Homelessness Week is a time to come together as a community and recognise the very real and urgent issue of homelessness affecting thousands of Australians every night.
With the theme ‘Homelessness Action Now’, we are being called to not only acknowledge the growing crisis, but to act.
Over 120,000 people across Australia are currently experiencing homelessness. This includes not only those sleeping rough, but also many who are couch surfing, living in cars or staying in overcrowded, unsafe conditions.
In Canterbury-Bankstown, we see the impacts of housing stress and homelessness across all ages and backgrounds.
Our local services and volunteers work tirelessly to support those in need, but they cannot do it alone. We need long-term, systemic change. And we need to stand together as a community to raise awareness and push for action.
One way you can show your support is by joining me at my Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout at Belmore Oval, from 6pm on Friday 8 August to 8am Saturday 9 August.
It’s not too late to register or donate and I encourage you to get your friends and family involved to support our three charity partners: Mission Australia, Maronites on Mission and Brothers in Need.
Register or donate today at this link: cb.city/MayorsSleepout2025
Together, let’s take action and work towards a future where homelessness is no longer part of our national story.
Regards,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
Mayor City of Canterbury Bankstown