This Thursday we are privileged to be attending the Inquiry Into Homelessness Amongst Older People Aged Over 55 in New South Wales, being held at Central Coast Council Chambers in Wyong.
Following the passing of a motion put forward by our member, Johanna on behalf of our branch at Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW State Conference a submission was put forward to the NSW Legislative Council advocating for:
Increased supply of affordable housing in both metropolitan and regional areas of NSW. Increased supply and availability of affordable housing and crisis accommodation in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas. Funding for a specialist older person’s housing information and support service, comprising of both early intervention and crisis response. Lowering the priority age for social house eligibility from 80 years, as a matter of urgency. Building 5,000 social and affordable homes per year for 10 years, at least 20% of which will be dedicated to older people.After the Legislative Council received this submission, we were invited to attend the Inquiry and provide witness statements pertaining to our personal and professional experiences surrounding homelessness amongst older people in NSW. Speaking on behalf our branch will be Jane Bowtell, our President, and Andrew Connolly, CWA of NSW Policy Manager representing CWA State Office. Johanna, the original instigator of the State Conference motion will also be in attendance to represent our branch.
We are thankful for the opportunity to represent our community and provide a voice for the voiceless. We look forward to hearing the statements of the other witnesses in attendance and seeing the outcome of the Inquiry and continuing to lobby for change both on the Central Coast and greater NSW. This is not the end, but the beginning of what will hopefully signal massive social change.
If you would like to view the webcast, it begins at 10AM this Thursday (21st of July) and can be accessed via this link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Pages/webcasts.aspx
For more information about the Inquiry, visit the NSW Legislative Council here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/…/inquiry-details…
The Inquiry is also open to the public, so should you wish to attend you are able to do so at Wyong Central Coast Council Chambers from 10AM Thursday.