Homelessness Week 2019

Running from Sunday 4 August – Saturday 10 August 2019, Homelessness Week is an annual national event coordinated by Homelessness Australia.

The event focuses on raising community awareness about people experiencing homelessness and the action needed to achieve lasting solutions. The theme in 2019 is ‘Housing Ends Homelessness.’    On Tuesday 6 August 2019 the City will support the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group’s free event at the Salvation Army Rockingham, located on Willmott Drive, Cooloongup.

Taking place from 10am – 12pm, this event will include a street doctor, dentist and support from providers including Anglicare WA, Department of Human Services, South Costal Health and Community Services, Babbinguar Mia, headspace Rockingham, Department of Housing, Outreach Workers and WA Homeless Advocates. 

Following this event, the City will support Anglicare WA’s pop-up op shop on Wednesday 7 August at the St Nicholas Community Centre on Council Avenue.

The op shop will be open from 10am – 1pm and will give people the opportunity to purchase valuable goods and items at affordable prices.

The City will also provide free training for local not-for-profits, volunteers and service providers on de-escalation techniques on Thursday 8 August 2019. This special workshop will be held at Quest Apartments on Flinders Lane from 9am – 4.30pm. Only people working with clients in Rockingham are able to attend and there are limited places remaining.  

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said homelessness was a complex issue that required a multi-faceted approach from a wide range of community stakeholders.

“Homelessness is an issue that impacts people from all walks of life and requires careful, considered solutions from a range of groups,” Mayor Sammels said.

“As outlined in the City’s Community Support Services Strategy 2017 – 2022, our primary responsibility in tackling this issue comes in the form of advocacy, education and support for the not-for-profit sector.

“The City chairs the Rockingham/Kwinana Homelessness Interagency Group, which includes representatives from a variety of government and not-for-profit support groups. This network plays a key role in coordinating the delivery of important services to those in need.

“In addition, the City actively supports the network and has provided grant funding to local support groups that deliver programs, events and services for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.”

Find out more information about local service providers in the community here. 

To book a spot at the City’s de-escalation techniques workshop on Thursday 8 August email the City or call 9528 0333.