No one deserves poverty

THE Bass Coast Shire Council and Rotary collectively hosted a ‘Think Tank’ event at the end of September to address the rise in homelessness within Bass Coast, with Housing Matters Bass Coast (HMBC) representatives pleased with the well-attended event.

Beth Banks of HMBC - affiliated with Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House stated it was good to meet representatives from churches, service clubs, Bass Coast Shire Council and welfare organizations supporting the homeless.

The YesYouthHub in Wonthaggi were active in their discission to help ease the pressure from youths living under financial hardship, with all organisations openly expressing their ideas to combat the housing crisis.

“We suggested two solutions to the forum. One is for churches in our area to work together towards a “Winter Shelter” program offering overnight accommodation in suitable halls, with community support, for winter 2024.

“Our second is easy – Homeshare Australia and New Zealand Alliance (HANZA) already exists. It is a not-for-profit organization for homeshare providers in Australia and New Zealand. Their programs match an independently living householder, who could benefit from companionship and help in the home, with a home sharer prepared to lend a hand in return for affordable accommodation. HANZA could solve some of our immediate housing needs.

HMBC representatives are active in finding long-term and short-term solutions for those affected by the cost-of-living crisis and Jessica Harrison from HBMC said “Last week the Victorian government made changes to the Planning Scheme to make it easier to build a second small home on a block with a primary dwelling.

The announcement stated ‘right now, the system just isn’t working like it should – and decisions aren’t getting made fast enough.

The then Andrews Labour Government confirmed unless we take bold and decisive action to build the homes people need now, Victorians will be paying the price for generations to come.

“Meanwhile, Mount Alexandra Shire has allowed residents to live in a tiny home indefinitely. Surf Coast Council, which includes Torquay and Lorne, has followed suit, with a trial this summer. The Shire of Esperance in WA has made similar changes.

HMBC would like to see the Bass Coast Shire Council make planning amendments and set up a two-year trial, lifting restrictions on tiny homes as primary and permanent residences and waiving permit charges on living in caravans on private land over 28 days, under certain conditions.

“We look forward to the follow-up meeting in November to progress these ideas, and other suggestions made during the session, such as an interactive database of all the organisations supporting the homeless in our area,” confirmed Jessica and Beth.

Following the Think Tank, HMBC are holding two upcoming events.

• Renter’s Right’s session - held every second Thursday of the month from 3pm until 4:30pm at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre. Gippsland Community Legal Service providing free and confidential advice to tenants. Bookings are essential. Book via phone on 5672 3731 or email reception@wonthaggineighbourhoodcentre.com
• Free lunch for anti-poverty week

Wednesday, October 18. 12:30pm

Book via phone on 5672 3731 or visit the centre.

“Cost of living pressures affect us all, and some more than others. Join us for a shared vegetarian meal and conversation. No-one deserves poverty,” said Veronica Gribble from Housing Matters Bass Coast.