Minutes of the Homelessness Advisory Committee

 

 

Meeting Date:     Thursday, 27 June 2024

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

Time:                   2:08pm

 

 

The following members were present:

 

Mr Peter Dover - Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr John Kotlash

Clr Matthew Norris

Clr Gillian Boyd (Remotely)

Clr Patricia White

Clr Tonia Gray - (Joined Remotely at 2.37pm)

Ms Amanda Smith

Mr Keith Davis

Ms Julie Bugden - SAHSSI & Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub (Remotely)

Ms Olivia Todhunter - Legal AID NSW (Remotely)

Ms Brianna Shepherd - Vinnies (Remotely)

 

Others present:

 

Ms Megan Garrett – Personnel Group

Mr Digby Hughes - Care South

Ms Helen Lewis - Senior Project Officer - Homelessness (Remotely)

Ms Kate Davies - Homelessness NSW (Remotely)

Ms Lucy Burgmann - Homes NSW (Remotely)

Mr Robert Shipton - Homes NSW (Remotely)

Mr Mitchell Hawthorne (Remotely)

Ms Rae Steele - Service NSW (Remotely)

Mr Steven Brandon - South Coast AMS Nowra (Remotely)

Mr Carlo Di Giulio - (Joined Remotely at 2.46pm)

Mr Michael Paine - Manager Community Connections

Ms Carly McWalters - Lead – Community Capacity Building

Ms Marsha Makary - Community Capacity Builder – Homelessness

Ms Natalie Johnson - Senior Community Capacity Builder

Ms Monica Kinkade - Senior Community Capacity Builder (Remotely)

Ms Beth Britton - Facilities Coordinator (Joined Remotely at 2.35pm)

Ms Cheryl Hunter – Facilities Officer (Remotely)

Ms Karla Raison - Contact Centre Lead (Remotely)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apologies

Apologies were received from Ms Coralie McCarthy, Ms Fiona Phillips and Ms Jenifa Fowler.

 

 

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Homelessness Advisory Committee held on Thursday 01 February 2024 be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

Declaration of Interests

Nil

 

 

Presentations

 

HT24.5       Homelessness NSW - Ongoing Item - State-Wide Update

HPERM Ref: D24/72103

Ms Kate Davies from Homelessness NSW provided an update to the Committee regarding Homelessness issues across the State and developments within the Homelessness NSW organisation.

 

HT24.6       Homes NSW - Formation & Functions of Department

HPERM Ref: D24/87505

Ms Lucy Burgmann and Mr Robert Shipton – Homes NSW Illawarra, presented to the Committee regarding the formation and functions of the Homes NSW department.

The presentation is attached to the Minutes.

 

 

Reports

 

HT24.7       Closing Report - Community Capacity Builder - Homelessness - June 2024

HPERM Ref: D24/226903

Ms Marsha Makary - Community Capacity Builder Homelessness presented to the Committee on the outcomes achieved in the Community Capacity Builder Homelessness position that was established in November 2021 – June 2024. The key projects and initiatives identified were:

·        Primary Homelessness Response Group

·        Review and update of Council's Homelessness Policy

·        Re-establishment of the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce (now the HAC)

·        Development of staff resources and guidelines

·        Led the Thrive Together Initiative

·        Development of the Doing It Tough Directory (DIT)

·        Assisted Southern Cross Housing with Rough Sleeper Street Counts.

·        Facilitated development of the Shoalhaven Community Led Plan for

·        Homelessness (CLPH).

·        Gained $53,800 to deliver actions of the CLPH through the Office of Responsible Gambling, Community Development Fund

The presentation is attached to the Minutes.

The Committee, Councillors and staff thanked Ms Marsha Makary for her contribution to the Committee and the impact she has made since commencing in the role in 2021. 

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Homelessness Advisory Committee accept the Closing Report – Community Capacity Builder Homelessness – June 2024 for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Homelessness Advisory Committee accept the Closing Report – Community Capacity Builder Homelessness – June 2024 for information.

CARRIED

 

 

GENERAL BUSINESS

·        Reasonable Grounds for Eviction Notices

Clr Kotlash advised meetings have been occurring with politicians regarding Homelessness. An agenda item for evictions and reasonable grounds for evictions only is being attempted. Clr Kotlash sought feedback from the Committee regarding reasonable grounds for eviction notices. Discussions were held around the current eviction notices and the struggle that is experienced with this.

 

·        Thanks & Contribution

Mayor Findley noted this is the last Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting that she will be attending before stepping down from Council. Mayor Findley thanked the whole Committee for their contribution and input to the committee and involvement in supporting homelessness within the Shoalhaven and wished them all the best in the future.

Clr Gray further commented and expressed her thanks and commended Mayor Findley on her contribution and dedication to the Homelessness Advisory Committee during her time on the Committee.

 

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 3.46pm.

 

 

Mr Peter Dover

CHAIRPERSON