A new program to address concerns around homelessness in the South West will not include the Augusta-Margaret River shire.
A spokesperson for Anglicare WA confirmed its program, recently funded by the State Government to the tune of $3.1 million, included outreach as far as Collie and Busselton but would not extend further south.
While a State Government spokesperson initially said the service would cover the shire, Homelessness Minister Matthew Swinbourn’s office did not respond to further Times inquiries.
Homelessness advocacy group Just Home Margaret River’s deputy chair Michala McMahon said investment was good to see, but it was needed in more areas.
“It’s encouraging to see this investment from the State Government to support people in the South West who may otherwise have gone without much-needed assistance,” she said.
“While it’s disappointing that it will not extend to the Augusta-Margaret River community, we recognise the positive impact it will have for others experiencing homelessness across the region.
“Place-based services are essential to ensuring people can get the help they need without being placed in a more precarious situation due to cost, lack of transport options, and accessibility.”
Margaret River mental health group Mind-Ed chief executive Erin Statz said she felt it was a sign the State Government was persistent in the belief services funded out of Bunbury would address the needs of the greater South West.
“Mind-Ed is deeply disappointed that State funding continues to concentrate on Bunbury, leaving communities like Margaret River behind,” she said.
“When facing homelessness or financial hardship, travelling to distant services is not just difficult, it’s impossible.
“Our community deserves equitable access to mental health and financial support, not exclusion from the system.”
Anglicare recently ceased delivering its financial counselling service, sparking fears it was gone for good.
However, an Anglicare spokesperson told the Times the service would resume once staffing issues were addressed.
When the Anglicare homelessness initiative was announced, the minister said the funding would allow the provider to expand its Housing First Support Services beyond Bunbury.
The program provides support for people experiencing homelessness by linking them to accommodation and services focused on employment, health, mental health, financial management, and social support.
