Do I need to have children to submit an application to the school ballot?

No. Every member is eligible to apply during the school holiday ballot periods.

When does the school ballot run?

Ballot applications normally open about 5 months before the school holiday period. The application process is open for 3 weeks. Upcoming ballot information will always be displayed under the Holiday Homes Tab on the Energy West website.

How does the ballot process work?

The ballot process is run by an algorithm that has been developed by a 3rd party Company. This process incorporates Microsoft’s random GUID algorithm. An easy way to understand is by thinking of the ballot process as a lotto system.

Once the ballot has been allocated to members, the system then creates a random waitlist which is used for second-round offers. Anyone who has received a first-round offer has the option of 1) accepting the offer, or 2) rejecting the offer and being added to the bottom of the waitlist. If you do not reject the offer, your Ballot application will automatically be taken off the ballot waitlist for other offers. 

What can I do if I made a mistake on my ballot?

Even if the Ballot timeline has closed, any member can edit their ballot applications at any time. To edit your current Ballot Applications, please follow the below steps: 

1. Login to your Member Profile HERE.
2. Select your Name located in the top right corner
3. Select the "Your Ballots" subheading. 
4. Select the Ballot application you would like to edit and save.

How do I know if I’ve been successful in a ballot?

The ballot system will email you the outcome of your application once the application is closed. This email is generated within 48 hours of the close-off date. Do check your spam/junk box for the outcome. The email will be sent to the email address that was on the member's profile as of date of application.

Do I have to accept a ballot offer?

No, but we do ask you to notify us as soon as you know that you can’t accept the offer to not disadvantage your fellow members wanting that property. If you do not want to take the offer, select "Decline" offer to stay on the wait list for other offers. 

What is considered as a valid offer?

For our statistics, a valid offer is any offer whether made from your initial application or from the wait list.

How long do I have to accept an offer and make payment?

Members who receive a first-round ballot offer will have 1 week to accept the offer from date of initial offer, and 3 weeks to make payment from date of initial offer. Members who receive a subsequent ballot offer will have 48 hours to accept the offer from date of initial offer, and 3 weeks to make payment from date of initial offer.

Am I able to swap my ballot booking with someone else?

No. This is because the ballot process is completely automated. This is why it is so important to make sure your ballot application reflects the dates/locations your desire. 

Why do I have to pay a $5 per night ballot surcharge for the school Holiday Booking Period?

A $5.00/night School Holiday surcharge was introduced for all Ballots occurring after July 1, 2020 - effective for the December 2020/January 2021 School Holiday Ballot. All members were informed of the introduction of this surcharge via the EWSC Newsletter. The Board introduced the surcharge in recognition of the significant additional administrative work required to manage School Holiday Ballot periods.

What can I do if I can’t make the payment in full within 3 weeks of initial offer?

Contact the EWSC office at feedback@energywest.com.au as soon as you are aware that payment will be an issue by the due date. We can provide an extension plan however, it does have additional terms and conditions.

Ballot 101 - a quick simple guide to School Holiday Ballots. 

• You can apply for the next ballot once we have advised the opening dates. These dates are generally 4-5 months prior to first ballot booking.   
• You can update your ballot at any stage during the year, even during the ballot period. This can be done by logging in online.
• When submitting your ballot application, please ensure you only select the dates you can attend.
• When selecting, please ensure you are selecting the houses you want to stay in.
• If you are wanting to take your pet along, please ensure you select a pet friendly home.
• By selecting all time slots and all locations it reduces the next members opportunities to potentially get a home.
• If you are offered a ballot and for whatever reason decide you do not want to accept, please decline the offer ASAP. By declining your ballot offer, you will remain on the waitlist.
• If you want to accept your ballot offer, please do so ASAP. If your offer lapses, it will be offered to the next person and your application will be removed from the waitlist.
• If you accept a ballot offer, please ensure you pay before the cutoff date. Failure to pay will result in your offer being rejected and your booking being offered to the next member.
• We do accept bank transfer, however you will need to transfer at least 48 hours prior to the payment cutoff, send remittance, and notify the EWSC team. Failure to do so may result in your offer lapsing and being offered to the next member.
• Please remember ALL ballot allocations are FINAL. We cannot transfer your booking to another member. We cannot change the location if you decide you do not want to travel that far. We cannot change the date because it is no longer suited.
• The ballot is system generated and EWSC hold no responsibility on who receives a ballot offer.