HELPING A RENTER FLEE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
TIM ANNETT , RAY WHITE BENDIGO VIC
" Amanda and her family had been on the hunt for property for a long period of time . After inspecting and applying for nearly 200 properties in the Bendigo region , I was fortunate enough to meet Amanda and her family .
“ We spent some time going over her story and the need for her to get away from the domestic violence situation she was in .
“ Amanda and her family of two adult children ( one also pregnant ) and two younger children had been bouncing around various hotels , and with some support from some charity groups . Eventually this was becoming more and more of a financial burden on both the groups , and on Amanda .
“ I spent time with Amanda working through her application and her housing needs , to get things accurate and to enable her to be a better applicant on properties .
“ After a few weeks of working with Amanda and looking for the right home for her we were able to place her into a brand new home . Amanda and her family now have a new start on life ."
PAYING IT FORWARD TO MIGRANTS
LENA TORUS , RAY WHITE NOBLE PARK | SPRINGVALE VIC
" As a property manager , I am committed to helping new migrants in Melbourne . Many years ago , my family came to Australia under tough circumstances . They did not have the support network that AMES Australia now provides .
“ AMES Australia provides English training , employment services , community engagement and settlement support to migrants , refugees and asylum seekers .
“ My family relied on the kindness of strangers and the strength of our community to help navigate a new and unfamiliar country . in Afghanistan , seeking safety and a fresh start in Australia . When they arrived at their new house , I could see the mix of relief and worry in their eyes . I guided them through the basics of their new home - how to use the appliances , where the nearest grocery stores were , and how to get around the neighbourhood . The children , initially shy , soon began exploring their new surroundings , their laughter a hopeful sign of new beginnings .
“ Mr Ahmadi shared parts of their difficult journey , the daily fear they had endured , and their hopes for a new life here . His words touched me deeply , reminding me of my parents ' stories of strength and hope .
“ For those of us who have faced the challenges of moving to a new country without the support systems that exist today , helping others on this journey is very rewarding ."
“ I had the honour of welcoming the lovely Ahmadi family to their new home . Like many others , they had fled the violence
HANDLING THE DEATH OF A TENANT
KATELIN CURRELL , LIVING HERE CUSH PARTNERS QLD
" A wonderful tenant passed away unexpectedly after an accident at the home . We were notified by the tenant ' s daughter-in-law and we were deeply saddened by the news .
“ We understood that as property managers , we are a tiny part of the tenant ' s life , however , we knew that this period would be significantly difficult and possibly traumatic for the family so we did our absolute best to make the process as easy as possible for all parties involved .
“ The accident was isolated to one area of the home and by the time we were notified , police had attended and all parties were informed that a forensic clean was required .
" We knew that there was a process to follow with respect to correct notices and time periods , cleaning , vacating items and finalising funds owed / paid along with refunding the bond . However , arranging or even discussing these items with a family who have lost a loved one , wasn ' t going to be easy .
“ We reminded them that while we have a duty to the landlord to ensure the process is followed , we are still just people , willing to help and get them through this as smoothly as possible so they can grieve .
“ The legislation gives us guidelines , but doesn ' t teach us empathy , compassion or how to communicate during those times . It just comes down to being honest , having some perspective and treating people the way you would want to be treated ."
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