A partnership between the Logan Housing Service Centre and Burringilly Aboriginal Corporation, is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers with their housing support.
The program, which has been in place since 2012, provides an important connection between customers and staff of the Logan Housing Service Centre.
Acting Customer Service Manager at Centre, Mandy Scott said the arrangement reveals the true value of the Elders in Residence Program.
“Logan has a high percentage of Indigenous customers, and having the Elders here helps bridge the gap,” Ms Scott said.
Elders are on hand to give advice to housing staff to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The Elders add an extra layer of cultural support for the Department and our First Nations customers.”
Aunty Shirley O’Shea and Aunty Shirley Fender (pictured) are two of the Elders who visit the Centre as part of the program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers can talk to an Elder about their tenancy, getting a house, issues at their place, doing business with the Department, or any other issue.
“We’re here to help our people in the community,” Aunty Shirley O’Shea said.
“We talk to them about their options. We can tell them about transfers, maintenance, arrears, RentConnect, private housing.
“If we can’t help them, we ask a housing officer to help, or refer to them to another support service.”
The Elders often work in twos, and the two Aunty Shirleys tend to stick together as a team.
Over the eight years of the program, strong connections have been made with the community with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers coming in to see a certain Elder when they know they’re working.
“People respect us and see that we’re here to help the younger generation, to be an example,” Aunty Shirley O’Shea said.
