Media Release by The Hon Robert McClelland MP

Supporting Australians Experiencing Homelessness in the Nepean & Blacktown Region

Joint Media Release with:

  • Hon David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Federal Member For Lindsay

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Robert McClelland, and Federal Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury, today launched a campaign to better understand the housing and support needs of people experiencing homelessness in the Nepean and Blacktown region.

“Homelessness is a complex issue. The Vulnerability Index survey will help us capture a more accurate picture of the specific health conditions affecting people who are experiencing homelessness in this region,” Mr McClelland said.

“Each individual faces a unique set of circumstances, and that’s why we have provided $94,000 to the Australian Common Ground Alliance to undertake this national survey to identify the needs of chronically homeless individuals,” said Mr McClelland.  

“The Nepean/Blacktown Regional Homelessness Taskforce, together with the help of local volunteers, will conduct this survey in the region, which will give a better understanding of how we can deliver the right services to the right person. 

“This Vulnerability Index is critical to finding ways to support homeless Australians in our community for the long term,” Mr McClelland said.

“Our local service providers and the large number of volunteers who assist them, do an excellent job working to alleviate homelessness in our community,” Mr Bradbury said.

“This funding will help service providers identify high levels of demand and deliver more tailored care to local homeless people,” said Mr Bradbury. 

To support the roll out of the Vulnerability Index, the Australian Government is also supporting the Nepean/Blacktown Regional Homelessness Taskforce 50 Lives 50 Homes Western Sydney campaign.

Mr Bradbury said the campaign, which involves both Federal and State Governments and non- government organisations, is about providing accommodation and support to Western Sydney’s 50 most vulnerable homeless people to help them get back on their feet.

“A dedicated group of volunteers will reach out to people sleeping rough in our region, identify the right services for them, such as housing, healthcare and social support, and help them reconnect with the community.

“Homelessness is not an issue we can address on our own – it requires a sustained effort by all levels of government, and the wider community.

“Penrith City Council has already taken big steps to address the issue of homelessness in our community by developing a Protocol for Service Delivery to People Experiencing Homelessness.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside Council and our local service providers to move toward a future without homelessness in our community,” said Mr Bradbury. 

The Australian Government is committed to reducing homelessness and is working towards two ambitious goals – to halve the rate of homelessness, and provide supported accommodation to all rough sleepers who seek it by 2020.