October 2008

The Cairns Homelessness Hub continues to play a central role in coordinating consensus amongst area services taking part in the Responding to Rough Sleeping Homelessness Regional Task Force. The task force, which was formed in late 2007 to address mayoral concerns about Indigenous rough sleepers beside Cairns creeks, now includes eight mayors from Cape York communities who recently toured the area with Department of Communities and Police representatives. 

The Cairns Homelessness Outreach Network (CHON) held a half day forum to develop an action plan include all services with public space presence or outreach services who will conduct a mapping exercise to develop a profile of the location, land ownership, populations and demographics of the five camps in partnership with Cairns City Council.

 The CHON will survey camp residents to determine whether camp conditions are related to alcohol and welfare reforms on the Cape, accommodation shortages or Child Safety interventions. To date, a definitive picture of camp residents their origins, needs and circumstances has not been available.

These survey results will be provided to the regional task force and Cape York mayors. 

 The CHON network has been actively pursuing consensus amongst members to develop a collaborative action plan with Council and the Department of Communities that will improve the quality of life for camp residents rather than simply move them on.  

The Acting Director of the Department of Communities Office of Homelessness recently visited the Cairns Homelessness Hub, the Homelessness Early Intervention and Street based Outreach programs, and toured the area. 

Branch members look forward to working with the new office in a continuance of the Department of Communities hands on approach to community sector engagement and practical responses to homelessness.