In April, we co-hosted a powerful community forum with our good friends at South Port Community Housing Group, focused on tackling the growing housing and homelessness crisis in the City of Port Phillip.
Held at the St Kilda Town Hall, the event brought together more than 40 local leaders and practitioners working across housing, health, justice, and community support. With the backing of the Southside Community Foundation, and the generosity of several local businesses, the forum created space for honest, solution-focused discussion.
The Mayor of Port Phillip, Cr Louise Crawford, opened the morning, setting the tone for a collaborative and courageous conversation. This was followed by a compelling presentation from Emily Hobbs of SGS Economics, who laid out the realities facing our community and the urgent need for more rapid housing alongside a joined-up, long-term response.
Throughout the half-day workshop, a number of shared themes emerged. These included:
- The urgent need for more low-barrier, permanent housing options locally
- A service system stretched thin, often forced into reactive crisis management rather than long-term solutions
- Structural funding gaps that leave those with the most complex needs without the sustained support they deserve
- And the importance of shifting the public narrative, recognising that language matters, and that homelessness is a human rights issue, not simply a matter of personal hardship
It was a valuable, energising day, and a strong reminder of what’s possible when local services, governments, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose. We are committed to continuing this work alongside our partners and to push for change that is practical, compassionate, and grounded in dignity for all.
