Town of Gawler has taken another important step towards tackling homelessness across not only the metropolitan north, but the entire state.

At the Local Government Association of South Australia’s Ordinary General Meeting in early April, Council put forward a motion – which was ultimately carried – requesting the LGA:

1. Support and actively advocate for the provision of lockers in appropriate locations across all South Australian Local Government areas. Lockers to be made available via participating charity services, issued to people living rough or experiencing homelessness to store their belongings in a safe and dignified way;

2. Ensure support for people in these situations is collectively encouraged across the entire local government sector in South Australia on an ongoing basis, and request the LGA be represented within the current governance structure of the SA Alliance to End Homelessness; and

3. Support the formation and work of the SA Alliance to End Homelessness, including by committing to the principles contained in the Memorandum of Understanding by signing the MOU between the Institute of Global Homelessness and South Australian stakeholders (including the State Government).

The passing of the LGA motion paves the way for future positive initiatives to commence in the fight against homelessness.

It comes after Town of Gawler and Shelter SA hosted representatives from community housing providers, modular housing manufacturers, developers, local landowners and government sectors at a homelessness workshop at the Gawler Civic Centre in March.

The workshop brought together relevant stakeholders who share a commitment to improving housing affordability and explore what the community can do to alleviate the current housing crisis across Gawler and the rest of South Australia.

“Homelessness remains a societal and community issue, and the Local Government sector is well placed to contribute toward creating solutions through links to State Government services, charity/welfare groups, service clubs and SAPOL Local Service Areas,” Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said.

“The provision of strategically-placed lockers in multiple areas across the state could assist many people who are experiencing homelessness to safely store necessary personal items and identification documents and provide much needed dignity and respect”.

“I’m proud to be leading a Council that is taking the issue of homelessness seriously and is making meaningful change in this space through a caring approach and strong advocacy.”

Town of Gawler CEO Henry Inat said staff have previously engaged with people sleeping rough within the Gawler area, and one similar theme has arisen during conversations.

“Individuals have identified that it is necessary for them to carry their property on their person at all times, due to fears of having their items stolen or damaged," Mr Inat said.

“Council’s motion is a significant step towards having lockers installed across South Australia to aid those sleeping rough.”