CWA branch attends inquiry into homelessness
The Woy Woy branch of the Country Women's Association has attended the State Inquiry into Homelessness amongst Older People Aged Over 55 in New South Wales, held at Central Coast Council Chambers in Wyong last week.
Branch president Ms Jane Bowtell and CWA NSW policy manager Mr Andrew Connolly.
Also attending was branch member Ms Johanna Reygersberg, whose motion to the CWA State conference led to their invitation to address the inquiry.
The motion resulted in a submission being made to the NSW Legislative Council advocating for an increased supply and availability of affordable housing and crisis accommodation in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas.
It called for funding for a specialist older person's housing information and support service, comprising of both early intervention and crisis response.
It requested the priority age for social house eligibility be lowered from 80 years "as a matter of urgency".
The submission also sought "building 5000 social and affordable homes per year for 10 years, at least 20 per cent of which to be dedicated to older people".
Ms Bowtell said: "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.
"We are thankful for the opportunity to represent our community and provide a voice for the voiceless.
"This is not the end, but the beginning of what will hopefully signal massive social change."
SOURCE:
Social media, 18 Jul 2022
CWA Woy Woy Branch