A new initiative aimed at addressing homelessness in Western Australia’s South West region will not extend to the Augusta-Margaret River shire. Anglicare WA confirmed that its program, recently funded by the State Government with an investment of $3.1 million, will provide outreach services as far as Collie and Busselton, but will not reach the southern area.
Initially, a spokesperson from the State Government indicated that the program would include the Augusta-Margaret River community. However, further inquiries directed to the office of Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn were not met with a response.
Concerned stakeholders have voiced their disappointment regarding the exclusion of Augusta-Margaret River from this critical service. Michala McMahon, deputy chair of the homelessness advocacy group Just Home Margaret River, acknowledged the significance of the funding but emphasized the need for broader coverage. “It’s encouraging to see this investment from the State Government to support people in the South West who may otherwise have gone without much-needed assistance,” she stated.
While McMahon appreciates the positive impact the program may have on other areas, she highlighted that “place-based services are essential to ensuring people can get the help they need without being placed in a more precarious situation due to cost, lack of transport options, and accessibility.”
The sentiment of disappointment was echoed by Erin Statz, chief executive of the mental health organization Mind-Ed. Statz expressed concern that the State Government continues to prioritize services based in Bunbury, effectively sidelining communities like Margaret River. “When facing homelessness or financial hardship, travelling to distant services is not just difficult, it’s impossible,” she remarked, advocating for equitable access to necessary support.
The cessation of Anglicare’s financial counselling service had previously raised fears about the future of support services in the region. However, an Anglicare spokesperson clarified that the financial counselling service would resume once staffing issues were resolved.
When announcing the homelessness initiative, Minister Swinbourn remarked that the funding would enable Anglicare to expand its Housing First Support Services beyond Bunbury. This program is designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness by connecting them with accommodation and comprehensive support services focused on employment, health, mental health, financial management, and social support.
As the South West region faces ongoing challenges related to homelessness, the exclusion of Augusta-Margaret River from this new program raises questions about the accessibility and effectiveness of support services for vulnerable communities.
