South West Brisbane Branch

The South West Brisbane branch had its first meeting on the 13^th February. At this meeting membership goals for 2008 were discussed. They identified the core local issue as increasing rent costs resulting in housing sustainability problems and a huge increase in housing stress in their region.

The group consensus on the purpose and value of the Branch meeting was as a means of networking, providing peer support, awareness raising; creating solutions; and developing an ability to influence policy and decision makers.

The branch plans to expand its membership by having each member invite another service to its April meeting and has formed a sub-committee to oversee the project. The group has identified a need to grow its membership beyond housing providers to improve its presence as an effective planning and advocacy body.

The group is also commencing preliminary planning for Homelessness Week activities between 4 and 10 August.