Melton City Council has been recognised for its innovative approach to addressing homelessness, winning an award at the 2025 Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards held in Ballarat last week.
The City of Melton Rough Sleeper Initiative, which is delivered in partnership with Melbourne City Mission and IPC Health, won the Excellence in Ending Homelessness - Adult Category at the awards hosted by the Council to Homeless Persons, Victoria.
The award celebrates programs, organisations, or partnerships that have made an outstanding contribution to preventing or ending homelessness among adults in Victoria.
The initiative was established two years ago in response to a significant increase in the number of people sleeping rough across the City of Melton and a shortage of funded housing support and outreach services in the area.
The collaborative program offers immediate respite, food, and referrals to healthcare—including mental and physical health support—and pathways to safe housing through public and community housing, transitional housing, and private rental options.
To date, the program has received 255 notifications of people sleeping rough, with many repeat notifications. Most reports come from community members and local businesses via Council's website.
Upon being notified, Council alerts its partner agencies, who coordinate an on-site visit to assess the individual's needs. The proactive approach brings support to the person meaning they do not need to attend an access point to receive assistance, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
The initiative was also recognised in the Vision Super Local Government Awards – Local Heroes Award in May 2025.
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Lara Carli:
"Council is proud to be recognised for this vital work. The City of Melton Rough Sleeper Initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when local government and community organisations collaborate to support our most vulnerable residents."
"What makes this program unique is that it brings support to people when and where they need it, rather than the other way around. It moves away from a "one-size-fits-all" model, instead prioritising dignity, empowerment, and inclusion."
