Sebastopol public housing tenant Russell Mangion is looking forward to feeling warmer on Monday night.
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Following The Courier’s advocacy of his plight, the Department of Health and Housing (DHHS) advised Russell’s faulty gas heater will be replaced on Monday, 9 July.
Russell has been unable to use his heater because it is one of the Vulcan/Pyrex models suspended from sale following the death of a Melbourne woman in 2017.
Almost 4.5 per cent of the Vulcan/Pyrox heaters in Victorian public housing are in Ballarat properties, DHHS spokeswoman Ruth Ward said.
She said almost 25 per cent had been replaced.
Temporary, electrically-powered heaters are being provided to tenants who are also eligible for a $7 subsidy to their rent, per week from when they receive their temporary heater.
This will apply until 31 October.
They may also be eligible for a winter energy concession and are advised to check their eligibility by calling their gas retailer and providing concession card details over the phone
No advisory letters about the subsidy have been sent out as yet and tenants are advised to phone the Call Centre on 1800 148 426 for further information.
