Trish and Marianne have been long-time members of the Tenant Advisory Group (TAG), a platform where tenants voice their ideas and work together to improve the experience of those living in a Housing Trust (HT) property. After years of active membership, they’re now retiring from TAG, but their journey with HT isn’t one they’ll soon forget.
Both women found their way to HT properties under challenging circumstances. These secure, affordable homes provided them with exactly what they needed to rebuild their lives.
Marianne has lived in a HT property for 10 years. She was on the social housing waitlist for a decade and had been renting while staying with a friend. “I remember getting the call about a unit available for me to view. It was a brand-new place, and I couldn’t get there fast enough,” she recalls with a smile.
For Trish, the journey began in 2011. After a marriage breakdown, Trish was left without a home, staying with her sister and renting while juggling life’s challenges. “When I saw my unit, I just knew it was the right place for me,” Trish says. “I was so relieved. I kept thinking they’d made a mistake. It felt too good to be true, especially since I had two dogs. They were a godsend during a tough time.”
Having a home to call their own provided Trish and Marianne with the space they needed to flourish both emotionally and physically.
Having stable housing provided a sense of security they hadn’t had in years, and that stability led to both women becoming active members of their community.
Marianne joined TAG in 2017, followed by Trish a year later. “Marianne encouraged me to join, and I wanted to know what was happening in the community,” Trish explains. “I wanted to hear other tenants’ concerns and share ideas to address common issues.”
Marianne saw TAG as an opportunity to give back. “I was grateful for my home, so I wanted to support the people who supported me,” she says. Over the years, both have worked to advocate for other tenants, tackling issues ranging from water bills to community concerns.
One of Marianne’s proudest moments was when she represented tenants at a board meeting and helped resolve the balance of water bills, ensuring fair billing for all tenants. “It was something that affected me personally but it was a win for every tenant,” she says.
Trish’s impact is felt daily in her community. She’s known as the go-to person for advice and support, always ready to lend a helping hand. “Trish is the voice of the people in her apartment community,” Marianne says, “She’s someone everyone trusts.”
After meeting once they both moved into the unit block, they bonded over their dogs. We both didn’t have much furniture when we first moved in,” Trish laughs, “And my dog once peed in Marianne’s unit!” They laughed it off and are now closer than ever. “We always have a laugh together, it’s so important to have people around you that you can laugh with.’’
They’ve been through tough times together, with Trish supporting Marianne through health challenges and Marianne being there for Trish during her battle with cancer. “We’ve helped each other out so much. We trust each other completely,” Trish says. “If she’s tried to call me and my phones on silent and I don’t answer, she’s knocking at my door to make sure I’m okay. We’ve really been through it all.”
As Trish and Marianne step away from the TAG, they encourage others to get involved. “Join TAG if you want to make a difference,” says Marianne. “Think about the bigger picture, not just your own experiences.” Trish adds, “It’s a great place to connect with others and tackle common issues.”
As they retire from TAG, we thank them for their dedication and encourage others to step up and get involved. Join TAG, meet other members of the HT community, and make a difference in your own community.
To get involved in TAG email community@housingtrust.org.au or give the office a call on (02) 4254 1166.
