Our History
Early incarnations of a public housing tenants’ association, such as the Public Tenants Union, were established in Victoria to represent the interests of Tenant Groups and public housing tenants generally, by advocating to Government and the Office of Housing on issues of concern. These organisations were all de-funded during the 1990s.
The Victorian Public Tenants Association was founded in 2000 to represent Public Housing Tenant Groups. Funding was provided by the Office of Housing, enabling the VPTA to employ staff. Interim funding was later replaced by three-year Service Agreements and a permanent office in Northcote. These achievements were thanks to the efforts of interested tenants, all volunteers, who had lobbied State Government during 1999-2000 to fund an organisation that could represent Tenant Groups effectively and establish new Tenant Groups where public housing tenants remained unrepresented.
Originally, VPTA membership and Committee participation was open only to Tenant Groups, but this was found to not fully represent public housing tenants across Victoria, many of whom did not have an active Tenant Group in their area. In 2008 a comprehensive review of the VPTA’s Constitution was undertaken, which resulted in the decision to change membership and Committee election to individual, rather than Group membership.
A further review during 2015 resulted in the removal of membership provisions in the Constitution, enabling all public housing tenants to participate in, and be represented by, the VPTA. Member elections for Committee of Management positions were replaced by Board appointments that included, but were not limited to, public housing tenants, enabling the VPTA to seek external expertise on its governing body to support the Association’s mission.
The Department of Health and Human Services, under its Tenant Participation program, funds the VPTA as the state-wide peak organisation for public housing tenants. We provide services for Public Housing Tenants and Tenant Groups around the State.
The organisation’s original aim of advocacy and representation of public housing tenants across Victoria remains the priority concern of the VPTA today. We are engaged in regular consultation forums with the Department to discuss issues that affect tenants, including service provision and delivery.
We continue to advocate on behalf of public housing tenants to improve and expand public housing in Victoria and strive to ensure that it is available for all those who need it.
Pictorial History of the VPTA
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/0-0.jpg
-
Disclaimer
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/0-1.jpgEvery effort has been made to research and correctly identify dates, places, events and names. The VPTA would appreciate advice of any naming (or other) errors that can be brought to light. Photo above: Edith Collins (seated), John Chryssomallos (R) and tenants unknown. Event & date unknown.
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-0.jpg
-
351 Barkly Street
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-1.jpgEntrance foyer to Community Facility and Lifts
-
Brunswick Tenants Group
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-2.jpgMembers circa 2001
-
331 Barkly St
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-3.jpgFormer 'Home' of Brunswick Tenant Group & first VPTA premises
-
308A Barkly Street
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-4.jpgTemporary VPTA premises
-
Early VPTA General Meeting
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1-5.jpgCommunity Facility, 351 Barkly Street, Brunswick.
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-0.jpg
-
National Housing Conference 2001
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-1.jpgNovatel Hotel St Kilda - Denise Muir and Maurie Bratt of the VPTA with Director of Housing, Jennifer Westicott
-
Housing Conference 2001
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-2.jpgVPTA volunteers - L-R Denise Muir, Bernice Munroe & Anne Walters
-
Minister for Housing, Bronwyn Pike
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-3.jpgBus tour of East Preston & East Reservoir public housing, 2001.
-
Original VPTA logo
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-4.jpgLogo represents the VPTA as the 'Umbrella Group' for Public Housing Tenant Groups
-
Dianne Eastman
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2-5.jpgFirst VPTA Administration Officer, in the office at 331 Barkly Street
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-0.jpg
-
Inaugural VPTA AGM Nov 2001
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-1.jpgInaugural AGM held at Richmond TG premises, 106 Elizabeth Street, Richmond - L-R Justine Smith (OoH), Peter Soper (obscured), Denise Muir, Edith Collins, Di Eastman (VPTA admin officer) & Maurice Braat
-
VPTA Committee meeting, circa 2001
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-2.jpg351 Barkly Street, Brunswick – Maurice Braat Chairs the meeting, flanked by staff Dianne Eastman (R) & Judy Line (L)
-
Early VPTA General Meeting
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-3.jpgChairperson Maurice Braat addresses Tenant Group members – Richard Keene & Justine Smith from OoH on left
-
Government House reception 2001
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-4.jpgVPTA representatives Peter Soper & Maurice Braat
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3-5.jpg
L-R Denise Muir, Victorian Governor-General John Landy & Anne Walters
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-0.jpg
-
VPTA General Meeting, circa 2002
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-1.jpgL-R Joan Maxwell, unknown, Kari Torgenson, Pauline Seglyn and Irene Dixon
-
Barkly Street Headquarters
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-2.jpgDianne Eastman in the less-than-ideal working conditions
-
Staff and Volunteers, circa 2002
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-3.jpgVPTA Project Officer, Christian O'Connor standing at rear
-
General Meeting, circa 2003
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-4.jpgChristian O'Connor, Maurice Bratt (Chair) & Dianne Eastman
-
Staff Member Farewell July 2004
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/4-5.jpgThe committee farewells Catherine Epps, VPTA Youth Co-ordinator - L-R Catherine Epps, Josip Lenger, Lorraine Johnson, Marlene McKay, Sarah Morgan
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-0.jpg
-
11 High Street Northcote
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-1.jpgConstruction of the Walker Street estate 'walk-ups'
-
Children’s mural art workshop
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-2.jpgActivities at the Walker Street Community Facility, circa 1990s – the mural is still on display at the VPTA office.
-
Governance training 2005
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-3.jpgJacquie Wise (external facilitator), Dianne Eastman (staff), Denise Muir (VPTA volunteer)
-
VPTA Commitee members 2005-06
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-4.jpgL-R - Len Mayne, Charles Ogada-Osir, Peter Soper, Lorraine Johnson, Anne Callanan (VPTA Co-ordinator), George Dixon
-
Committee Training circa 2007
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/5-5.jpgVPTA office - Geoffery Lennie, Geoff Combe, George Dixon with Bill Kirk, VPTA Admin/Finance Officer
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-0.jpg
-
East Preston/East Reservoir Group
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-1.jpgPeter Soper (VPTA) tree-planting with Office of Housing staff & Minister Bronwyn Pike 2001
-
Park Towers Tenant Group
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-2.jpgHousing Week celebrations, circa 2002 - (L) Maurice Braat (VPTA) & (far R) Director of Housing, Jennifer Westicott
-
Tenant Group in Latrobe Valley
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-3.jpgUnwanted white goods collection service, 2006
-
South Yarra Tenant Group
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-4.jpgCommunity celebrations at high-rise estate, circa 2007 - VPTA Committee member, Lucy Pollock (centre)
-
Walker Street Estate
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/6-5.jpgHome of the VPTA - Housing Week 2009 celebrations
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-0.jpg
-
Victorian Senior of the Year 2002
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-1.jpgJoan Maxwell (Emerald Hill TG) and the award presented to her by Premier Steve Bracks
-
Pennington Awards 2009
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-2.jpgL-R Parliamentary Secretary to DHS Telmo Languiller MP (VPTA Patron), Ana Ruffat-Ruiz (VPTA Committee) holding Certificate of Recognition and Richard Deyell (Office of Housing)
-
VPTA Committee 2011-12
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-3.jpgL-R Margaret Guthrie, David Adams, Gerry Vilkhov, Chris Artufel, Jenni McClurg, George Dixon, Bruce Williams (partially obscured), Michael Aboujundi
-
National Award 2013
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-4.jpgVolunteer of the Year - Hon Martin Ferguson MP presents Award to Michael Aboujundi
-
Pennington & Hadfield Awards 2013
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/7-5.jpgMinister for Housing Hon Wendy Lovell, MP with nominees for Frances Pennington & Molly Hadfield Awards
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-0.jpg
-
VPTA logos
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-1.jpgLogo changes reflected a changing organisation aiming to represent all public housing tenants, not just Tenant Groups
-
VPTA Rural General Meeting 2005
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-2.jpgMorwell - Dianne Eastman (Admin), Marlene McKay (Public Officer), Anne Callanan (Co-ordinator), Josip Lenger (Chairperson)
-
VPTA demonstration
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-3.jpgAnti-Poverty Week 2007 - “How Long is a Piece of String - As Long as the Public Housing Wait List”
-
Accreditation training
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-4.jpgQuality Assurance training - L-R Joan Maxwell, Lucy Pollock, Lee Richards, Laurene Dietrich (VPTA Co-ordinator)
-
Staff 2009
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/8-5.jpgL-R Mark Dowling (Tenant Group Support Worker), Jackie Dacey (Co-ordinator), Bill Kirk (Admin & Finance Officer)
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-0.jpg
-
Housing Maintenance Call Centre
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-1.jpgVPTA visit and facilities tour, Feb 2005
-
National Housing Conference 2009
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-2.jpgMelbourne - VPTA Committee members Mary Sexton, Jeanette Pyette & Ana Ruffat-Ruiz with Director of Housing, Margaret Crawford (2nd from Left)
-
DHS Customer Services Panel 2009
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-3.jpgDHS staff and VPTA representatives
-
Community Fun Day
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-4.jpgEast Bairnsdale, Oct 2012. VPTA supporting local communities - here with SHASP provider (Quantum Support Services) and local Housing office (Gippsland Region)
-
VCOSS Policy Launch 2014
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/9-5.jpg‘Making Social Housing Work’ - Housing Peaks' representatives united: L-R Mark O’Brien (TUV), Leslie Dredge (CHFV), Emma King (VCOSS), Margaret Guthrie (VPTA), Jenny Smith (CHP), Lucy Adams (PILCH)
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-0.jpg
-
VPTA consultation with tenants
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-1.jpgVPTA Policy & Research Officer Natalie Thomas (2nd from left) and Public Officer Arthur Larsen chat to tenants at North Melbourne TG, ‘Talking With Your Mouth Full’ lunchtime session, circa 2006-7
-
Rebate Forum March 2007
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-2.jpgDHS consultation with VPTA and Tenants - Mick Stankovic, Michelle Massey, Anna Rogalina, Geoffery Skidmore, Gail Williams
-
VPTA Conference 2007
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-3.jpgNorthcote Town Hall - Forum with senior DHS representatives L-R Richard Deyell (Director, Housing Services), Ed David (Asset Management), Ken de Vries (Policy), Harold Klein (Neighbourhood Renewal), John Caven (Maintenance)
-
DHS Special Projects Consultation
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-41.jpgL-R Standing Chris Artufel, Anna Rogalina, Chris Kerrich, Michael Aboujundi & Seated Margaret Guthrie, Lucille Horo, Eileen Artmann
-
VPTA staff circa 2012
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/10-5.jpgPreparation of submission - L-R Tenant Group Support Worker Mark Dowling, Walker Street Resident Advocate Michael Aboujundi, Admin/Finance Officer Jing Xie & Co-ordinator Jackie Dacey
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-0.jpg
-
VPTA Rural Meetings
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-1.jpgBraybrook Tenant Group members in Morwell, 2005
-
Conferences
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-2.jpg2007 and 2008. Round-table discussions between Public Housing Tenants and DHS staff
-
VPTA Annual General Meetings
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-3.jpgMembers from around Victoria gather in 2007; from Park Towers, Camperdown, Richmond, North Melbourne, Brunswick, Bendigo and Hume Region
-
VPTA Committees
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-4.jpg2012 Committee of Management members Jenni McClurg (Bendigo), Margaret Guthrie (Latrobe Valley), Chris Kerrich (Ballarat) & David Adams (Collingwood) with staff (2nd row) Jing Xie & Jackie Dacey
-
VPTA workshops
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/11-5.jpgTenant Groups' Forum 2014, facilitated by VPTA EO Mark Feenane & Client Services Officer, Emma Wellington
-
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-0.jpg
-
Current logo
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-1.jpgBranding for website, social media, newsletters and displays
-
Housing Framework Consultation 2012
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-2.jpgVPTA Forum - Questions for the Director of Housing, Arthur Rogers
-
VPTA team ‘Think-Tank’ Nov 2013
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-31.jpgCommittee members (L-R) Bruce Williams, George Dixon, David Adams, Jenni McClurg, Michael Aboujundi, Natalie Rabey, Gerry Vilkhov, Chris Artufel, Marlene McKay, Margaret Guthrie
-
VPTA General Meeting, March 2014
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-4.jpgRevising the Constitution to meet requirements of 'Charity Status'
-
Public and Proud 2014
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/12-5.jpgVPTA activities to celebrate public housing
-
Thank you
http://vpta.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/0-2.jpgThe Victorian Public Tenants Association appreciates the support we have received over the years from our friends and allies, including politicians and public servants. Everyone needs friends. Photo above: Richard Wynne and Phyllis Wigmore of Richmond Circa 2009.
To view the Pictorial History of the VPTA, please access our website on a desktop, laptop or tablet.


Victorian Public Tenants Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making the Pictorial History project possible.
