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	<title>Sector News</title>
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<item>
<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/childrens-network-meetings_117s170</link>
<title><![CDATA[Childrens Network Meetings ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Staff from Opening Doors, Women&rsquo;s Refuges, Family Violence Support agencies, Family Support Services, Police FV Liaison and other agencies who work with families experiencing homelessness and family violence are invited to attend. We love to see familiar faces and new faces are welcome as well so please feel free to invite people you feel may benefit from this meeting. 

This network will provide a forum for agency updates, sharing of resource information and practice challenges, discussions around regional themes, opportunities for case discussions and the potential to invite guest speakers as well as possibilities for interagency collaboration and capacity building.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[Staff from Opening Doors, Women&rsquo;s Refuges, Family Violence Support agencies, Family Support Services, Police FV Liaison and other agencies who work with families experiencing homelessness and family violence are invited to attend. We love to see familiar faces and new faces are welcome as well so please feel free to invite people you feel may benefit from this meeting. 

This network will provide a forum for agency updates, sharing of resource information and practice challenges, discussions around regional themes, opportunities for case discussions and the potential to invite guest speakers as well as possibilities for interagency collaboration and capacity building. Please feel free to bring any brochures/pamphlets/ cards to this meeting.
A light morning tea is provided.

The remaining dates for 2026 are all on a Thursday, 9.30-11.30am.


	June 11th
	August 20th
	October 15th
	December 10th


For any questions, further information or to RSVP, please email me at susie.lukis@vt.uniting.org


The 2026 Children&rsquo;s Network Meetings will be held 9.30 -11.30 am, at Uniting, 291a Maroondah Hwy, on Level 1 (up the stairs).

It&rsquo;d be great to see people attend this meeting onsite to connect with colleagues and have the opportunity to network with other practitioners in the region.

Please RSVP if you are intending to attend. RSVP&rsquo;s are strongly encouraged for seating and catering, even the day before, so I have an idea of how many people to wait for on the day. This is a practitioner meeting and so I understand if things change on the day-client need will always take priority.

Morning tea will consist of dip, cheese, fruit and crackers (gluten free and vegetarian options will be provided). Please let me know if you have specific dietary requirements/allergies. You are invited to bring your favourite mug and water bottle along. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Please share this information with colleagues you think may be able and interested to attend.
]]></content>
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<pubDate>20 Apr 2026 01:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/ehn-practitioner-network-meetings_117s169</link>
<title><![CDATA[EHN Practitioner Network Meetings ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The EHN Practitioner Meetings provide a great opportunity for practitioners and allied services to come together to share information and ideas and to enhance your professional networks.  We have a broad range of speakers from a range of complimentary services discussing topical issues; programs and new initiatives.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[The EHN Practitioner meetings provide a great opportunity for practitioners and allied services to come together to share information and ideas and to enhance their professional networks. We have a broad range of speakers from a range of complimentary services discussing topical issues; programs and new initiatives.

*Due to the involvement of the Network in the 2026 Census, there will be no meeting held mid year. 

2026 Dates


	May 13th
	November 11th  


Speakers and futher details will be advertised closer to the date. 


May 13th 

Speakers include:

Reconnect - Cire Community Hub
The Victorian Government&rsquo;s Reconnect program at Cire Training offers personalised case management support to help people re-engage with training or employment, including: Mentorship; Pathway planning; Wraparound services (housing, food, mental health services); Study assistance; Financial brokerage.

C No More Mobile Van 
C No More is a mobile health project led by St Vincent&rsquo;s Hospital Melbourne in partnership with Burnet Institute and Harm Reduction Victoria. It brings free, hepatitis C testing and treatment to people on community corrections orders &ndash; like parole or probation &ndash; who often face barriers to traditional healthcare. Run by nurses and lived experience peer workers, the service meets people where they are, offering a safe, non-judgmental space to ask questions, get tested and start treatment

The Mapping App - NFP Tech
The Mapping App is a purpose-built, web-based tool that helps Victorian community workers quickly find and share essential local services. Developed by NFP Tech, the app uses Google Maps to bring together over 60 tailored resource categories (ranging from food relief and housing support to legal aid, health services, pet boarding, and transport) into one easy-to-use platform. It easily enables staff to connect people to the right support faster, easier, and with shared local knowledge.

Register here - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ehn-practitioners-network-meeting-may-13th-2026-tickets-1987869139107?aff=oddtdtcreator 


To stay up to date, make sure you&#39;ve signed up for our mailing list

If you would like to speak at a meeting or would like to recommend a topic you&#39;d like to hear more about, please contact us
]]></content>
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<pubDate>20 Apr 2026 01:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/ehn-homelessness-assistance-card_117s604</link>
<title><![CDATA[EHN Homelessness Assistance Card]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The EHN Homelessness Assistance Card is designed for people expereincing or at risk of homelessness as a quick reference guide. Small enough to fit into a wallet, it has loads of practical information including Entry Point numbers, after hours contacts and phone numbers for a range supports services, helplines and hospitals in the eastern metropolitan region.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[The EHN Homelessness Assistance Card is designed for people expereincing or at risk of homelessness as a quick reference guide. Small enough to fit into a wallet, it has loads of practical information including Entry Point numbers, after hours contacts and phone numbers for a range supports services, helplines and hospitals in the eastern metropolitan region.

If your organisation is in the east and would benefit from having these printed cards on hand, please email EHNnetworker@vt.uniting.org to organise pickup or delivery. 

Attached to this page is also an A4 flyer that you can print out.

You can also send to people via phone message by sending this link - https://www.ehn.org.au/uploads/images/230/EHN-Homelessness-Assistance-Card-A4-dble-sided.pdf 
]]></content>
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<pubDate>02 Oct 2025 00:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/get-your-origami-on-houses-at-parliament-is-back-in-july-2024_117s602</link>
<title><![CDATA[Get your origami on! Houses at Parliament is back in July 2024]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The VHN Houses at Parliament campaign is back in 2024, aiming to fold 60,000 origami houses for display in homelessness and allied organisations throughout Homelessness Week, with 6,000 origami houses covering the steps of Victoria&#39;s Parliament House at a key event on 31 July. This Campaign raises awareness of Victoria&#39;s urgent need for 60,000 additional social homes.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[The VHN Houses at Parliament campaign is back in 2024, aiming to fold 60,000 origami houses for display in homelessness and allied organisations throughout Homelessness Week, with 6,000 origami houses covering the steps of Victoria&#39;s Parliament House at a key event on 31 July. This Campaign raises awareness of Victoria&#39;s urgent need for 60,000 additional social homes. 

Homelessness services across Victoria would love you/your agencies to help us fold 60,000 origami houses and then to display the houses you have folded through Homelessness Week (5th &ndash; 11th August).                    

We know that so many people in our community are struggling as a result of the housing crisis. This year it&#39;s not just homelessness organisations who can get involved - there&#39;s also a Schools Kit and a Campaign Kit so your entire community can join in. For more information about how to get involved, including lots of useful resources (even origami folding instructions!), head over to the Victorian Homelessness Network&#39;s website. 

You are welcome to add to the tally https://www.vhn.org.au/houses-tally, which is recording how close we are getting to folding 60,000 houses across the State, you can buy merchandise through a Redbubble store (HEHmerch Shop | Redbubble) and you can view the livestream of the event at Parliament from 1.15 &ndash; 3pm on 31st July (https://youtube.com/live/SoPiB09ZtAE?feature=share).


]]></content>
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<pubDate>25 Jun 2024 03:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/housing-and-homelessness-agreement-review-report-has-been-released_117s595</link>
<title><![CDATA[Housing and Homelessness Agreement Review report has been released]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The final Housing and Homelessness Agreement Review report has been released by the Productivity Commission.

The report examines how well the Australian, State and Territory Governments have achieved the objectives, outcomes and outputs set out in the Agreement, and the suitability of the Agreement for the future.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[The final Housing and Homelessness Agreement Review report has been released by the Productivity Commission.
The National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA) is the intergovernmental agreement between the Australian, State and Territory Governments on housing and homelessness. The NHHA sets the framework for shared responsibility for housing and homelessness, and provides for the transfer from the Australian Government of about $1.6 billion each year to the States and Territories to fund homelessness and housing services and programs.

The Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to review the NHHA, and assess how well governments have achieved the objectives, outcomes and outputs in the Agreement and the suitability of the Agreement for the future. They were also asked to consider the impact of social and economic factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on housing and homelessness in Australia

Read More
]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/housing-and-homelessness-agreement-review-report-has-been-released_117s595</guid>
<pubDate>30 Sep 2022 02:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/the-blueprint-for-an-aboriginal-specific-homelessness-system-in-victoria-and-the-victorian-aboriginal-housing-and-homelessness-f_117s594</link>
<title><![CDATA[The Blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific Homelessness system in Victoria AND The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness F]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The Blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific Homelessness system in Victoria has officially launched as well as The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[24th Aug - The Blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific Homelessness system in Victoria has officially launched! Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort or The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework was developed in 2020 by community, for community and sets out a clear vision: that every Aboriginal person has a home. This document takes this work one step further by putting forward a blueprint for an Aboriginal-specific homelessness system.The blueprint outlines what a future Aboriginal-specific system might look like, including detail around open entry points which was indicated by stakeholders as a key priority for building the system. It also outlines a plan to practically implement each of the key system features.
Download the Blueprint from Aboriginal Housing.

 

24th Aug - The Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework (VAHHF) report has officially launched. The Framework is crucial to delivering a culturally safe housing and homelessness system which addresses the challenges that Aboriginal people face in the housing system. It supports the implementation of Victoria&rsquo;s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build 10 per cent net Aboriginal dwelling target, strengthens the housing sector for Victorian Aboriginal communities, provides strong governance and enhances the capacity for Aboriginal communities in the housing sector.
Download the Report  from Aboriginal Housing

 

 
]]></content>
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<pubDate>30 Sep 2022 01:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/information-sharing-schemes-and-the-maram-framework_117s338</link>
<title><![CDATA[Information sharing schemes and the MARAM framework]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Three inter related reforms have been introduced in Victoria that will be integral to reducing family violence and promoting child wellbeing and safety.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[Introduction

The Victorian Government wants to help children and young people stay safe and have the best possible chance to live successful and happy lives.

The new Child Information Sharing (CIS) Scheme allows authorised organisations and professionals who work with children, young people and their families to share information with each other to promote children&#39;s wellbeing and safety. Many services already work together to do this, but the new CIS Scheme makes it easier for professionals to support children, young people and families get the help they need as early as possible, and prevent any harm occurring.

All Victorian children and young people from 0-18 years of age are covered by the new CIS Scheme.

The Victorian Government will also build a new IT system called Child Link that will draw together information from existing government information management systems. The information will only be accessible to trained and authorised children&rsquo;s service practitioners. Appropriate safeguards will be in place to protect a child&rsquo;s information.

The CIS Scheme complements the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS). The two schemes will be applied in an integrated way to respond to a range of wellbeing and safety needs and risks for children, including where family violence is present for any family members. For more information about the FVISS, see Information Sharing and Risk Management

About the Reforms

The Victorian government is progressing 3 interrelated reforms that are integral to reducing family violence and promoting child wellbeing and safety.

The Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS)

Enables authorised organisations and services to share information to promote the wellbeing and safety of children. Find more information on Child information sharing.

The Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS)

Enables authorised organisations and services to share information to facilitate assessment and management of family violence risk to children and adults. Find more information on Family violence information sharing.

The Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM)

Sets out the responsibilities of different workforces in identifying, assessing and managing family violence risk across the family violence and broader service system.

MARAM will guide information sharing under both information sharing schemes wherever family violence is present.

Find more information on the MARAM framework.

More information

Training for information sharing schemes and MARAM

Resources

                 
Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme and MARAM                
                
Email: infosharing@familysafety.vic.gov.au               
                
Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/family-violence-information-sharing-scheme                 
                          
Child Information Sharing Scheme                
               
Email: ChildInfoSharing@edumail.vic.gov.au          

Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/childinfosharing
 
]]></content>
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<pubDate>24 Oct 2018 01:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/everybody39s-home-campaign_117s275</link>
<title><![CDATA[Everybody&#39;s Home campaign ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Our housing system is broken.

Whether you&rsquo;re struggling to find shelter each night or looking to buy your first home, the government can do simple things to fix the system - to make sure everyone has as home. 

 

 
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[There&rsquo;s no doubt about it; Australia&rsquo;s housing system is broken.



The right and rational path is a stronger system of social housing that provides security and stability to individuals, while at the same time bolstering our common national prosperity. The alternative is an increasingly brutal financial contest for something that should be a basic right of citizenship &ndash; decent shelter.

If we don&rsquo;t act now, nothing will change. We need your help and support to continue to build momentum and public support for the government to fund social housing.

Take Action Today



]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/everybody39s-home-campaign_117s275</guid>
<pubDate>11 Oct 2018 01:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/frontyard-youth-services-is-permanently-relocating-back-to-king-street_117s306</link>
<title><![CDATA[Frontyard Youth Services is permanently relocating back to King Street ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Frontyard Youth Services is permanently relocating back to our King Street home
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[12 April 2019
A message from Mark O&#39;Brien, Frontyard Manager, Melbourne City Mission - 

Dear service and industry partners,

The exciting new 24/7 Frontyard Youth Services is ready to open the doors on Wednesday 24 April.

Our temporary location at 244 Flinders Street has treated us well, but it&rsquo;s time to immerse ourselves in our expanded and pioneering service model in our impressively redeveloped four storey service and accommodation building.

Frontyard at 244 Flinders Street will close on Tuesday 23 April at 8pm.
We will be open at 19 King Street from 9am on Wednesday 24 April.

What&rsquo;s new?

Frontyard is now a 24/7 crisis accommodation and integrated services centre, providing a whole-person response for young people living with complex issues. This includes:


	Two floors of accommodation
	18 beds available, including beds to address young people&rsquo;s immediate needs in an emergency, and one disability access bed
	Specifically designed service model that works with young people experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless, who have complex needs


Our phone number. In fact, we have an entirely new phone system, so all direct lines will also change. The new Frontyard number is (03) 9977 0077.

We also have a brand new look. The new Frontyard branding has been a work in progress for almost as long as the building redevelopment project! Our thorough consultation process has rewarded us with a vibrant, dynamic logo and look. We hope you like it as much as we do.

The Hester Hornbrook Academy also has a new address and phone number from Wednesday 24 April. Find them at 601 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1800 517 218.

How will referrals change?

Overall, nothing specific will change except for the address that young people are sent. Referrers and partners of Frontyard need to ensure they direct young people to 19 King Street. From Wednesday 24 April, 244 Flinders Street will be inaccessible and no support will be available there.

Where can I get more information?

Check out the relocation map and other info on our website. You can download waiting room posters too, if that would be useful for informing clients and young people from your space and directing them to the correct location.


	Click here for a Frontyard moving poster, and 
	Click here for The Hester Hornbrook Academy moving poster.


Please get in touch with Frontyard Operations Manager Rob Hosking on 9611 2411 or email frontyardredevelopment@mcm.org.au if you have any questions or concerns. He can also provide you with A6 postcards to hand out to people who might benefit from the information about our move.

I&#39;m looking forward to working with you from our exciting new service.

Many thanks,

Mark O&rsquo;Brien
]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/frontyard-youth-services-is-permanently-relocating-back-to-king-street_117s306</guid>
<pubDate>29 Jun 2018 03:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/census-data-shows-11-increase-in-victorian-homelessness_117s278</link>
<title><![CDATA[Census Data shows 11% increase in Victorian homelessness]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The ABS have released the 2016 Census data, showing that 24,817 Victorians were counted as homeless in 2016, an 11% increase since 2011 Census.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[A message from CHP

The ABS have released the 2016 Census data, showing that 24,817 Victorians were counted as homeless in 2016, an 11% increase since 2011 Census.

The Census puts a number to what Victorian homelessness services have long been reporting &ndash; that they&rsquo;re groaning under the weight of demand.
 
The increase in homelessness is no surprise given that as a country we&rsquo;ve failed to tackle the housing affordability crisis, and our homelessness services continue to be chronically underfunded.

Homelessness is not a lifestyle choice, it reflects systems failure, and most critically, a shortage of affordable housing.

In our State Budget Submission CHP has called for 14,500 more social housing properties, tripling the commitment already made by the State Government. We&#39;ve also proposed more focus on programs that help people on low incomes to sustain private rental, a focus on turning off the tap of homelessness through dedicated housing for people exiting institutions, support for kids experiencing homelessness to stay connected to school, and a Permanent Supportive Housing program that targets rough sleepers.

The State Government has made some good inroads to solving homelessness. However, without Federal government investment in social housing and homelessness support, we&rsquo;re fighting a battle with one hand tied behind our back.

It has been 10 years since the Rudd Government made a commitment to halve homelessness by 2020. While the housing crisis that underpins homelessness has worsened &ndash; a housing crisis that ironically is driven by Federal housing policy &ndash; Federal political interest in solving homelessness has waned.

Homelessness is not an insurmountable problem. The solutions include:


	a monumental boost to social housing stock, which has fallen national to just 5% of all housing. There are 36,000 Victorians waiting for social housing,
	reform of the housing taxation system which encourages investors to own many properties while thousands don&rsquo;t have a roof over their head
	An increase to Centrelink incomes, especially the Newstart income, which leaves people just $20/day after they&rsquo;ve paid for housing
	Proper funding of our homelessness services so they&rsquo;re not turning people away, and can intervene earlier to prevent homelessness happening in the first place


The Federal Government&rsquo;s new National Homelessness and Housing Agreement, is before the Senate and likely to come into effect on 1 July. The legislation currently on the table brings not a single extra dollar of homelessness or housing funding to Victoria in real terms.

Our homelessness crisis has been growing for a long time, and it will not be solved overnight. It needs concerted effort from every level of government. The solutions that will make homelessness a brief, once off and supported experience, are at our fingertips; we just need the political will to make it happen.

Homelessness Australia - media release - Homelessness increase no surprise; homelessness is not a Federal priority 

CHP - media release - Victoria calls for better funding deal, as Census shows surge in older people&rsquo;s homelessness, couchsurfing, severe overcrowding

Australian Bureau of Statistics



 
]]></content>
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<pubDate>16 Mar 2018 00:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/rough-sleepers-action-plan_117s281</link>
<title><![CDATA[Rough Sleepers Action Plan]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[On Saturday 13th January 2018 the Victorian Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan was launched.
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[A message from CHP
Jenny Smith 

On Saturday 13th January 2018 the Victorian Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan was launched.

The $45 million package is based on international best practice of Housing First approaches and will significantly increase our effectiveness in responding to chronic homelessness. 

The plan, announced by Minister for Housing, Martin Foley, includes both additional medium and long-term accommodation options and capacity for support.

Accommodation will include: 


	$2.2 million for modular one-bedroom homes with $2.6 million for onsite support to provide supportive housing for up to two years for long-term rough sleepers. This accommodation model was developed as part of the Towards Home package and people have moved into accommodation in Preston.
	$8.2 million for community sector long-term housing options, including:
	
		Village 21 - providing six relocatable studios for young people leaving out of home care who are at risk of homelessness, with a live-in mentor
		another 80 units of long-term housing for young people leaving out-of-home care and women and children escaping family violence
	
	


Support will include:


	$19 million to deliver assertive outreach capacity in locations with a high incidence of rough sleeping (based on AIHW and ABS homeless data) and currently little or no outreach capacity, including:
	
		extending the existing Rough Sleepers Initiative to the Cities of Yarra and Port Phillip, and
		developing eight new assertive outreach teams in Dandenong, Frankston, Maroondah, Geelong, Swan Hill, Warrnambool, Ballarat, and Bendigo
	
	
	$9 million to develop six multidisciplinary teams each of six full-time equivalent staff in inner Melbourne, Port Phillip, Dandenong, Frankston, Geelong and Ballarat. The teams will deliver individualised ongoing case management, community nursing, and mental health support. This initiative will also develop a model of peer-led support
	$4.5 million to reform the crisis accommodation service models at Ozanam House, Southbank and Flagstaff to enable them to deliver a more intensive and therapeutic service delivery model


Council to Homeless Persons warmly welcomes the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Plan and particularly appreciates the recognition of the importance of ongoing flexible support for people with the most complex needs, a critical piece of the response puzzle that we&#39;ve been calling for, for a long time.

Next steps

The Action Plan introduction indicates it is the first phase of a broader reform of the specialist homelessness service system focused on four key themes:


	intervening early to prevent homelessness
	providing stable accommodation as quickly as possible
	support to maintain stable accommodation
	an effective and responsive homelessness service system


Areas for further work are articulated in the Plan under each of these areas. CHP will continue to work with the sector to advocate for service developments that strengthen outcomes for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

                                    

Alongside advocacy focused on the State Government and the shape of service delivery, we are also actively advocating to the Federal Government to deliver a pipeline of social housing to ensure every Australian has a permanent, affordable place to call home, and to increase the quantum and security of Federal homelessness funding.

You can read CHP&#39;s media release about the announcement here, the VCOSS media release here, and watch a video address on the issue.

Jenny Smith
CEO, Council to Homeless Persons
]]></content>
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<pubDate>13 Jan 2018 04:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/access-and-eligibility-for-financial-support-for-new-zealand-migrants-living-in-australia_117s197</link>
<title><![CDATA[Access and Eligibility for Financial Support for New Zealand migrants living in Australia]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Information and tip sheets to help workers navigate the Access and Eligibility for Financial Support for New Zealand migrants living in Australia
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[Information and tip sheets to help workers navigate the Access and Eligibility for Financial Support for New Zealand migrants living in Australia.

In October 2016, at the Eastern Homelessness Services System Alliance (EHSSA) meeting, there were concerns raised regarding the lack of options open to New Zealand clients, who do not hold a permanent visa and are not Australian Citizens, who have found themselves in housing crisis.

Due to their residency status, they are ineligible for most government benefits, including Newstart. Without financial support it is evident that individuals and families that find themselves in crisis are disadvantaged when it comes to the support and accommodation options that services can provide. They are also ineligible for Social Housing. 

The following information has been developed to help workers navigate the options available to this cohort. 

Background
 

Citizenship - Changes affecting New Zealand Citizens

The Special Category Visa (SCV) was introduced specifically for New Zealand citizens who wanted to live and work in Australia. Prior to 2001, New Zealand citizens in Australia on SCVs could access social security and obtain Australian citizenship without first becoming permanent residents. This group of people is generally referred to as Protected SCV.

However, in February 2001 Australia and New Zealand amended citizenship laws for New Zealand citizens. Under these changes, all New Zealand citizens who arrived in Australia after 26 February 2001 and who want to access certain social security payments, can only do so after obtaining, permanent residence through the migration program. This group of people is referred to as Non Protected SCV. It is this group of people that are most disadvantaged in regards to housing support. 

In February 2016 new visa pathways for New Zealander&#39;s were announced. http://www.border.gov.au/Visasupport/Pages/an-additional-pathway.aspx. 

NZ Client Eligibility - Timeline tipsheet

Assisting NZ clients Information sheet

 

 

 
]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/access-and-eligibility-for-financial-support-for-new-zealand-migrants-living-in-australia_117s197</guid>
<pubDate>05 Oct 2017 06:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/100-000-homes-the-movement-for-housing-security-for-all-australians_117s183</link>
<title><![CDATA[100,000 Homes - The movement for housing security for all Australians]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[A campaign to build 100,000 new, desperately needed affordable homes in order to alleviate the homelessness and housing crisis in Australia  
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[Everybody deserves a home

Australia has a housing crisis. Keeping a roof over your head has never been harder.

Every night this crisis makes more people homeless. Thousands more struggle on the knife-edge, going without to pay more than they can afford in rent.

The great Australian dream of having a place to call home is slipping away.

Something needs to be done

Rents and house prices keep rising faster than incomes, fueled by $12 billion a year in Government tax breaks for investors that only make prices rise faster.

200,000 people are on public and community housing wait lists, but programs to deliver rental housing to low-income earners have been cut.

It&rsquo;s time for a new direction in housing policy that puts people first.

Housing affordability can be achieved. We need to end the housing crisis.

This campaign is about seeing real solutions to Australia&rsquo;s biggest social and economic problem, the housing crisis.

We want to see everyone in Australia able to afford a place to call home.

Australian housing policy needs to change. Australians are ready for change.

In fact, we&rsquo;re calling out for it. This campaign is about adding your voice to the call for change, and letting the Treasurer know; housing is for people first.

Sign the petition 
]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/100-000-homes-the-movement-for-housing-security-for-all-australians_117s183</guid>
<pubDate>21 Sep 2017 01:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
<enclosure url='https://www.ehn.org.au/uploads/117/183/med-3-1.png' length='410709' type='image/jpeg'/>
</item>

<item>
<link>https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/the-private-rooming-house-operators-act_117s32</link>
<title><![CDATA[The Private Rooming House Operators Act ]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[The new Rooming House Operators Act comes into effect on 26 April, requiring all existing operators to be licensed by 24 August. 
]]></description>
<content><![CDATA[Message from CHP - Update 21 April 2017

The new Rooming House Operators Act comes into effect on 26 April, requiring all existing operators to be licensed by 24 August. 

Those applying for a rooming house license must now satisfy a &lsquo;fit and proper test&rsquo;, including a criminal history check, a financial history check, and checks against various offences. Operators who opt to close their rooming house rather than apply for a license have been advised to issue an appropriate notice to vacate by 26 April.

Obviously there are significant implications for homelessness services should a number of rooming houses close their doors. We ask you to let CHP know if they are aware of clients being given notice to vacate due to rooming house closures by emailing Damien.

Consumer Affairs have been conducting information sessions for stakeholders. More information 
]]></content>
<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.ehn.org.au/sector-news/the-private-rooming-house-operators-act_117s32</guid>
<pubDate>08 Jun 2017 05:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
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