Bridging Communities and Building Futures as a Housing Cadet

Patricia (Trish) Vines joined CHL NSW as a Housing Cadet in February 2023. Patricia's role is part of the program. "My former CHL Housing Officer told me about the CHIA cadetship program and encouraged me to apply," Trish says. "As part of the cadetship I am studying a Certificate IV in Housing while working at CHL."

Tish says her experience as a CHL tenant for over 25 years provides her with a good understanding of our customers. "I have been with Community Housing Limited as a tenant for 25 years, so I have that life experience. I now understand a lot of the background at CHL, and I can share this insight with our customers."

Interacting with our customers is one of the things Trish enjoys most about her role. "I love the one-on-one interactions. I worked in the retail sector for many years, and I am used to having a lot of contact with people," she says. "I really enjoy attending events with our customers. We took part in a homelessness week event not long ago and our RAP launch event, both were great experiences."

One of Trish's friends from the retail industry designed a cake for the NSW CHL RAP launch event. "We took the cake (pictured with Trish) to Pete's Place a drop-in centre for people experiencing homelessness. They were so happy to receive the cake and it was lovely for our team to share it with everyone there.”

Having a supportive team at CHL is important to Trish as she continues her cadetship journey. "I am really lucky that I have such great people to work with. I love asking the questions and the team are all so patient with me," she says.? "I am always asking questions and I really enjoy learning about our work. Especially going to events and letting people know about CHL and the services we offer. I couldn't do it without my team."

Working in the sector during a housing crisis is challenging but rewarding as well, Trish says. "You have to appreciate the fact that there are places like CHL to support people, especially during the housing crisis we are experiencing now."

Trish says her cadetship runs for 12 months and she is keen to apply everything she has learned in a new role in 2024. "I would love to stay with CHL but if there isn't a position for me, CHIA NSW will help me find a role in housing," she says.

"I want to keep helping people and let them know about the options they have. I think it is important to fully inform people about how their tenancy will work from the beginning and help them sustain their housing," Trish says.?

"I would like to thank CHIA NSW and CHL for the chance, as a mature aged woman, to start this new chapter in my life. Not a lot of people get this chance.? I believe all of our cadets will be a bonus for CHL."