"It's obvious the impact of homelessness on our community is growing and it's important we have the most up-to-date information from those on the ground," says Mathew Hatcher, after hosting a stakeholder workshop at Batemans Bay on Monday 12 October.
"The people around the table see the reality of homelessness every day. They know where the pressure is building, where people are falling through the gaps, and what can make a practical difference.
"Council's powers and resources in this space are limited. But we can listen, share what we're seeing and build a better understanding of what's happening locally. Today was about bringing the right people together and making sure local experience reaches government decision-makers."
The participants invited to the workshop included state department representatives, non-profit organisations and front-line service providers.The workshop was facilitated by Natalie Magee of By Hearts Projects.
"The expertise and on-the-ground experience in the room today built a shared picture of what is happening across Eurobodalla, where support is falling short and what needs to change," Mayor Hatcher said.
"It was about setting a clearer path for coordinated action and government advocacy."
The workshop examined emerging local trends, barriers to support, and gaps in housing and services. Mayor Hatcher said the discussions ranged widely – youth and older people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, hidden homelessness, emergency accommodation, housing affordability, domestic and family violence, health and wellbeing, and the pressures on service providers.
"We were looking at the effects of homelessness and housing insecurity on individuals, but also on families, businesses, the wider community and public places," he said.
By the end of the day, the workshop feedback highlighted a need for a more coordinated homelessness response, centred on affordable housing, crisis accommodation, domestic violence support, access to essential services and improved transport connections.
Mayor Hatcher said Council will develop a detailed report based on the feedback to inform advocacy to state and federal governments, while also considering how Council can add value to collaboration between services across the shire in future.
"Another workshop is likely to build on these valuable conversations and identify opportunities for collective action, Mayor Hatcher said.
Hearing directly from front-line service providers gave Council a clearer picture of what is happening locally.
"Successful advocacy starts with listening. We now have a stronger, evidence-based case to take to governments with the responsibility and resources to support our community," Mayor Hatcher said.
