Shire President in Perth for homelessness panel

Augusta Margaret River Shire President Julia Meldrum will today join a panel of leading WA change-makers exploring steps to end homelessness in the State.

Assembled by Shelter WA to coincide with National Homelessness Week (August 5 to 9), the Action Now Panel will convene in Perth on Friday August 9.

Cr Meldrum said she was looking forward to presenting a regional perspective to the panel.

“Augusta-Margaret River is perceived to be a rich or affluent region, but the reality is quite different for some of our community members,” she said.

“Within the Shire, we currently have around 150 people homeless and another 600 on the brink of homelessness and experiencing real financial stress.”

Last month, Chair of Just Home Margaret River Inc, Dr Naomi Godden said it was harder than ever to secure housing in the region, and with winter in full swing, many locals were struggling.

“The housing crisis has not eased, and it is still very difficult to find a rental home.

“Rent prices are very high, putting enormous pressure on low and middle income families.”

The panel will consist of representatives from the architecture, planning, and health sectors, as well as tenant advocates, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and people with lived experience of housing insecurity.

“Homelessness is often hidden and we’re told around Australia, only 9 percent of homeless people sleep on the streets,” Cr Meldrum said.

“I think a lot of people would be surprised how many individuals and families in our community – due to varying circumstances – are being forced to couch surf or sleeping in their cars.”

She said the Shire had been actively lobbying the State Government for solutions to help combat homelessness and associated issues, while Shire representatives had joined local groups in providing feedback to the WA Council of Social Services.

“Access to secure housing is crucial for the wellbeing of everyone in our community, but housing alone isn’t the answer,” she said.

“Our residents should be able to access local based support services because not everyone has the means to travel to Bunbury to get the support they need.”

Dr Godden said the closure of Just Home’s Housing Information and Referral Service to assist local residents was due to the lack of funding from the State Government.

As the only homelessness organisation within the shire, she said the group relied on community donations to continue their work.

“We will continue being a local voice for housing justice,” she said.

“Just Home continues to coordinate a Social and Affordable Housing Taskforce with various agencies to increase local social housing stock.

“We also engage in advocacy for appropriate housing services in our community.”

To find out more and make a donation, visit www.justhome.org.au