Could Wonthaggi open a winter homeless shelter?

A push to implement a winter shelter in Wonthaggi is continuing to gather momentum, most recently with more than 40 people attending a community information session hosted at the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday, August 6.

The event was attended by representatives from community and volunteer organisations, Bass Coast Shire Council, Victoria Police, and interested residents.

The Bass Coast Winter Shelter Committee hopes to expand its existing Cowes operation into Wonthaggi as soon as 2027, where it would provide meals and a safe place to sleep for those in the area experiencing homelessness.

However, committee chair David Rooks said the next step needs to be taken by the Wonthaggi community.

“The next step is we need to get a bunch of people in this community driving it,” he said.

“We’re happy to support that from our community’s point of view, but it’ll be difficult for us to do it from back there.”

Mr Rooks said establishing the Cowes shelter had required three essential ingredients: council permits, money and volunteers.

While surplus funding from the existing operation could potentially support a Wonthaggi expansion, any allocation would require committee approval.

Project Coordinator Linda Livett said donations had more than covered the Cowes shelter’s costs this year and she did not expect funding to be the biggest obstacle.

Instead, organisers are searching for suitable premises and enough volunteers to operate the service.

A venue would need sufficient room for up to 10 stretcher beds, while meals and showers could potentially be provided through portable facilities.

Members of the community were quick to offer up potential locations, however, most would be subject to committee approval and security upgrades before they could be used.

The Cowes shelter is currently operating three nights each week, but Ms Livett said its location and limited schedule made it difficult for some people to access.

Despite relatively low use this year, at least two winter shelter guests have secured permanent housing through the support and connections developed at the shelter.

“Even just for those two people, every moment has been worth it,” she said.

The Bass Coast Winter Shelter Committee members have grand plans, envisioning shelters operating across several towns like Wonthaggi, Cowes, and Leongatha, connected by a minibus to offer accommodation throughout the week.

Stable One CEO Katherine Kirkwood said the existing Bass Coast governance structure provided a strong foundation, but the model depended on collaboration between venues, community organisations, and volunteers.

“One of the reasons that this model works so well is collaboration. No one person or organisation does it by itself,” Ms Kirkwood said.

“Churches work together, community services work alongside the churches, and all of the individual volunteers play their part as well.”

Those interested in helping establish the Wonthaggi service are encouraged to contact the Bass Coast Winter Shelter Committee.