Kolora Homes Association
Caring for the Aged and Disabled
Self Care Units
27 Yarrawonda Street
Guyra NSW 2365
Phone (02) 67791922
Fax (02) 67792097
ABN: 73504101671
Occupancy Information
Handbook
Review Date: February 2010
Page 1
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................... 3
Entry Information .............................................................. 4
General Information .......................................................... 5
Comments, Suggestions & Complaints ............................ 7
Safety & Emergencies ........................................................ 8
Floor Plan ........................................................................... 9
Review Date: February 2010
Page 2
Introduction
Kolora Homes Association is a Not-For-Profit organisation owned and
operated by Guyra Shire Council on behalf of the Guyra community.
Construction of the first units took place in 1981 and was officially opened in
February 1982 by the Hon Ian Sinclair, Member for New England.
The complex contains seven Self Care Units, situated in Yarrawonda Street
Guyra.
If you choose to live in a Self Care Unit you would become an important
person to this Organisation and we trust that your stay would be happy and
satisfying.
This booklet has been prepared to explain basic policies and procedures.
Where there is any doubt, do not hesitate to speak to Kolora’s Manager.
Mission
Kolora will provide effective and special care and offer a warm and friendly
environment as home to our older and disabled citizens in Guyra and
surrounding areas.
Fair Trading Laws
From 1 July 2000 the main laws regulating retirement villages are:
1. The Retirement Villages Act 1999;
2. The Retirement Villages Regulation 2009;
3. The Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal act 2001;
4. The Fair Trading Act 1987;
5. The Strata Schemes Management Act 1996;
6. The Community Land Management Act 1989
Where can you get a copy of the laws?
Copies of the legislation are available to read at most public libraries.
They can be accessed from this website:- www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
If you would like to purchase the legislation you should contact: 1300 656 986
Review Date: February 2010
Page 3
Entry Information
Entry into a Unit:
Prospective tenants will be given the following information:
 Copy of Retirement Village Living (an overview of the NSW Retirement Village
laws)
 Disclosure statement
 Resident Information Handbook
 Residential tenancy Agreement NSW (to be completed on entry)
 Condition Report (to be completed on entry)
Accommodation Costs:
Kolora’s accommodation costs are on a rental basis only, this involves signing a
Residential tenancy agreement. There will be a bond on entry of four weeks rent which
will be kept in a fund by council. Rent is paid each fortnight in advance and can be by
Direct Debit, or Centrepay and is payable to the Guyra Shire Council account. Tenants
are entitled to rent assistance through Centrelink.
Financial Information
Rent is currently set at $170.87 per fortnight and maybe reviewed by council each
financial year. Statements of income and expenditure will be issued each financial year.
The Self Care Units are operated as a discreet business unit of Kolora Homes Association
and has been determined to be a category 2 business under the National Competition
policy.
An annual independent financial audit is required by the Local Government Act
Waiting Lists:
A waiting list is kept at Kolora for prospective residents and is followed unless required on
a “needs” basis by someone in the community at risk in which case preference will be
given to that person.
Review Date: February 2010
Page 4
General Information
Office Hours:
Hours Monday – Friday (9.00am – 5.30pm) at the hostel.
Emergency Contacts:
Tenants are to leave the name of a contact person with the hostel in case of emergencies.
Furniture:
It is the sole responsibility of the tenant to furnish the unit themselves.
Electricity:
It is the responsibility of the tenant to arrange for electricity connection before occupying
the unit. The ongoing cost of electricity is also the responsibility of the resident not
Kolora.
Heating & Cooling:
Each unit is fitted with a ceiling fan in the lounge room. They are provided with floor
heating with separate controls in the bedroom and the lounge room.
Meals:
If for some reason you are not able to provide your own meals they can be provided at the
hostel. For times and costs please speak to the Manager.
Keys and Locks:
Door locks must not be changed unless approved by Kolora Manager and all keys are to
be duplicated and kept at Kolora for resident safety.
Maintenance:
If there is something in your unit (excluding your own furniture) that needs repairs,
please report this to Kolora’s manager for attention.
Telephone:
If you would like the services of a telephone then this is the responsibility of the
occupying tenant for the connection and ongoing fees.
Lawns & Gardens:
Kolora is happy for each tenant to have a garden there is space at the front and back of
each Unit. The lawns are maintained by Kolora.
Review Date: February 2010
Page 5
Activities:
Residents are welcome to participate in the activities provided by the Hostel – if bus trips
are arranged a small fee for meal & entry to some destinations will apply.
Pets:
Pets are allowed if of reasonable size and are house trained – discussion with the Manager
is advisable.
Parking:
Available at back of units – no undercover parking provided.
Transport:
HACC Bus – goes to Armidale on Mondays and Fridays, for bookings - phone Guyra
Shire Council (6770 7100) during office hours.
Review Date: February 2010
Page 6
Comments, Suggestions & Complaints
AN OPPORTUNITY
The Management of Kolora regards suggestions and complaints as an opportunity to
improve Kolora’s service to you and to others. Comments and complaints are welcome
and assist us to make improvements to the care and other services we provide.
1. TALK ABOUT IT
You are encouraged to discuss your concern with Kolora’s Manager. Your complaint will
be followed up promptly and feedback given to you as soon as possible.
2. CONTACT THE GENERAL MANAGER OF GUYRA SHIRE COUNCIL
If your problem has not been resolved after using the above method or if you feel as
though the issues are complex, you are welcome to contact the General Manager who will
personally investigate the matter and give you feedback.
The General Manager
Guyra Shire Council
158 Bradley Street
Guyra NSW 2365
Ph 6770 7100
3. ASK FOR A MEDIATOR
If you are having difficulty resolving a problem you may wish to ask for a mediator to act
as a go-between. The mediator will be chosen by mutual agreement between the
management and yourself.
THERE ARE NO REPRISALS FOR COMPLAINTS
Complaints and suggestions are ways in which you can help us improve – complaints are
welcomed. There are definitely no reprisals if you share a concern, suggestion or make a
complaint to help us to improve our approach.
4. EXTERNAL AGENCIES
If the matter cannot be resolved within Kolora you are free to contact the following
organisations for assistance:
Department of Fair Trading:
1 Fitzwilliam Street Parramatta NSW 2150
PO Box 972 Parramatta NSW 2124
Telephone: (02) 9895 0111 or 13 32 20
Web site: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal:
GPO Box 4005 Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: 1300 135 399
Fax: 1300 135 247
TTY 96416521 (for hearing impaired people)
Review Date: February 2010
Page 7
Safety & Emergencies:
Occupation, Health & Safety
A safety inspection of the building will be carried out once a year.
Emergency-Call button
Each unit is provided with an emergency-call button in the bedroom. When pressed it
goes to the hostel and the staff can then phone your contact person and if they cannot be
reached then 000 will be called for an ambulance. It is advisable to have Vital Call in
Place.
In case of – Cyclone, Severe storms, Earthquakes, Flood, Fire;
Emergency Assembly Areas
The emergency assembly area is located in the car park at the back of the units.
Where possible, wrap a blanket around yourself, it may be cold outside.
Emergency Assistance (Who and When to Call)
Don’t wait until the emergency – find and enter phone numbers now. Look in your local
directory on the page for 'all other emergencies' (referred to on inside cover), or in the
state government, or general pages. Note 24hr emergency numbers if listed. Avoid using
the phone during storms (lightning danger).
Police, Fire, Ambulance – 000
If unable to contact emergency services by phone listen to the radio for official warnings
or advice.
State Emergency Service (S.E.S.) Guyra – 6779 2111
Call your nearest unit for emergency assistance with building damage, and/or advice
about temporary accommodation, food and clothing.
Electricity – 132066
Call your local office for power failure, fallen power lines, or other electrical problems.
Water – 6779 1788
Call the Shire Council depot if water supply is damaged or interrupted.
(after hours emergencies - 0428 791 687).
Watch for Emergency Services crews who will be checking your area as soon as possible.
Review Date: February 2010
Page 8
Floor Plan
Review Date: February 2010
Page 9
We hope you will find this information helpful and useful. If you have any
further queries or wish to discuss any points mentioned in this handbook
please do not hesitate to speak to Kolora’s Manager.
Review Date: February 2010
Page 10