premium hot water systems, in the homes of housing co-operative members.
This initiative has positive ripple effects throughout the community for renters, local manufacturing and jobs, cooperative business and the environment.
These energy efficient hot water systems will help reduce living costs for renters, made by co-operative business Earthworker, a worker-owned factory making and installing renewable energy appliances.
Maintenance stimulus funds have enabled CEHL’s to bring forward our works program to improve energy efficiency of homes in the Program. We are working closely with other Victorian government departments to take advantage of rebates and grants as they become available to retrofit homes.
Retrofit works include:
- Replacing gas heaters with reverse cycle split system air conditioners
- Replacing hot water systems with hot water heat pumps
- Installing ceiling insulation and draught proofing
Access to the extra funds is made possible through CEHL’s participation in the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) and by being a regulated Housing Association.
Recent feedback from members about completed works
“I was kept well informed of when the project would start and finish. Tradesman we’re very good and professional.”
“ACC Plumbing did an amazing job on the garage roof and made it more stable, very happy”
“The colour that was picked is beautiful. The job was done very professional.
They all worked very hard. It was a major job removing rotten boards high on the west wall and replacing them.
The finished job looks amazing. Well done to all.”
October Update
Work recommenced on properties as we gradually ramp back up to 100% capacity, but there is still some way to go. The team have been on the phones rescheduling approved works for November and December. We have also been in contact with our contractors to ensure they comply with public health orders and our COVID Safe protocols.
We appreciate your patience at this time, as we are working to ensure your safety and that of our employees and contractors as we operate in the pandemic.
COMING UP…
In our next news update we look forward to sharing exciting news about a co-operative we are working with to install heat pump hot water systems as part of the energy efficiency property upgrades.
sEPTEMBER Update
With the whole construction sector shut down for two weeks our momentum has slowed a little. The team have been on the phones rescheduling approved vacant and external works for October.
We appreciate your patience at this time as we are working to ensure your safety and that of our contractors is prioritised as we operate in the pandemic.
COMING UP…
In our next news update we look forward to sharing exciting news about a co-operative we are working with installing heat pump hot water systems as part of the upgrades.
August Update
Tracking Progress
We are tracking our progress as we go, not only to keep you up to date with works in your region but also to check in on how we are doing on service delivery, quality of work and communication
What we are doing
| What we've heard
|
|---|---|
Send co-ops a plan of works
+ CEHL/Co-op signed agreement of Maintenance stimulus works | Co-ops appreciate the plan + opportunity for input |
Customer service survey sent for completed works
+ Review feedback and what to improve | Satisfaction 4.25 out of 5 stars Positive feedback about service, quality, communication |
All works meet COVID Safe guidelines and current work restrictions | Some people frustrated with rescheduled works due to lockdown restrictions |
Report progress each month for every region on Have your say | No feedback yet.... What do you think about the Maintenance Stimulus - Have your say page? |
Safety first
With changing COVID Safe restrictions we are having to reschedule works. We won’t compromise on your and our contractors’ safety. As soon as we can get back to 100% capacity we will.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.
August survey results
July 2021 Update
While lockdowns disrupt onsite works, our hard-working contractors keep working behind the scenes, preparing for when they can get back on site.
Pictured below are some of the many kitchen cabinets ready to be installed in your homes.
CEHL works with over 30 different contractors and trades to maintain and upgrade the 2,000+ homes in the CEHL Co-operative Housing Program.
It’s a close working relationship that our Planned Works Team, a team of seven (7) including four (4) Property Officers who manage and co-ordinate works with contractors, co-ops and renters, to get the job done!
Ben from Statewide Constructions provides maintenance services for CEHL and other housing associations, fixing and installing new bathrooms, upgrading kitchens, fixing leaky carports, replacing windows and much more. He works closely with Property Officer Brad Frost, scheduling and completing maintenance works, Ben's been in high demand since the stimulus funding was announced.
Ben’s motto is to go ‘above and beyond’, he’s flexible with renter’s needs and sensitive to their requests to get the job done.
Ben loves a chat and is just as ‘over the moon’ as members and Program participants when his high-quality maintenance works are done.
In the past month Ben replaced rotten windows at Julie’s home in Craiggieburn and Susan's in Bundoora. Ben told us Sarah in Fairview is rapt with the new roof on her home.
June 2021 Update
We're upgrading 482 homes, 62 homes already complete!
Thank you co-op directors for responding quickly and finalising the works plan that helped us to get started. We will post updates each month so you can keep track of progress in your region.
An amazing 62 projects have been completed in the last six months with home upgrades in every region. A great example of what can be achieved by co-ops, renters and CEHL working together, it has made for a smooth roll out of home upgrades and works so far.
Feedback from members continues to be very positive about how works are coordinated, the quality of the work and end result.
Are your contact details up-to-date…?
To keep the works rolling, please make sure CEHL has your current phone number and email address so we can get in touch to finalise details and upgrade your home as soon as possible.
Climate and Energy Upgrades
Climate and energy upgrades will be a focus in the coming months, these works will improve the thermal performance of homes and make a difference to reduce home energy bills.
Works plans have been sent to all co-ops, please return agreements as soon as possible so we can get cracking on these important works.
CEHL is working to ensure homes are prepared for the impacts of climate change by:
- • Improving home energy and water efficiency and reduce living costs
- • Improving home comfort year round
- • Reducing emissions and pollution, and overall environmental health of your home
CEHL is encouraging all co-ops to transition to electrical appliances, the Maintenance Stimulus funds have created an opportunity to kick start this process. This change also supports CEHL’s planning for future solar opportunities.
By using energy-efficient appliances, for the average 4-person household, the savings can be as much as $22,750 over the 25-year appliance lifespan.[1]
For more information about home energy efficiency tips go to Co-op Resources/Property/EnergyEfficiency
[1] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/news/news-articles/positive-impacts-of-a-whole-of-home-approach-on-energy-performance
MAY Update
My new kitchen upgrade
CEHL’s maintenance stimulus project is full steam ahead doing great work with many happy co-op members!
Anette from Eyrie CERC shares her recent experience about her kitchen upgrade.
Many thanks CEHL's Asset Management Team, especially Brad Frost (Property Officer). Their efforts in the last three years have dramatically reduced the co-op's extensive list of much-needed and long outstanding maintenance items. I'm really pleased.
How long have you been at this home?
I first joined the co-op about 15 years ago and was looking forward to having my kitchen upgraded and now it is finally done.
What maintenance upgrades were done to your home?
A new kitchen fitout with additional shelving for one of the kitchen walls, a replacement window and a new light/fan fitting. The new, all-white upgrade looks pretty jazzy for a 'small budget model’ and is a much brighter, and way more user-friendly workplace than the 1950s version it replaced. It was definitely worth the long wait.
Have the works fixed an issue at your home or was it a general upgrade?
After the cabinet makers called in to measure, and to discuss colour, materials and layout with me, CEHL (Brad Frost) approved my first preference for layout and colour... as well as gloss finish for cabinets.
To be honest, I didn't think that any of my 'would prefer' items would end up forming part of 'works approved' for the job. I was wrong.
How was your experience/interaction with the Property Officer? and the contractor?
The builders, plasterers, electrician, plumbers, cabinet makers, painters: the whole crew is made up of lovely people with great work ethics, who work together exceptionally well. They cleaned up the worksite at the end of each day and dealt with one another (and me) in a calm, supportive, and respectful manner. At one stage, there were a total of eight workers on site, but you didn't notice the additional bodies.
They calmly and without fuss worked around the many challenges an old and wonky structure such the place I live in presents. There's a joint in one of the skirts and in one of the cabinet kickboards, and if it were my place and my money, I would have asked them to replace the boards with full length boards. However, I totally get that both contractors and CEHL are working to a pretty tight budget, and that because of this 'waste' needs to be avoided where possible. This is only an observation, not a complaint.
Like with all the previous upgrades our co-op received and Brad Frost organised (numerous), he once again chose a great set of contractors. Brad continues to incorporate tenant and co-op preferences and/or suggestions when planning and organising the works. Great job, Brad!
Is there anything you’d like to share with the co-op community about the works and its impact on you?
Many thanks to CEHL's Asset Management Team, especially Brad Frost. Their efforts over the last three years have dramatically reduced the co-op's extensive list of much-needed and long outstanding Third Schedule items. Our co-ops received a total of:
- 3 bathroom upgrades
- 1 ensuite upgrade
- 4 kitchen upgrades (one of the four is Stimulus; one of the 4 was trashed by tenant about 15 months after installation and was then replaced by insurer)
- 2 roof replacements (plus one to be done under Stimulus)
- 1 glass sliding door replacement
- 1 window replacement (4 of 8 windows)
- 1 restumping works (plus one to be done under Stimulus)
A huge thankyou to my fellow co-op members who approved a replacement window, new light/fan fitting, as well as additional shelving for one of the kitchen walls.
For more information about works in the Maintenance Stimulus project per region, go to the Have your Say Maintenance Stimulus page for updates of projects and member feedback.
APRIL Update
We're Upgrading 482 Homes, 26 Homes Already Complete!
Maintenance stimulus works are off and running with 26 projects already completed across six of our nine regions. Preplanning and coordination with co-op maintenance directors has been essential in this quick start, as well as having established connections with reputable, reliable local tradespeople.
We greatly appreciate the co-operation of households to help us achieve this cracking pace. As the construction sector is very busy, we are working closely with our contractors about timing and scheduling the work to be completed before June 2022.
To make sure we are delivering high quality works with high quality service, every household who has maintenance stimulus works completed at their home will receive a short customer service survey so we can to monitor and track satisfaction levels and make improvements if required.
Any questions?
Our project team are here to help if you have any questions. propertysupport@cehl.com.au
1800 353 669