Recent highlights and updates
We also partnered with Northern Areas Council to secure land in Jamestown, further enhancing our ability to grow and support local communities. Our participation in a National Panel with the Community Housing Industry Association for the launch of the Community Housing Domestic and Family Violence Industry Standard underscored the importance of having a seat at the table to ensure regional voices are heard.
This initiative seeks to strengthen the role of community housing organisations in supporting victim-survivors and advancing efforts to end violence against women and children. The event, featuring Hon Justine Elliot MP, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Violence, fostered valuable discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and practical aspects of supporting victim-survivors across Australia, highlighting the unique perspectives and needs of regional communities.
247 |
| tenancies managed |
95 |
| new tenancies established |
89 |
| tenants transitioning into alternative housing |
85 |
| priority 1 maintenance requests completed |
1,207 |
| priority 2/3 3 maintenance requests completed ensuring our properties remain safe and comfortable for all tenants |
Our Tenant Satisfaction Survey results reflect the positive impact of our services on the community:
Safety: 72.2% of tenants feel safe in their neighbourhood all of the time.
Repairs and Maintenance: 88% are satisfied with the repairs and maintenance services.
Property Condition: 90.8% are satisfied with the condition of their property.
Respect: 89.5% feel treated with dignity and respect when interacting with UCH staff.
Responsiveness: 92.3% feel their requests are responded to promptly.
Clear Communication: 95.1% find the information provided by UCH easy to understand.
Contractor Performance: 83% are satisfied with the work completed by maintenance contractors.
Overall Satisfaction: 96% of tenants are satisfied with the overall service provided by UCH.
These results underscore our dedication to providing high-quality housing and support services that meet the needs of our tenants, fostering a sense of safety, respect, and community.
The previous site was outdated, cluttered, and difficult to navigate, lacking responsiveness and social media integration.
Recognising the need for a modern, client-focused approach, we overhauled the website based on feedback from staff and clients. Programs were re-organised with clear titles, descriptions, and a user-friendly search function, making it easier for visitors to find services and connect with the right contacts.
The redesign was a collaborative effort, ensuring the new site is welcoming, easy to navigate, and meets the needs of all users. Enhanced SEO and accessible content now provide a professional and engaging online experience. Since its launch, engagement has dramatically increased, with 87 information requests in just three months — compared to only 12 in the previous three years.
Our goal, as part of a community co-design committee, was to create a more inclusive and engaging playspace at Woodward Park, tailored to the needs of young children and their families.
We engaged in co-design activities with children and the community, ensuring the space reflected their needs and desires. This collaborative effort resulted in a safe, inclusive environment where children can play, learn, and thrive.
The official opening of the Woodward Park Playground and Food Fair, attended by the Honourable Geoff Brock, attracted 3,456 people, demonstrating the community’s strong support.
This project exemplifies true partnership, involving the community, Port Pirie Council, Port Pirie Community Kindy, Uniting Country SA, the KidTober committee, University of South Australia, local schools, and businesses. Together, we transformed Woodward Park into a vibrant community hub with a nature play area, half-basketball court, bike track, sensory garden, extra lawn space, and modern amenities, all supported by a university-led evaluation.
Our commitment to creating an inclusive space has strengthened community ties, ensuring that Woodward Park remains a valued asset for years to come.
Our Youth, Gambling, and Disability teams proudly participated in Tarpari Wellbeing Day alongside over 50 service providers on a beautiful sunny day in Port Pirie. Held on 18 April at Memorial Park, this year’s theme, ‘715 Deadly Unna,’ focused on encouraging Aboriginal Health Checks. The event celebrated Aboriginal culture and health, bringing together over 50 agencies to provide valuable information on wellbeing.
As part of Uniting Country SA’s ongoing commitment to supporting country communities, Tarpari Wellbeing Day was a wonderful success. We cherished the opportunity to connect with the community, enjoying the sunshine, music, and family-friendly activities. We were also delighted to join other organisations at Sondor Health Day at Woodward Park, where over 200 school children participated in activities celebrating “Closing the Gap.” It was a fantastic event that highlighted the importance of community health and connection.
The Port Pirie Smelters Picnic provided another great opportunity for our staff to engage with the community, discussing vital topics such as gambling help, money management, and domestic violence support.
In Whyalla, the HOPE Collective Event at Norton Park was filled with fun and excitement as kids enjoyed beautiful weather and engaging activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community spirit.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the community agencies and organisers who make these events possible. Being a part of these celebrations strengthens our connection with the community and reinforces our commitment to helping country people thrive.
In 2023, the program adjusted its target age group from 4 and 5-year-olds to 3 and 4-year-olds. This change led to outstanding results, with the program meeting enrolment targets for families in both Port Augusta and Whyalla for the first time in 12 years (and 7 years in Whyalla).
In both locations, half of the enrolled families met priority criteria, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander families, families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities, and other key demographic groups. Notably, the program also expanded its reach to outlying regions, with five families from Quorn engaging for the first time.
These adjustments have had a profoundly positive impact, supporting children to develop a love of learning at an earlier age as they transition into kindergarten. The success of this change demonstrates the program’s adaptability and its commitment to meeting the needs of diverse families in our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Connected Beginnings staff and Leadership Group, whose strategic insights have been instrumental in developing engagement strategies that genuinely reflect the needs of the community.
We also thank the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Port Augusta for their warm welcome and support of our educational initiatives. Their involvement has been essential in driving meaningful changes in early education, and it is within this community that the true impact of these efforts is most profoundly experienced.
This transition aligns with government policies promoting self-determination and aims to enhance efforts towards achieving more impactful Closing the Gap outcomes.
We were honoured to witness the significant and positive grassroots impact of the Connected Beginnings program and eagerly anticipate the ongoing success of the selected ACCO in serving the community.
