Message from the CEO
Welcome to the Spring edition of the WPI Times. As the weather warms up, we are pleased to welcome all of the renters who have moved into their new WPI homes across Melbourne. Delivering new housing is a very important part of our work to help more women and children. Equally important for us as we grow as a business, is to continually improve the service we provide to all of our renters.
As many of you would know, every two years we engage an organisation called CHIA NSW to carry out an independent resident satisfaction survey to understand your views about our service, including what we do well and what we need to do better. The results also help us understand your views on how your home impacts your well being and determines future service delivery improvements.
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey, we were thrilled to have 50% of renters respond. Overall the results were positive and consistent with the results of the survey conducted two years ago. It also highlighted areas where we need to improve.
We have summarised the survey findings in this newsletter for you to see. I was delighted to see your feedback on repair quality and renter involvement has improved, but you clearly told us we need to do better at complaints handling. As a result of this feedback we will be undertaking a service improvement plan to review our complaints handling processes. If you made a complaint to us and would like to personally tell me about your experience, and where you think we could improve, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me at Roberta@wpi.org.au or phone 9664 7800.
Whether you are a new renter with WPI or you have been a renter with us for many years, thank you for being part of WPI, for the care you show your homes, your neighbours and your community.
Sharing your story helps us raise awareness about the importance of long-term affordable housing for women and their children. If you are willing to share your story or the difference your home has made, we would love to hear from you.
Regards
Roberta
Your Voice: 2026 Renter Satisfaction Survey
Every two years, we invite renters to share their experiences through our independent Renter Satisfaction Survey, conducted by the Community Housing Industry Association NSW. Thank you to everyone who took part.
Your feedback helps us understand what's working well, where we can do better, and how we can continue creating communities where women and their families can thrive. All survey responses are anonymous, ensuring renters' privacy and confidentiality.
We're pleased to share that this year's survey results show high levels of satisfaction across many areas of our service and housing consistent with the results from 2024.
These results tell us that quality homes, respectful relationships and responsive services continue to make a positive difference. We are particularly encouraged that so many renters feel their rights are respected and that they have opportunities to be involved and have their voices heard.
The survey also highlighted the positive impact that stable, affordable housing can have on people's lives.
The strongest improvement reported was in emotional wellbeing. This reflects the peace of mind, confidence and stability that come from having a safe and secure place to call home.
Many renters also shared that affordable housing has helped ease financial pressure, creating greater opportunities to focus on education, employment, family and community connections.
Every survey response helps us learn, improve and plan for the future. Thank you for sharing your experiences, ideas and feedback.
Together, we're continuing to create what matters most: safe, secure and affordable homes that support wellbeing, opportunity and connection.
Victoria in Bloom Competition
Victoria in Bloom recognises and rewards the great work of gardening enthusiasts living in public or community housing.
It’s a way of saying thanks to renters for their hard work to create and maintain amazing gardens that contribute to the communities they live in.
Renters can enter all types of gardens – from balconies, to back yards and community gardens. No garden is too big or small.
There are awards for:
- Best Balcony or Container Garden
- Best Small Enclosed Garden
- Best Young Gardener (under 25)
- Best Household Garden
- Best Sustainable Garden
- Best Community or Common Area Garden
- Best Edible Garden
- Best Creative Garden
- Best First Year Entered Garden
For more information visit https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/victoria-bloom-garden-competition To enter you need to register your garden in one of the following ways:
- Phone: 03 8633 4362 or 03 8633 4357
- Email: vicbloom@dffh.vic.gov.au
When you register you will need to provide your:
- Name
- Address
- Email address (if you have one)
- Telephone number
- The award category you would like to enter (you can enter your garden in a maximum of two categories)
Rent Reviews are Underway
By now if you are eligible for a rent review, you will have received your rent review documentation. We have asked you to update us with some important household income details by 22 October. Providing us with your household income details enables WPI to calculate the amount of rent subsidy you are entitled too. If we don’t have your income details to do this, your subsidy will be cancelled and this will impact the amount your rent will increase.
Rent reviews are an important to ensure that the rent for your property remains affordable to you. Please return your completed forms as soon as you can or contact your Tenancy Manager if you are unsure what you need to do.
A Fresh Start for Spring:
Keep Balconies Clean and Clear
With the warmer
weather here, it's the perfect time for new plants, repotting, and
enjoying your outdoor spaces as everything starts to bloom! While you're giving your
balcony or outdoor area a refresh, please take a few moments to help keep drains clear and flowing freely. Leaves, soil, mulch, and other debris can easily wash into drains, causing blockages, water pooling, unpleasant odours, and in some cases,
water damage to balconies and surrounding areas. A little regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing unnecessary plumbing call-outs and keeping your space looking its best.
A few simple tips:
- Regularly check balcony drains and remove any leaves, soil, mulch, or debris.
- Use saucers, trays, or pot feet under plants
- where possible to minimise soil washing into drains.
- Avoid overwatering plants, especially near drain locations.
- Report any slow-draining water or signs of blockages early before they become bigger issues.
- Secure loose potting mix and garden materials during windy weather
