Agenda of Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven

Homelessness Advisory Committee – Thursday 17 August 2023

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Membership

Mayor Findley

All Councillors (One voting from each Ward)

Dan Harmelin – Community Member North Shoalhaven

Julianne Hopkins – Community Member North Shoalhaven

Peter Brandis – Community Member North Shoalhaven

Keith Davis – Community Member South Shoalhaven

Jenifa Fowler – Community Member North Shoalhaven

Representative - SALT Care

Representative - SAHSSI

Representative - Southern Cross Housing

Representative - Vinnies

Representative - Legal Aid NSW

Quorum – 8 provided that a minimum of one Councillor with voting rights, two community members, and one crisis/homelessness support are present

Purpose

The purpose of the Homelessness Advisory Committee is to provide advice, guided by lived

experience and expertise, to Shoalhaven City Council on homelessness and related issues

that can be dealt with at Council level. The Committee will work with Council to address issues and identify strategies to assist Council in their decision making processes.

Strategic Plan Alignment:

Community Led Plan For Homelessness

1. Early Intervention & Collaborative Support

2. Community Awareness & Education

3. Advocacy and Lobbying

4. Housing & Accommodation

Role of the Committee

· Provide Council with advice, guided by lived experience and expertise on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at a Local Government level.

· Work with Council to address issues and develop strategies to assist Council in their decision making processes.

· Advise on the development, review and implementation of The Plan.

· Provide comment on relevant Council policies and strategies.

· Advocate for community needs on issues relating to homelessness in the Shoalhaven.

· Continuous monitoring and evaluation of The Plan.

Minutes of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven

Meeting Date: Thursday, 8 June 2023

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 2:05pm

The following members were present:

Mayor Amanda Findley - Chairperson

Clr John Kotlash

Clr Evan Christen

Clr Patricia White

Clr Mark Kitchener

Capt Matthew Sutcliffe – The Salvation Army (Remotely)

Mr Daniel Laughton – SALT Ministries

Mr Daniel Pearson – Southern Cross Housing

Mr Blake Richards – My Best Life (Remotely)

Ms Nicole Roberts – St Vincent De Paul (Remotely)

Ms Olivia Todhunter (Remotely)

Ms Maria Lopez – Gran Pacific Health (Remotely) – Joined 2:55pm

Ms Nicole Nicholls

Ms Julie Bugden – Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub (Remotely)

Ms Julianne Hopkins

Mr Peter Brandis

Mr John Hart

Mr Michael Paine - Manager - Community Connections – Joined 2:24pm

Others present:

Ms Kayla Clanchy – Shelter NSW (Remotely) – Left meeting 2:47pm

Ms Cathy Callaghan - Shelter NSW (Remotely) - Left meeting 2:47pm

Mr John Engeler - Shelter NSW (Remotely) - Left meeting 2:47pm

Mr Matthew Gauslaa – Yumaro (Remotely)

Ms Jodi Blair – Safe Waters (Remotely)

Ms Coralie Bell – Director City Futures

Ms Carly McWalters – Lead – Community Capacity Building

Ms Marsha Makary – Community Capacity Builder - Homelessness

Ms Holly Corbett – Community Capacity – Student Placement

Mr Gordon Clark – Manager – Strategic Planning

Mr Matthew Rose – Coordinator - Strategic Planning (Remotely)

The Chairperson opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Ms Cathy Campbell, Mr Peter Dover, Ms Fiona Phillips MP, Ms Kristy Puckeridge, Ms Nicky Sloan, Ms Erin Mulally and Ms Jenifa Fowler.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven held on Thursday 09 February 2023 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

Nil

Presentations

HT23.5 Presentation - Shelter NSW - Housing Report & Housing Priorities

HPERM Ref: D23/191623

John Engeler, Cathy Callaghan and Kayla Clanchy – Shelter NSW presented to the Committee a presentation on housing reporting and housing priorities. The presentation is attached to this meetings minutes. The following topics were discussed:

· Shelter NSW Overview

· 2023-2027 Priorities for NSW

· What We Do

· Our Understanding of the LGA

Chairperson - Mayor Findley passed on her appreciation and thanks to Shelter NSW for their presentation.

John Engeler – CEO Shelter NSW, Cathy Callaghan - Senior Policy Officer and Kayla Clanchy – Regional Policy Officer will present to the Taskforce regarding the Regional Housing Need Report released by Shelter NSW in February 2023.

Reports

HT23.6 Mayors Relief Fund Update Report

HPERM Ref: D23/123049

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

CARRIED

HT23.7 Update on Action HT22.15 Response to Ministerial Correspondence

HPERM Ref: D23/186029

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

CARRIED

HT23.8 Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven - Terms of Reference Review

HPERM Ref: D23/214337

A suggestion was made for the Aboriginal organisation to be sought from AMS, Waminda, Aboriginal Legal Aid & SEARMS.

Once the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven Terms of Reference has been adopted by Council, Community Capacity Builder, Homelessness to reach out to the suggested organisations to seek interest in joining the Committee as a voting member.

Recommendation

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven accept the proposed amendments to the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven Terms of Reference and submit to Council for adoption.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

The Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven recommends that Council:

1. Accept the proposed amendments to the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven Terms of Reference and submit to Council for adoption.

2. Invite SEARMS and St Vincent De Paul to the next Committee meeting on 17 August 2023.

CARRIED

HT23.9 Action Table Report Update 8 June 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/214443

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority):

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven receive this report for information.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

HT23.10 Additional Item - Short Term Rental Accommodation - Thrive Together Fair August 2023

It was raised that the Committee are yet to receive the feedback responses from the Mayoral Letter issued in September 2022. The Report of Report Back – Measures to Increase Housing Availability in Shoalhaven – Short Term Renal Accommodation Focus is included in the Minutes.

Carly McWalters informed the Committee of the upcoming Thrive Together Fair in August. This is an opportunity for local business to get involved and to connect with the community.

The donations drive has now opened where the community can donate items towards care packs which will be given out at the Thrive Together Fair in August. Council are seeking new and non-perishable donation items such as; toiletries, nappies, wipes, socks, beanies etc. An email will be sent out from Council about this donation drive and Council encourages the Committee to share this far and wide to the community.

HT23.11 Additional Item - Funding St Vincent De Paul

The Committee advised St Vincent De Paul have left over funds that needs to be spent by the end of June 2023. These funds could be used to print more guides.

Action: Community Capacity Builder, Homelessness to follow up with St Vincent De Paul regarding left over funds of approximately $6000 - $7000 that needs to be spent before the end of June 2023.

HT23.12 Additional Item - Council Submission - Rental Rights - Select Committee

Clr Christen made note of NSW forming a select Committee looking into protecting rental rights. It was suggested Council to make a submission to this. Gordon clarified Shelter NSW was in the enquiry stage regarding this, however the Committee agreed to take this on board as an additional item for Council to make a submission.

Action: Council make a submission in regards to rental rights with the select Committee.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That Council make a submission in regards to rental rights with the Select Committee.

CARRIED

HT23.13 Additional Item - Vacant Huskisson Police Station - Temporary Housing Opportunity

Clr Christen raised to the Committee the vacancy of the old Police Station in Huskisson and the potential opportunity for temporary accommodation and other vacant government owned buildings and queried if this has been looked into. Gordon clarified there is an audit undergoing of all public land and identifying site that can be made available for social affordable temporary housing.

Action: That Council bring to the attention of the NSW Government the vacant Police Station in Huskisson

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That Council request that the NSW Government include the vacant Police Station in Huskisson in its audit of public land to be made available for social affordable temporary housing.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 3:25pm.

Mayor Amanda Findley

CHAIRPERSON

Homelessness Advisory Committee – Thursday 17 August 2023

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HT23.16 Homelessness Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Implementation

HPERM Ref: D23/298221

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Sarah Taylor, Acting Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Homelessness Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference ⇩

Reason for Report

The reason for this report is to inform the Homelessness Advisory Committee (HAC) that the new Terms of Reference (ToR) were endorsed by Council at the Council Ordinary meeting held on 17 July 2023, and in accordance with the new ToR an Aboriginal organisation is yet to be nominated as a voting member.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Homelessness Advisory Committee nominate insert organisation to be the voting Aboriginal organisation on the Committee.

Options

1. The recommendation is adopted as written:

Implications: The recommendation is adopted, and an Aboriginal organisation is nominated as a voting member.

2. The HAC do not nominate an Aboriginal organisation as a voting member at the HAC meeting held on 17 August 2023.

Implications: An Aboriginal organisation is not nominated, and the HAC will be required to provide an alternative proposal.

Background

The new Terms of Reference (ToR) of the HAC were endorsed at the Council Ordinary Meeting, held on 17 July 2023 (see Attachment).In line with the ToR update, an Aboriginal organisation is to be nominated as a voting member of the Committee. The following Aboriginal organisations were invited to be voting members:

· Aboriginal Legal Service Nowra

· Waminda

· South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service

· South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Service (SEARMS)

The HAC will nominate an Aboriginal organisation as a voting member at the HAC meeting to be held on 17 August 2023.

Community Engagement

The following Aboriginal organisations were emailed with information regarding the HAC and the new ToR and invited to join the upcoming HAC meeting on 17 August 2023:

· Aboriginal Legal Service Nowra

· Waminda

· South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service

· South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Service (SEARMS)

Policy Implications

The recommendation is in line with new ToR of the HAC.

Homelessness Advisory Committee – Thursday 17 August 2023

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HT23.17 Action Table Report Update, 17 August

HPERM Ref: D23/301868

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Sarah Taylor, Acting Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Homelessness Advisory Committee Action Table 17 August 2023 ⇩

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to provide the Homelessness Advisory Committee (HAC) with a progress report on outstanding actions.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Homelessness Advisory Committee:

1. Accept and receive the Action Table Report for information.

2. Consider the following actions complete and remove from the Action Table,

a. HT23.8 Homelessness Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference - Accept Amendments - Invite South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Service and St Vincent De Paul to Next Meeting.

b. HT23.11 Additional Item - Funding St Vincent De Paul – Guides

c. HT23.12 Council Submission - Rental Rights - Select Committee

d. HT23.13 Vacant Huskisson Police Station - Temporary Housing Opportunity - NSW Government - Audit of Public Land

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation as written.

Implications: The Homelessness Advisory Committee is updated on progress of actions and recommendations made at previous meetings.

2. Request more information.

Implications: Members of the Homelessness Advisory Committee request further information.

Background

This report is to update the HAC (previously the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven) on outstanding actions from previous meetings. Attachment 1 provides information regarding the status of actions and resolutions made at previous meetings, including the following update:

· CL23.146 Membership - Homelessness Advisory Committee - Appointment - Thrive Together Fair 2023

Part 1 and 2 are to be endorsed and closed.

Part 3 to remain open, with intention to complete by the next HAC meeting. One position for a community representative with lived experience of homelessness remains vacant since the close of the expression of interest. This position will be advertised at the Thrive Together Fair, which will take place on 8 August 2023.

Subject to the Committee concurring that satisfactory progress has been made to complete the items on the August 2023 Action Table Report, the Committee is requested to adopt the Recommendation to note completion of:

· HT23.8 Homelessness Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference - Accept Amendments - Invite South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Service St Vincent De Paul Next Meeting

The amended Terms of Reference were accepted by Council during Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 7July 2023. John Purcell House (St Vincent De Paul) and South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Service (SEARMS) have been invited to join the Homelessness Advisory Committee.

· HT23.11 Additional Item - Funding St Vincent De Paul – Guides

Community Capacity Builder for Homelessness contacted Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) representative Michelle Smith from St Vincent De Paul. No remaining funds were available. CDAT may consider allowing space in their new budget for Doing It Tough guide printing.

· HT23.12 Council Submission - Rental Rights - Select Committee

The submission period ended on 31 May 2023 and the inquiry tabled its report on 9 June 2023. The Government now has until 11 December 2023 to respond to the inquiry findings.

· HT23.13 Vacant Huskisson Police Station - Temporary Housing Opportunity - NSW Government - Audit of Public Land

Property and resolution brought to the attention of Property and Development NSW who are leading the NSW Government Land Audit. Letters also sent to both local State MP's bringing the property and the resolution to their attention.

Should HAC members require further information on the status of the actions in the table attached, Council staff will provide as requested.

Community Engagement

It is important that the members of the Homelessness Advisory Committee are kept informed on progress towards the completion of actions and projects. This report provides a structured approach to facilitate this information exchange.