This Homelessness Week (4 to 10 August), Port Stephens Council is encouraging the community to reflect on the challenges faced by people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
More than 122,000 people experience homelessness in Australia every night, a figure often misunderstood. It's not just about sleeping rough; most are in temporary or insecure housing, with one in seven being a child under 12, and older women recognised as the fastest growing group at risk.
Mayor Leah Anderson said this week is a timely reminder that homelessness continues to rise in our community, and addressing it requires a collaborative response.
"This is not just a big city issue. Homelessness exists in every postcode, including here in Port Stephens," Mayor Anderson said.
"The 2025 NSW Street Count revealed the number of people sleeping rough in Port Stephens has doubled since 2024, the second highest in the Hunter behind Newcastle.
"We know this is just the tip of the iceberg. Our services are overwhelmed with requests for help and stretched beyond their limits," she added.
In April 2023, Port Stephens Council established the Homelessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group (HSAG) to bring stakeholders together to collaborate on solutions that work to end homelessness in Port Stephens.
The group includes 18 core members, including the Member for Port Stephens, the Member for Paterson, NSW Police, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, key community sector organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, and 2 community members.
"The Homelessness Stakeholder Advocacy Group is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we bring people together with a shared purpose and I'm incredibly proud of the collaborative approach we've built here in Port Stephens," Mayor Anderson said.
The HSAG has worked closely on a number of projects including; Advocacy to State and Federal Government to commit to more social and affordable housing, coordinating the donation of used furniture from Council-owned holiday parks to local charities, and creating a crisis relief calendar to help people find food, vouchers and rental support across Port Stephens.
Other important actions underway include:
- Starting work on an Affordable Housing Action Plan, as part of Council's broader Housing Strategy, to improve housing supply and affordability.
- Working with the NSW Government and Hume Housing to deliver temporary accommodation through a number of initiatives, including the 'Dignity in Crisis' and the Core and Cluster programs, to help families feel safe and rebuild their lives.
"Providing emergency accommodation isn't something most councils do, but we knew we had to act," Mayor Anderson said.
"By working with Hume Housing and the NSW Government, we're helping deliver practical, immediate support for people in crisis, while continuing to advocate for long-term solutions."
She also emphasised that building awareness is just as important as taking action.
"Everyone has a role to play in supporting those in our community who are experiencing homelessness, whether that's learning more, challenging assumptions, or supporting local services," she said.
"Together, we can take meaningful steps to end homelessness."
