Similar challenges, different solutions. The Shelter NSW team regularly travels across the state to meet with our diverse members and other housing stakeholders, local government bodies, and other organisations committed to act towards housing justice.
While the specifics differ, the housing challenges we hear about are vastly similar. People speak of ever-increasing rents – far outpacing the limited growth of their incomes – home ownership being out of reach, and the devastating impact of homelessness on individuals and communities.
In regional areas, especially the ones that can be described as ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’ areas, in addition to affordability challenges, there can also be ‘availability’ challenges, with simply no long-term private rental housing available. The interaction of a large regional center – in this example, Coffs Harbour – with smaller satellite areas that have their own needs, aspirations and priorities – such as Bellingen – is also an important consideration in building community, and developing tailored housing policy catering to the needs of both long term and more recent residents.
‘Housing Matters’ is a community-led organisation working on local housing solutions in the Bellingen Shire, that has been working with Shelter NSW since its inception in 2018. It was therefore a resounding ‘yes!’ for Shelter NSW CEO, John Engeler and Senior Policy Officer Thomas Chailloux to accept the invitation of ‘Housing Matters’ to participate in a strategic planning session looking at local housing challenges, potential solutions, and how diverse stakeholders in the area might work together to establish a Rural Housing Alliance, crafting specific, community-driven solutions that respond to housing challenges in a local context. Stay tuned as we might have more to say on this alliance in 2027.
While in the Coffs Harbour coast and hinterland area, Shelter NSW was also able to visit Pete’s Place, run by Vinnies, an exceptional local Supported Housing Service (SHS) at the forefront of the regional housing and homelessness crisis, and to meet with local CHPs and SHS to hear about the specific challenges and opportunities facing the area.
We also had the pleasure of meeting with Coffs Harbour Council staff to hear about their commitment to providing supported housing solutions for young people experiencing homelessness or at risk, right in the centre of Coffs Harbour.
A Youth Foyer would provide stable, affordable housing alongside education, employment and other support, helping young people build the skills and stability they need to thrive. In regional communities like Coffs Harbour, where housing affordability and availability are major challenges, this kind of integrated support can make a real difference. But Council can only go so far in this project without further funding, and this is why Shelter NSW stands with Council to call on both NSW Government – and indeed the Commonwealth- to invest in supported housing models for young people, in Coffs Harbour and beyond.