Brave, selfless heroes celebrated
Corey (right) receives his 2024 Housing Heroes Award from ŌCHT chairman Darren Evans and board member Philippa Jones at the Housing Heroes Awards ceremony at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church Auditorium on November 13.
Communities thrive when people look out for one another.
That was the message at 2024 ŌCHT Housing Heroes Awards, a celebration of tenants who are doing just that.
Among the 26 awardees was Corey, a tenant whose quick thinking got a neighbour quickly to hospital.
He was in his home when he heard screams of pain from an upstairs unit. It was clear his neighbour as hurt.
Without hesitation, Cory called 111 and asked for ambulance and fire.
The emergency crew quickly arrived to find his neighbour was seriously-burned.
Unattended cooking had burst into flames and his neighbour was scolded by hot oil.
Corey’s quick actions were quickly acknowledged by grateful neighbours - and now with a Housing Heroes Award.
He was also nominated for what he does in his community, from putting out rubbish bins to looking out for his neighbours.
His four nominating neighbours described him as “indeed our top man here”.
Corey and 17 other nominees received their Housing Heroes Award at a ceremony at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church.
The awards were presented by ŌCHT’s new board chairman Darren Evans and board member Philippa Jones.
“Today’s really special,” Darren said.
“It’s a great chance to connect with tenants and celebrate those creating thriving communities at ŌCHT.
“We want to recognise the unique contributions each of you makes.”
Recipients included a man who cared for a vulnerable tenant for many months before they moved to hospital care.
Another nominee, John, alerted ŌCHT when his neighbour could not be roused after returning from holiday.
John noticed his neighbour’s curtains were closed and he did not come to the door when John knocked.
John returned with a bowl of soup, in case his neighbour was sick.
Knocking didn’t work, but a call to ŌCHT did. ŌCHT staff found the man in bed, very unwell.
Many others were nominated for a trove of selfless acts that add to community life at their complexes.
Maurice supported a neighbour during illness. When the neighbour died, he tracked down their estranged family and will ensure his neighbour’s ashes are returned home.
John supported a vulnerable tenant, ensuring they had an advocate and friend when times were tough.
Mother-and-daughter duo Annie and Tracey were nominated for all they do for the women in their community, while Marlene and Lauren were called “unsung heroes” for always being there to support their neighbours.
Bruce watches out for his neighbours, and helps with everything from washing, food drops and bin cleaning, and Michael has taken special care of an older neighbour with mobility issues.
Mobility scooter-user Brian made ramps for other users and often runs - or drives - errands to the dairy for his neighbours, and Ken is always happy to do handyman-type jobs
Christine was lauded for going out of her way for others and helping with hospital visits and grocery shops.
David’s neighbours call him a “true gentleman” who goes the extra mile to help people get the help they might need, and Don is known for helping neighbours in need.
Gardeners Gloria, Nicola, Brian, Adrian and Grant were recognised for their work beautifying their communities.
Yasmin and Amanda received awards for their “behind the scenes” work, including keeping their community lounge open and welcoming.
Maurice, Corey and John received a $100 Pak n Save voucher and chocolates as part of their awards package. Everyone received a certificate and chocolates.
Congratulations to all 2024 Housing Heroes - and thank you to all who nominated their deserving neighbours!
