Members sought for public housing champions group

Public housing tenants interested in ensuring persons in public housing get the best service possible are being invited to join a tenants' advocacy and advice group, ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch said today.

An information session will be held tomorrow seeking nominations for the Joint Champions Group, which is made up of public housing tenants and Housing ACT staff who meet regularly during each two-year term.

Ms Burch said expression of interest forms were sent out to all public housing tenants last month and tomorrow's information session was a chance to put questions to staff from Housing ACT.

"There are nearly 12,000 homes in the ACT's public housing system, accommodating a very diverse range of tenants," Ms Burch said.

"The Joint Champions Group is an important vehicle for ensuring each of these tenants has their voice heard and can directly influence the services affecting them."

Ms Burch encouraged public housing tenants of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances to apply, as a diverse mix would assist the Group represent all tenants.

"Training and support is provided to all members, and they will receive reimbursement for attending meetings to cover travel costs and time."

The information session will be held tomorrow at Nature Conservation House in Belconnen, corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way), at 2pm. People are asked to RSVP by emailing HousingJointChampions@act.gov.au or calling 6207 8776/4516.

Applications to join the Group close on 31 January.