Understand and respond to the needs of members in regional and rural Victoria

As a statewide peak, CHIA Vic offers members in regional and rural Victoria equitable access to key services by providing an on-call VCAT/RTA telephone helpline and an Employee Assistance Program that provides free face-to-face or phone counselling throughout the state. In 2018/19, CHIA Vic also began a project to deliver NDIS training online to make it easier for members and stakeholders in the regions to take part.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

CHIA Vic’s free and confidential counselling service, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was well used by members, and their families, during this financial year with 78 new referrals, including four family members. 

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CHIA Vic Residential Tenancies Act and VCAT Help Line

This valued and well-utilised CHIA Vic service received 195 enquiries from members, relating to procedural matters, possible courses of action and directing members to relevant parts of the Residential Tenancies Act and VCAT Act.

The most common queries were about the impact of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, which passed in September 2018. Members were keen to know whether changes were already in effect, when all the changes would take effect, and how the changes would impact on their tenancy management practices.

Problematic behaviour by tenants continued to be a major issue. Where necessary, members were referred to legal firm Russell Kennedy for free or discounted legal advice. The issues raised by members inform the content of our training courses and contribute to our feedback via the VCAT Residential Tenancies User’s Group.

Thanks to our Supporters

As a not-for-profit peak body, CHIA Vic relies on our strong membership base and the financial support of our major sponsors to be able to provide the vital services, support, training, advocacy and project work required by our sector. We would like to thank the following organisations for their assistance in 2018/19:

Our 2018/19 Sponsors

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