WHA Forum 2025 - Housing & Homelessness: Our Shared Community Our Shared Response

In March 2025, over 50 dedicated individuals came together for a crucial forum focused on tackling the housing challenges in our region and developing solutions to homelessness. The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to share insights, collaborate, and workshop future strategies to create meaningful change.

The forum brought together a diverse group of practitioners and representatives, including experts from homelessness agencies such as Uniting VicTas, The Salvation Army, Grampians Community Health, Goolum Goolum, and Budja Budja. Local government officials also played a vital role, with representatives from Northern Grampians Council, including Cr Jenny Greenberger, and Horsham Rural City Council actively engaging in discussions.

Key figures in homelessness advocacy and policy were also present, including Deb Di Natale, CEO of the Council to Homeless Persons (CHP), and Sherri Bruinhout, Executive Director of Homelessness and Housing Support from Homes Victoria. Their leadership and expertise added significant depth to the conversations, reinforcing the importance of systemic change and collaborative efforts.

Further strengthening the dialogue were representatives from Victoria Police and the Ararat Emergency Relief Committee, whose perspectives highlighted the intersection between housing instability, social services, and community safety.

The forum served as a powerful reminder that addressing homelessness requires a united effort across sectors. Through collaboration, innovation, and continued advocacy, we move closer to ensuring safe and secure housing for all members of our community.

Stay tuned for updates on the actionable outcomes from this forum and the steps we’ll take together toward a future where housing challenges are met with effective and compassionate solutions.