Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven
Meeting Date: Thursday, 10 March, 2022
Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 2:00pm
Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.
Agenda
1. Election of Chairperson
2. Apologies
3. Confirmation of Minutes
· Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven - 14 October 2021.................... 1
4. Declarations of Interest
5. Presentations
HT22.1......... City Lifestyles Presentation - Overview of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven
· Overview of the Taskforce
· Terms of Reference
· Strategic Plan
· Relevant Policies and Procedures
· Overview of what is Operational / within the Committees/Boards interest / clarification of appropriate recommendations under the Committees/Boards delegation
HT22.2......... Presentation - Governance - Brief Induction
· Code of Conduct
· Code of Meeting Practice
· Delegations
· Declaration of Interests
· External Member Reports
6. Reports
HT22.3......... Notification of Council Resolution - Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.............................................................................. 5
HT22.4......... Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce Committee Community Membership Expression of Interest - Member Recommendation Report....................................................... 12
HT22.6......... Organisation Membership Recommendation Report............ 15
HT22.5......... Action Table Update............................................................... 17
7. General Business
Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven – Thursday 10 March 2022 Page |
Membership
Clr Findley
All Councillors
Chief Executive Officer or Nominee
Mitchell Bagou – St Vincent De Paul
Cathy Campbell – Southern Cross Housing
Donna Corbyn – Bay & Basin Community Resources
Patricia David – Unions Shoalhaven
Peter Dover – Salt Ministries
Troy French Services Australia - South Coast NSW
Bernard Gleeson – St Vincent De Paul Welfare
Belle Grossetti – Mission Australia
Rohanna Holland – Bay & Basin Community Resources
Emilie Martin - Grand Pacific Health
Maria Mitchell – Ulladulla & Districts Community Resources Centre
Nicole Nicholls – Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Justine O'Reilly – Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre
Kristy Puckeridge – Southern Youth and Family Services
Lauren Simpson – Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD
Nicky Sloane – CI Group
Samantha Stiff – Headspace Nowra
Matthew Sutcliffe – The Salvation Army
Olivia Todhunter – Legal Aid NSW
Libby Topp – Shoalhaven Drug and Alcohol Service
Rheanna Williamson – Primary and Community Care Services
Lindy Meeves – Nowra Community Mental Health Team
Quorum - 8
Purpose
To provide appropriate and considered strategic advice on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at Council level. The Taskforce will work with Council to address issues, develop options and assist with the identification of preferred solutions as part of Council’s decision making process.
Role of the Taskforce
The role of the Homelessness Taskforce is:-
Minutes of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven
Meeting Date: Thursday, 14 October 2021
Location: Microsoft Teams
Time: 2:09pm
The following members were present (remotely):
Clr Findley - Chairperson
Clr Jo Gash
Clr Nina Digliglio
Clr John Levett
Clr Patricia White
Stephen Dunshea - Chief Executive Officer
Patricia David – Unions Shoalhaven
Peter Dover – Salt Ministries
Justine O'Reilly – Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre
Capt Matthew Sutcliffe - The Salvation Army
Olivia Todhunter – Legal Aid NSW
Mitchell Bagou – St Vincent De Paul
Belinda Grossetti – Mission Australia
Emilie Martin – Grand Pacific Health - joined meeting at 2:30pm
Fiona Phillips - Federal Member for Gilmore
Cassie Michaux – Department of Communities & Justice
Cathy Campbell – Southern Cross Housing
Rheanna Williamson – Primary & Community Care Services
Lindy Meeves – Nowra Community Mental Health Services
Libby Topp – Shoalhaven Drug & Alcohol Service
Donna Corbyn – Bay & Basin Community Resources
Rohanna Holland - Bay & Basin Community Resources
Samantha Stiff – Headspace Nowra
Troy French – Services Australia – South Coast NSW
Joanne Grant – AMS Nowra
Mel Brueker – Community Industry Group
Julie Bugden – Shoalhaven Homeless Hub
Others Present:
Michael Paine – Manager Community Connections
Gordon Clark – Director City Futures
Jane Lewis – Director City Lifestyles
Carly McWalters – Team Leader - Community Capacity Building
Casey Holtom – Social Planner – Community Connections
Jessica Richardson – Community Capacity Builder
Janice Cormie – Senior Governance Officer
Apologies / Leave of Absence |
Apologies were received from Nicole Nicholls and Kristy Puckeridge.
Confirmation of the Minutes |
RESOLVED (Patricia David / Peter Dover)
That the Minutes of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven held on Friday 24 July 2020 be confirmed. CARRIED
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Declarations of Interest |
Nil.
Reports
HT21.1 Report - Homelessness Taskforce Introduction and Update on Actions |
HPERM Ref: D21/411911 |
Michael Paine – Manager – Community Connections provided members with an update on the current response strategy of Council. · Motions calling for additional housing, in particular social housing, in regional areas will be presented to the LGNSW Conference to be held 28 February to 2 March 2022. · It has been agreed, subject to an agreement being in place with Salt Ministries, that two retired Holiday Haven cabins each year for the next 5 years, be repurposed and be made available for emergency accommodation. |
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Receive this report which provides: a. an introduction to the Taskforce. b. the current situational analysis. c. an update on Council actions. 2. Endorse the recommendation for the Homelessness Taskforce to join Council staff in planning the Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop and nominate a Planning Group to support in the development of the above Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop: a. Add name(s) of nominee(s) to be determined at the meeting
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RESOLVED (By consent) That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Receive this report which provides: a. an introduction to the Taskforce. b. the current situational analysis. c. an update on Council actions. 2. Endorse the recommendation for the Homelessness Taskforce to join Council staff in planning the Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop. 3. Form a Planning Group to support in the development of the Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop, made up of the following members: Lindy Meeves – Nowra Community Mental Health Team Justine O’Reilly – Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Sammi Stiff – Headspace Nowra Peter Dover – Salt Ministries Pat David – Unions Shoalhaven Mel Brueker - Community Industry Group Julie Bugden - Shoalhaven Homeless Hub Nomination for the Planning Group will remain open to all members following today’s meeting, by contacting Michael Paine – Manager Community Connections. carried
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HT21.2 Report - Homelessness Taskforce Membership Expression of Interest |
HPERM Ref: D21/411947 |
Expressions of interest from 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness and 3 community members with an interest in addressing homelessness in the Shoalhaven will be sought to fill the community membership positions. Clr Findley suggested that a standing invitation be extended to observers with a lived experience of homelessness to join virtual meetings as their contributions will be very valuable to the Taskforce. |
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Recommendation That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Endorse the Expression of Interest to be conducted to fill the 6 vacant community membership positions a. Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. b. Expressions of Interest will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with an interest in addressing homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. 2. Nominate a member of the Committee to be the independent assessor for the next round of Expressions of Interest to the Taskforce.
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RECOMMENDATION (By consent) That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Endorse the Expression of Interest to be conducted to fill the 6 vacant community membership positions. a. Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. b. Expressions of Interest will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with an interest in addressing homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. 2. Patricia David – Unions Shoalhaven - was nominated to be the independent assessor for the next round of Expressions of Interest to the Taskforce.
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HPERM Ref: D21/411981 |
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Carly McWalters – Team Leader - Community Capacity Building – provided an update on the Thrive Together Fair which was held on 4 August 2021 at the Indoor Sports Centre, Bomaderry. · Over 200 residents attended the Fair. · Over 40 local service providers were at event which included vaccination and health clinics, haircuts, showers, and hot meals. · Over 300 dignity packs were given away. · Very positive and encouraging feedback was received.
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Receive this report providing an overview and evaluation of the Thrive Together Fair 2. Endorse the recommendation for the Homelessness Taskforce to join Council Staff in planning the Thrive Together Fair in 2022 a. Nominate a Planning Group to support in the planning of the above Thrive Together Fair 2022
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RESOLVED (By consent) That the Homelessness Taskforce: 1. Receive this report providing an overview and evaluation of the Thrive Together Fair 2. Endorse the recommendation for the Homelessness Taskforce to join Council Staff in planning the Thrive Together Fair in 2022 3. Form a Planning Group to support in the planning of the Thrive Together Fair 2022, made up of the following members: Sammi Stiff – Headspace Nowra Peter Dover – Salt Ministries Pat David – Unions Shoalhaven Lindy Meeves - Nowra Community Mental Health Services Emilie Martin – Grand Pacific Health CARRIED
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There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 3:10pm.
Clr Findley
CHAIRPERSON
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Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven – Thursday 10 March 2022 Page 0 |
HT22.3 Notification of Council Resolution - Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven
HPERM Ref: D22/85786
Department: Business Assurance & Risk
Approver: Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance
Attachments: 1. Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven - Terms of Reference ⇩
Reason for Report
Advise of Council’s resolution in relation to the new members and re-establishment of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven.
Options
1. As recommended.
Implications: The membership structure as resolved by Council is adopted for the period to 30 September 2022.
2. Propose a different membership arrangement.
Implications: Should the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven wish to make an alternative recommendation in relation to membership, this would need to be reported to Council for consideration/endorsement.
Background
Each year, (generally in September) Council reaffirms all its Committees for the next 12 months - Council has the option to: reaffirm its Committees; make any change to the membership, purpose, delegation, quorum, and the number of meetings required for those Committees; or disband Committees.
This report is provided to inform the Group members of the resolution of the Council. Should the Group wish to make any changes to the above, a recommendation to Council will be required to that effect.
Due to the postponement of the Local Government Elections, the decision to reaffirm Committees was held in January 2022. At the Ordinary meeting on 25 January 2022 Council resolved as follows:
Meetings per year – Four (4) Commencement time – TBA |
Quorum – Eight (8) |
Terms of Reference: POL21/45 (55584E) Adopted: 14 September 2021 |
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Purpose To provide appropriate and considered strategic advice on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at Council level. The Taskforce will work with Council to address issues, develop options and assist with the identification of preferred solutions as part of Council’s decision making process.
Role of the Taskforce The role of the Homelessness Taskforce is:- · Provide Council with strategic advice on homelessness and related issues that can be dealt with at a Local Government level. · Work with Council to address issues, develop options and assist with the identification of preferred solutions as part of Council’s decision-making process · Advise on the development and application of a Homelessness Strategic Plan · Provide comment on relevant Council policies and strategies · Advocate community views on homelessness issues |
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Delegation – NIL |
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Chairperson – Appointed by Committee |
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2022 Councillor / Staff Membership Clr Findley - Chairperson appointed by Committee All Councillors CEO or Nominee |
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Organisational Representatives Representatives from community organisations and local service providers being either Government/Non-Government agencies/organisations and community members including but not limited to SAHSSI – Shoalhaven Women’s Homeless and DV Service, Unions Shoalhaven, Salt Ministries, ISLHD – Homelessness Mental Health Program, Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub, Grand Pacific Health, Legal Aid, Southern Cross Community Housing, Waminda, Care South. Representation from a service(s) from the North, Central and South of Shoalhaven LGA A maximum of 3 community members with lived experience A maximum of 3 community members with an interest in homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. One representative for each of the Federal Member for Gilmore and the State Members for South Coast and Kiama Department of Communities & Justice Department of Education (subject to availability) Regional NSW (subject to availability) NSW Police (subject to availability) |
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CARRIED |
Policy Implications
There were no amendments to the Terms of Reference by this resolution.
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HT22.4 Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce Committee Community Membership Expression of Interest - Member Recommendation Report
HPERM Ref: D22/61748
Department: Community Connections
Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Attachments: 1. Homelessness Taskforce EOI Applications (Redacted) - January 2022 (under separate cover) ⇨
Reason for Report
To present applications from the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce Membership Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Taskforce and put forward recommendations to the group.
That: 1. Four applicants are invited to represent their organisation on the Taskforce: · Ruby Hansen-Tarrant - Age Matters · Grace Rey – Socks and Jocks · Liz O’Connell – Mission Australia · Alice Russack – Yumaro (NDIS) The above organisations are not currently represented on the committee. 2. Three community membership appointments are offered to applicants with lived experience: · Michael Sweeney – Bomaderry · Shirley Taylor – Ulladulla · Keith Davis – Ulladulla (itinerant) 3. Three community membership appointments are offered to represent community members with an interest in homelessness: · Raul Arregui – North Nowra · Julianne Hopkins – Nowra · Stuart Bellingham – Mollymook
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Options
1. Adopt the recommendations as written.
Implications: The Homelessness Taskforce fill the vacant membership positions as listed in the recommendation.
2. Adopt an alternative recommendation.
Implications: Members of the Homelessness Taskforce Committee will provide an alternative recommendation.
Background
During the Homelessness Taskforce Committee meeting held on 14th October 2021, it was recommended, by consent, that the Homelessness Taskforce: Endorse the Expression of Interest to be conducted to fill the 6 vacant community membership positions.
a. Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with lived experience of homelessness with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA.
b. Expressions of Interest will be sought from a maximum of 3 community members with an interest in addressing homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA. Nominate a member of the Committee to be the independent assessor for the next round of Expressions of Interest to the Taskforce.
A membership Expression of Interest (EOI) was conducted between 6 January 2022 and 27 January 2022. This was advertised on the Shoalhaven City Council website, sponsored social media posts, agency network emails and radio advertising.
As outlined in the Terms of Reference 3.3.3 Nomination Process:
· An interview panel will consist of a Council staff member, the Chair of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven and one (1) independent person that will assess the applications and make recommendations for appointments to the taskforce and then Council.
Patricia David, Unions Shoalhaven representative, was nominated as the independent assessor and along with Chair Mayor Amanda Findley and staff member Marsha Makary -Community Capacity Builder, Homelessness, recommendations were made from the 15 EOI applications The assessment panel met on Thursday 3 February 2022 to discuss the recommendations.
Under section 3.3.1 Appointments of the Homelessness Taskforce Shoalhaven Terms of Reference, community membership of the Taskforce will comprise of:
· Representatives from community organisations and local service providers being either Government/Non-Government agencies/organisations and community members including but not limited to SAHSSI – Shoalhaven Women’s Homeless and DV Service, Unions Shoalhaven, Salt Ministries, ISLHD – Homelessness Mental Health Program, Shoalhaven Homelessness Hub, Grand Pacific Health, Legal Aid, Southern Cross Community Housing, Waminda, Care South.
· Representation from a service(s) from the North, Central and South of Shoalhaven LGA.
· A maximum of 3 community members with lived experience.
· A maximum of 3 community members with an interest in homelessness in the Shoalhaven with representation from North, Central and South of the Shoalhaven LGA.
The applications from the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce EOI are attached for review and consideration by the Committee.
Council received 15 membership expressions of interest. Five applicants were employees of organisations, four of which are currently not represented in the Taskforce.
These four applicants have been recommended to join the taskforce as representatives of their organisations. Within the Terms of Reference there is no cap on the number of organisations that can be represented. These four new organisations are:
· Age Matters – Age Matters tackles homelessness, ageism, and social isolation. They support older Australians facing homelessness find stable accommodation that is right for them.
· Socks and Jocks – Socks and Jocks was established to help those who are most vulnerable to the climatic extremes of winter months. They collect donations of Socks n Jocks, clothes, hats, and blankets to distribute to those in need
· Mission Australia - Mission Australia offer a wide range of programs and interventions for those in need including services for people at risk of, or currently homeless.
· Yumaro (NDIS) – Yumaro (NDIS) is a registered charity and NDIS service provider offering employment, training, lifestyle, accommodation and home and community support services to over 140 people with a permanent disability in the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven regions.
Three applicants had lived experience of homelessness, and the remainder were individuals with an interest in the issue of homelessness.
The Review Panel determined that there were no suitable candidates from the Central Shoalhaven region. However, there is current Taskforce representation of Central Shoalhaven through ‘Bay and Basin Community Resources’ and therefore the panel recommend that the current membership nominees satisfactorily represent the diverse range of experience in the Shoalhaven local government area.
Community Engagement
A membership EOI was conducted between 6 January 2022 and 27 January 2022. This was advertised on the Shoalhaven City Council website, sponsored social media posts, agency network emails and radio advertising.
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HT22.6 Organisation Membership Recommendation Report
HPERM Ref: D22/71284
Department: Community Connections
Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Reason for Report
To nominate two relevant organisations currently not represented at the Homelessness Taskforce
That the following representatives be invited to represent their organisations on the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce: · Blake Richards (My Best Life Australia) · Digby Hughes (Homelessness NSW)
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Options
1. Adopt the recommendation as written.
Implications: The Homelessness Taskforce accept the appointment recommendations
2. Adopt an alternative recommendation.
Implications: Members of the Homelessness Taskforce Committee will provide an alternative recommendation.
Background
Blake Richards is the Chief Executive Officer of My Best Life Australia. Mr Richards has previously presented at the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce committee and remains on the Shoalhaven Homelessness Interagency mailing list.
My Best Life Australia operate out of the Shoalhaven region and according to their website, are a “registered charity in NSW whose main purpose is to provide crisis accommodation, safe transport options for domestic violence victims and children. We provide services and enable them with skills by collaborating with other charities.”
My Best Life Australia’s current projects include ‘Tempy Nester’ which aims to support people who have spare accommodation or living space to temporarily host women and children who have been subjected to domestic violence in Australia. Further information can be found on their website: https://www.mybestlifeaustralia.org.au/
Mr Richards approached Councils Community Capacity Builder Homelessness to request to be included in the Taskforce when he learned that it had be re-established.
Digby Hughes is the acting Policy and Advocacy Manager at Homelessness NSW. There is no record of there ever being representation from Homelessness NSW on the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce.
Homelessness NSW is the peak agency for its member organisations to end homelessness across NSW and “advocate and provide leadership on homelessness issues across NSW and support effective service delivery to those who are experiencing homelessness, have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness”.
Homelessness NSW members include small, locally based community organisations, multiservice agencies with a regional reach and large state-wide service providers. They write sector reports, facilitate campaigns and administer programs across NSW. Further information can be found on their website: https://homelessnessnsw.org.au/
Councils Community Capacity Builder – Homelessness has recommended the inclusion of Homelessness NSW as the peak agency.
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HT22.5 Action Table Update
HPERM Ref: D22/68918
Department: Community Connections
Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles
Attachments: 1. Homelessness Taskforce Action Table February 2022 ⇩
Reason for Report
To provide the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce with a progress report on outstanding actions.
Options
1. Adopt the recommendation as written.
Implications: The Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce is updated of actions and recommendations made at previous meetings
2. Request more information
Implications: The Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce request further information
Background
This report is to update the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce on outstanding actions from previous meetings.
Subject to the Taskforce concurring that satisfactory progress has been made to complete the items on the February 2022 Action Sheet Report, the Taskforce is requested to adopt the Recommendation to note the completion of:
· HT21.1 Introduction & Update on Actions - Shoalhaven Homelessness Workshop Planning Group – Formation
· HT21.2 Homelessness Taskforce - Membership - Expression of Interest endorsed - Independent Assessor - Patricia David
· HT21.4 Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce Thrive Together Fair Planning Group – Formation
In addition note the completion of the following items from the following actions:
· HT19.6 Shoalhaven Homelessness & Good Living Interagency - Annual Progress Report - Affordable Housing Strategy
1. Receive copies of the Homelessness and Good Living Interagency minutes for February, March, and April 2019 for their information.
2. Acknowledge the Homelessness and Good Living Interagency Position Paper.
And the continuation of the following items from the following actions:
· HT19.6 Shoalhaven Homelessness & Good Living Interagency - Annual Progress Report - Affordable Housing Strategy
3. Receive an annual report that outlines progress against KPI’s that are contained in the Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy
Attachment 1 provides information regarding the status of actions and resolutions made at previous meetings. Should Taskforce members require further information on the status of the actions in the table attached Council staff will provide as requested.
An update will be provided by the Shoalhaven City Council Strategic Planning team on Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy at the next Taskforce Committee meeting on 10th March 2022.
Community Engagement
It is important that the members of the Shoalhaven Homelessness Taskforce are kept informed on progress towards the completion of actions and projects. This report provides a structured approach to facilitate this information exchange.
The relevant Taskforce members nominated to form the Thrive Together Fair planning group, Homelessness Workshop planning group and Community Member Expression of Interest assessment panel have been consulted as required.