Lower energy bills making life more affordable for our tenants
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Our community housing tenants in Forster, on the NSW Mid North Coast, are benefiting from the first energy efficiency upgrades completed through our partnership with Great Southern Bank.
The partnership has seen energy efficient upgrades including heat pump hot water systems, LED lighting and water tanks installed at our Mission Australia Housing unit in Forster.
Our partnership with Great Southern Bank
The first energy and water efficiency upgrades funded by the bank were completed in Forster in March 2024. Read more about the partnership.
Andre, a hospitality worker who has lived in Forster for more than 10 years, was one of the first tenants to benefit from the upgrades.
“These energy-savings upgrades are a win-win for myself, and the environment. The new heat pump hot water system means no more waiting for the water to heat up before taking a shower. It’s a significant difference,” says Andre. “It makes me feel alive, feel complete.”
Cutting costs for our tenants
With cost-of-living increases across the country, many of us are feeling the pinch. But for the most vulnerable people in our communities, extra savings will make a world of difference.
“Every time that little bit of money you try to save just seems to get golfed up again,” says Andre.
Claudette, one of our tenants, also knows firsthand the impact of inflation on her life.
“You’ve got to worry about your rent, your bills, buying food,” shares Claudette.
“If you’ve got anything left, you’re bloody lucky.”
For tenants like Andre and Claudette, reduced utility bills will help improve their quality of life.
Thanks to our three-year partnership with Great Southern Bank, we expect upgrades to cut energy consumption by 30 per cent, potentially saving each household up to $500 annually on utility bills.
Naomi Donohoe, Regional Manager for Mission Australia Housing said the upgrades will provide much needed cost-of-living relief for tenants.
“We’ve heard specifically from our tenants that they are struggling with the higher utility bills while trying to live comfortably in their homes throughout the year,” she added.
“Partnering with Great Southern Bank on this project will save tenants money and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Our partnership with Great Southern Bank aims to reduce utility bills and emissions for hundreds of Australians living in community housing.
Fellow tenant Jannene (56) works at a local school and said she’s already envisioning how she’ll allocate the savings from her expected lower utility bills.
“It’s going to be great for the electricity bills,” she said.
“I’d love to be able to go on a short trip somewhere with the money I’ll save,” she added.
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