Mixed Reactions: Co-op Housing Conference WA 2024

Mixed Reactions – Co-op Housing Conference 2024

9.50am

Morning Tea and Registration

Ted Griffin, Montgomery St

FOYER

10.05am Yoga Stretch

Yong Hur, Pinakarri

LAWN

10.20am

Wanjoo - Acknowledgement

Introductions, housekeeping, agenda

MC: Mick O’Loughlen, First Fremantle

ED CENTRE

10.35am

Co-opers Connect – Co-op and other reps briefly share 2 lows and 3 highs of their community living projects, forming or established.

MC: Tim Grant, SHAC

ED CENTRE

10.50am

Designing Communities - The Long View

Guest Speaker - Richard Hammond, Architect

MC: Robyn Williams,

Richard is more interested in designing homes for people than designing monuments.  He’s passionate about creating appropriate, affordable, sustainable and beautiful habitats for individuals, families, extended families and communities.  In the late eighties, Richard designed the first purpose-built co-op in WA – First Fremantle – introducing cohousing design principles.  He was also Freo Fringe and Pinakarri’s architect.  An award-winning architect, Richard Hammond, specialises in community living projects.  Richard will share:

• his experience with the co-op movement and the lessons learnt,
• the development of a philosophical approach to the housing ‘problem’,
• and the potential for housing co-ops to provide appropriate and enriching solutions to the current crisis in housing in Australia.

ED CENTRE

11.30am

The Co-operation Housing Rebecca Hicks Award for significant services to Tenant-Managed Co-op Housing in WA.  A well-earnt celebration of the determination of this small, feisty and caring sector.  Who will receive the inaugural award?

MC: Mike Newbigin, CEO Co-operation Housing

Presenter: Kara Tripp, Chair Co-operation Housing

ED CENTRE

11.45am

Can the Future of Co-ops be Tenant Led? Should it be?

PANEL

Richard Hammond, Architect

Linda Seaborn, Policy Advisor BCCM

Kara Tripp, Chairperson Co-operation Housing

Moderator: Mike Newbigin, Co-operation Housing

ED CENTRE

12.20pm

Co-op Directions – Good, Bad, Ugly

Mike Newbigin, CEO Co-operation Housing

Although established co-ops have diminished in number, the affordable housing crisis offers the opportunity for new projects.  Mike discusses strategic directions including:

• search for investors and donors to kick-start development projects
• sector-wide sustainability project as a springboard for growth
• Kyorling’s progress

ED CENTRE

Living Co-operatively

Lynn Tinley, SHAC

Lynne has degree in Botany and Zoology and has painted all her life.

• stories of experiences in community living in Africa and Australia
• the evolutionary importance of sharing rather than competing
• how do we adapt to co-operative living?

DECK

Being a Co-op

Linda Seaborn, Policy Advisor BCCM, Cascade Co-housing

Cascade Cohousing highly values being a co-operative.  Linda will share what Cascade believes are the advantages of being a co-op over being an association.  Also, hear the findings of a BCCM study tour to Europe.

MEETING ROOM

1.00pm

LUNCH

Mexican Style buffet

Art exhibition

FOYER

1.45pm

Little Treasures Hoopla Cabaret Stage

Fac: Lynda Moylan, SHAC

Lynda’s hula session last year was soo popular and fun that we couldn’t resist doing it again.  Thanks lovely Lynda.  facebook.com/LittleTreasuresHooplaCabaretStage

LAWN

2.15pm

Soulful Songstress - Saritah

We are so delighted to welcome Saritah who will sing and play for us today.  Earlier this year Saritah also moved to SHAC, Sustainable Housing for Artists and Creatives Co-operative.  Saritah delivers a potent combination of feminine spirit, conscious lyrics and heartfelt melodies whilst embodying a unique union of roots, reggae, soul, acoustic and dance hall.  And has just released a new album!  Swoon 😊 facebook.com/saritah.official

ED CENTRE

2.30pm

Rent: What’s a Fair Thing?

Acknowledging our rights and respecting our responsibilities. 

With Robyn Williams, Pinakarri Community

Consider this a litmus test of our sector, a discussion starter to create guidelines which can be adapted by any tenant-managed co-op.  A thought-provoking and experiential session, testing dynamic perspectives in response to the otherwise dreary yet meaningful topic of rent policy development for co-ops. Typical Rent Setting Guidelines included.  Moorditch!

MEETING ROOM

Pelmets or Power Stations?

Tired of living in a glorified tent?  Small improvements can make your home more comfortable.

Keith Hutchings from the Comfortable Home Retrofitter leads a conversation about how we can make our homes more comfortable and save on energy costs at the same time.

Keith is driven to share his knowledge and inspire others to build or retrofit so that they can have comfortable, high-performance homes.

ED CENTRE

Be Kind to Yourself

Richard Beavitt’s interest and expertise in Alexander Technique, playing the saxophone, Warm Data and a teaching career, come together in this session. The common thread is the shift from reactivity to responsiveness.

• meeting complexity with communication, awareness and an ethic of care.
• exploring simple self-care techniques
• byo blanket if poss

HALL

3.10pm

What’s Your Agenda?

Fac: Robyn Williams

When passion meets responsibility sparks fly and actions arise.

What’s really matters to you?  What issues or ideas do you wish to share, discuss and consider?

Just post your topic, turn up and see who joins you.  Or enjoy some quiet time to ponder.

Refreshments available throughout this session.

ED CENTRE

4.40pm

Reflections of the Day

Kara Tripp, Chair Co-operation Housing

AHA moments, take-aways and actions arising.

Let’s consider how this day offers generative and viable outcomes. And lessons to learn with care and consideration.

ED CENTRE

4.50pm

Closing & Tidy-up

ED CENTRE

5.10pm

Happy Hour – Enjoy the end of this day of shared wisdom and well-being.