MEDIA RELEASE - Increased housing options for family violence survivors

Family violence survivors will now have access to increased housing options in Greater Dandenong.

Local family violence support service, Wayss, has added 16 new properties to its housing stock available for women and children escaping the horrors of family violence. The properties are in addition to 14 properties Wayss secured under the DHHS funded head-lease program in 2019.

Wayss Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said head-leasing is a great opportunity for Wayss to directly access private rental stock in the local community for families in need.

"Stable housing is the first step in empowering a family violence victim survivor to take control of their life and recover. Once the family has secure accommodation, we can then coordinat specialist support services to help the woman and her children rebuild their lives," Ms Thomas said.

Wayss CEO Elizabeth Thomas.

"In just over 12 months, we've increased our housing stock to 30 head-lease properties under our management and that will result in some incredibly positive outcomes for families living in our local community. That's 30 families that now have the chance to build a positive rental history to support future tenancy applications - it's access to a critical first step that they may not have been able to take without this program."

Before linking the family with their new home, Wayss conducts a full safety and risk assessment of the property and works closely with local real estate agents to ensure the right property for the right family.

When they move in, the tenant pays only 33 per cent of the rent for the first six months, then 66 per cent for the remainder of the 12-month tenancy. The goal is for the family to then take over the lease and maintain the tenancy. The subsidised rent is a particular advantage when a woman is escaping a financially abusive relationship and needs time to get on top of their finances.

Ms Thomas said Wayss whole heartedly supports the continued development of the head-lease model across Victoria.

"Head-leasing is an extension of the housing first model, which focuses on getting people housed in safe, secure accommodation and then supporting them to stay housed by access to dedicated case-management. Safe, secure housing is essential to support families to plan pathways for living their best life," Ms Thomas said.

What is head-leasing?

Head-leasing is where a private rental property is rented from a landlord by a third party and then sub-let to the tenant. In the Wayss head-lease program, the property is on-let to a vulnerable tenant at a significantly reduced rental and Wayss takes on the responsibility of the rent and the tenancy obligations to the landlord.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is one of the most powerful ways in which a perpetrator of family violence can gain control over their victim. It manifests in a range of forms and is often difficult to detect. It includes stealing money from a partner; taking out credit-cards or loans in a partner's name; refusing to pay child support; preventing a partner from undertaking paid work or study.

Banks digging deeper for victims of family violence

While it may come as a surprise to some, many banking institutions are heavily invested in more than money and are actively seeking to address one of the most insidious and silent types of family violence - the exploitation of family finances.

Financial abuse is a powerful way a perpetrator can assert control over their partner. It often impacts a victim's ability to remain living in the family home or, if need be, to pay for alternative safe accommodation where they can rebuild their lives with their children.

Research suggests around 16 per cent of Australian women will experience some form of financial abuse in their lifetime. Despite its prevalence, victims in a financially abusive relationship can be difficult to identify and typically experience control of finances over time. So, banks are acutely aware of the importance of their role in addressing this serious societal issue.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has sought to create a streamlined pathway to assistance for customers through its Domestic & Family Violence Assistance Program. Through the initiative, independent trauma counsellors, and not bank employees, take calls from eligible customers in need of support. When a victim calls, their immediate safety and needs are assessed. If eligible, financial assistance can be made available, which is designed to provide short-term, practical assistance to victims whose access to funds has been severely restricted or cut off completely. The program is designed to provide both immediate and ongoing assistance.

Forms of financial abuse

Financial control over a partner can include instances where a person:

• Controls access to finances
• Prohibits their partner from viewing financial statements
• Refuses to contribute financially to their partner or family, including child support
• Forces their partner to take out loans or credit cards in their own name
• Stops their partner from working or pursuing study
• Forces their partner to work unpaid in the family business
• Accumulates fines in their partner's name

Helping Wayss to support others

Commonwealth Bank of Australia has sought to assist expert service providers, such as Wayss, so they can extend their reach to support vulnerable families, while also creating further awareness about financial abuse.

Over last year's Christmas-New Year period, Commonwealth Bank members from branches at Pakenham, Karingal and Fountain Gate each presented $500 cheques to Wayss. The generosity from the bank's Community Donations Program is extraordinary, when you consider all three were independent nominations from each branch. All representatives commented they wanted to support the work of Wayss to assist vulnerable families experiencing family violence.

Pictured (L - R) Alan and CEO Elizabeth Thomas from Wayss,
with branch manager Conrad Fernandez.

The bank's program aims to support organisations that make a real difference in the community and staff members collectively decide upon the recipient. Pakenham Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager, Conrad Fernandez, said staff made it clear they wanted to help Wayss.

"We spoke with staff and asked them who in their community they wanted to support. It came out fairly strongly they wanted to help people such as those Wayss assisted," he said.





Wayss supports victim survivors to live a life free from violence

Inspirational relief dash for bushfire victims

The natural compassion of our Wayss team hit top gear earlier this month as many dug deep for an inspiring relief effort from staff members Jade and Bec, who sought to help animals and families impacted during the bushfire crisis.

Jade, a horse enthusiast, was spurred into action over the horrific loss of animal life throughout Victoria and NSW. Through her social media connections, developed through her passion for fostering animals, she learned many horses had been left unfed in the Gippsland area, due to evacuations. As Jade has a horse float with a large storage capacity, the duo put out a call for donations of hay or any items that could be delivered where needed most.

Once the supplies were collected, Jade and Bec completed an impromptu mercy dash to Bairnsdale. The country town was one of the most in-need, yet accessible, impacted areas.

"The fact is there were all these horses that nobody was really tending to because they were busy evacuating," Jade said.

"So over 300 horses hadn't been fed. Bec and I decided to donate our time as an instantaneous donation. We thought we could help the cause if we actually did something. We thought we could drive across there and drop off supplies, and help out the day-to-day caring of the animals, because who's doing that part?"

Jade and Bec called on donations from Wayss staff members and were impressed with the enthusiasm of their colleagues.

"We had a great response. Everyone was amazing," Jade said.

"I found random donations at my desk throughout the day, while people even bought clothes from the market for kids. Some people weren't too sure, so gave cash - and we went to the supermarket and bought slabs of water."

Jade and Bec also approached Dandenong Coles, which donated 10 slabs of water.

With the horse float packed to the brim, Jade and Bec headed to Bairnsdale. During their road trip, they even attracted the attention of metropolitan radio station, 3AW, which conducted a live interview.

Bec and helper Tara provided assistance for those impacted.

Bec said; "It was a bit awkward and they were like, 'why are you doing it? But, we were like, 'why not?'"

Once they arrived in Bairnsdale, Jade said she was better prepared for what she saw, having assisted during last year's Bunyip fires. Although, Bec said it was a new experience for her.

"As a city girl, there were many things I learnt - like not to stand behind a horse," she said.

"But there were so many things people are forgetting - like people have cats, but no cat litter. Dogs, but no dog food. Many were saying there were no ATMs with money in them, so they were unable to buy essential items."

Meanwhile, their feats also won praise within the Wayss office, with Lisa commenting; "It makes me so proud to walk alongside people who walk the walk".

Wayss is on the move!

From Monday, 9 December, you will find the Wayss Dandenong team in our brand new location at 20 Princes Highway (the old Good Guys store). Spacious and modern, the new premises has been custom-designed to provide a calm, welcoming environment for Wayss' clients and a contemporary open-plan office space for our 100 Dandenong-based staff.

The new interior features fresh colours and contemporary furnishings with specially designed interview rooms and children's areas. The footprint is an adaptable layout that offers opportunity for future growth in Wayss' trusted homelessness and family violence support services that have been delivered within our community for more than half a century.

For the past 17 years, Wayss has delivered corporate services and Dandenong-based client support services from 294 Thomas Street, but an increase in service demand has seen it outgrow the current premises.

Wayss Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said the relocation was an essential move for staff and clients.

Pictured (L-R) at the new premises is Wayss CEO, Elizabeth
Thomas with Brenna, Steve and Lisa.

"Our relocation is the next step in the advancement of Wayss. Our focus has always been, and always will be, on supporting our community, families and our clients. We're always looking at ways we can support our clients better, many of whom are trying to rebuild their lives," Ms Thomas said.

"The new, modern office space includes features that have been designed specifically with client welfare in mind. Some interview rooms have an adjoining play area for children while difficult conversations are taking place with the adult. 

"The new office is also part of Wayss' commitment to being an employer of choice, so we can continue to attract and maintain the highest quality of staff to support our clients."

Evolution of Wayss

For more than 50 years, Wayss has supported clients in southern Melbourne experiencing homelessness or family violence.

Wayss' goal is to ensure all people can access safe, secure housing, and the support networks they need, through services provided in the Local Government (LGAs) of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula, all areas which consistently record among the highest rates of homelessness and family violence in Victoria.

In the most recent Census, in 2016, 28% of all people who identified as experiencing homelessness in Victoria were living within the Southern region, which includes the LGAs in Wayss' client catchment area.

Housing initiative supports women to rebuild their lives

Ten short-term homes have been built in Cardinia to accommodate women and children for up to two years, who have experienced family violence and are faced with homelessness.

Funded by the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation, this social housing initiative, 'Built for Good', is a standout partnership and collaboration between council, philanthropists, business and local community organisations. The project aims to pave the way for stable and secure housing in the area.

Local builders Sienna Homes have constructed the purpose-built housing complex, which includes onsite office, on council land. The goal is to respond to the social issue of family violence and the resulting homelessness that is often experienced.

Pictured  at the launch (L - R): Vaughan McDonald,
Elizabeth Thomas, Lucinda White, Cr Jeff Springfield,
speaker Sam Stuckey, Dr Lynette Buoy.

The need for social housing across the state has dramatically increased over the past two years, including in Cardinia. The social issue impacts significantly on the shire community. More than 220 people are experiencing homelessness across Cardinia Shire at any one time. This figure has increased 53% from 2011 to 2016.

Each day, on average, Pakenham police officers refer two women to family violence support-provider, Wayss. Of those seeking support for social housing in Cardinia Shire, 24.2% is due to family violence. Of all presentations, 92% are women.

Wayss manages the housing complex, which includes a mix of single and double-storey units and comprises two, three and four bedrooms. At any one time, the complete 26 bedrooms will ensure women and their children will be safely housed and supported with wrap-around services provided by Windermere and Wayss.

Ways Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Thomas, said the flagship project is a model for others to follow nationwide.

"The Main Street Project provides the 10 families who live there with the security, stability and support they need to flourish and move on to live a better life," Ms Thomas said.

"A project of this scale can only become a reality with true collaboration and cooperation. The Main Street Project is a wonderful demonstration of the power of partnerships and has been made possible by the commitment of Cardinia Shire Council to provide the land for the development; the Peter and Lyndy White Foundation's generosity in funding the construction of the homes, Sienna Homes' contribution to the building project, and Wayss' and Windermere's specialised service skills."

Hear from Ms Thomas during the launch:

Windermere Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lynette Buoy

"Being able to provide stable housing is the first step in truly allowing families to rebuild their lives. The opportunity to work with families to help them achieve their goals is the biggest honour we can be given. This partnership is amazing and a true gift combined with ambition and shared vision of improving people's lives that we are glad to be part of," Dr Buoy said.

The Peter and Lyndy White Foundation

The Foundation is proud to partner with Cardinia Shire Council, Wayss, Windermere, Sienna Homes and the suppliers to deliver this important project. It is wonderful to see what can be achieved when philanthropy, business, local council and housing support groups work together to help solve a problem that sadly affects all levels of our society. We believe it will provide great benefit to the women and children affected by homelessness and/or family violence, and the greater community as a whole.

Sienna Homes Director, Vaughan McDonald

"We are very proud of the homes we have constructed as part of this collaborative project. The homes have been built with the assistance of our suppliers and the support and dedication of our staff; something I am truly grateful for," Mr McDonald said.

"By building these 10 homes, we hope to provide women and children a safe and nurturing environment where they can rebuild their lives after the trauma of family violence. As part of the 'Built for Good' partnership, our ongoing objective is to advocate and seek out new opportunities to provide purpose-built housing for people in need."

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jeff Springfield

"'Built for Good' is a demonstration of Council's commitment to providing safe, secure and affordable housing for vulnerable people in Cardinia Shire," Cr Springfield said.

"Working collaboratively with Wayss, Windermere, Peter and Lyndy White Foundaction and Sienna Homes on this project has further proven the power of partnerships for achieving big, real change for our community.

"Council is very proud of the work that has gone into this five-partner collaborative project and we are privileged to be able to provide the land to enable such positive change in the lives of people within our community."

Hear from Cr Springfield during the launch:

'Crisis support not solution - housing ends homelessness': Incoming CEO

The board of Wayss has appointed Elizabeth Thomas to lead the organisation on a permanent basis, following a successful six-month tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Thomas brings a wealth of corporate experience to the role, which she is adamant will support Wayss' advocacy to increase affordable housing options for the benefit of homelessness and family violence clients, right across the regions of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia and Frankston.

Newly appointed CEO, Elizabeth Thomas.

Ms Thomas said while Wayss must continue to provide immediate and supportive response to families in crisis, it is not the long-term answer. "Crisis response is not a solution to ending homelessness - quite simply, housing ends homelessness," she said.

Ms Thomas will continue to call for all levels of government to work with property investors, and the broader business and community service sector, to work strategically and immediately to increase investment in affordable and diverse housing options.

Wayss Chair, Steve Peterson, said Ms Thomas is the right person to lead the journey towards "the next phase of Wayss".

"As the landscape within the sector changes so significantly, so must Wayss. In her time as interim CEO, Elizabeth has worked with the board to drive the process of transformational change within the organisation," Mr Peterson said.

"Her skills and experience have been instrumental, as we move along the path of transition. We are thrilled to have secured Liz's ongoing services and the announcement means we have all-important stability."

During the course of her career, Ms Thomas has worked in executive leadership positions in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and most recently Hobart, where she was the Public Trustee of Tasmania and then the Managing Director of Tasmania's first Common Ground social housing project.

Elizabeth said there was genuine excitement among Wayss' 150-plus team for the new Wayss strategic plan, which had a clear focus on Wayss increasing housing options for clients.

"I very much look forward to continuing to lead Wayss' future service delivery," Ms Thomas said.

"Wayss is not the largest player in the sector, however, because of our size we can be nimble and responsive to opportunities, as and when they present. It also means that we can actively engage in strategic alliances and partnerships to maximise the impact of service we deliver to our clients and the community."

Winter donations warm hearts

Good will knows no bounds.

Students, teachers and friends of Woodleigh School's Penbank campus in Moorooduc have considered the welfare of others during a particularly icy winter this year.

To help our most vulnerable, the school-led coat drive netted well over 100 men's, women's and children's jackets and winter clothing.

A great selection of warm winter jackets.

The high quality items will go to Wayss' Southern Women's Integrated Support Services (SWISS) centre, a family violence refuge for women and children, which offers specialist crisis support.

In addition to their winter woolies, the school's Parents and Friends Committee raised a $1,000 donation to SWISS.

Wayss Family Violence Crisis and High Risk Response Manager, Lisa, said the donation will go towards a new computer for the youth and children's sensory room, which forms a crucial part of the refuge.

"To provide children fleeing family violence a place to be able to continue with their education, using the computer to assist them with homework and assignments," she said.

"It will also provide an opportunity to have access to the normal types of activities they are used to, such as playing computer games.

"Both these types of activities give vulnerable young people a chance to feel 'normal', for even a short amount of time."