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 a 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 two 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.
Work has also begun on an Affordable Housing Action Plan, as part of Council’s broader Housing Strategy.
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