The Northern and Western Homelessness Networks (NWHNs) work with the seven other regional networks across Victoria funded to bring services together to: share information, identify common needs and gaps in service provision, and establish close working relationships to promote and assist the best possible response to homelessness within a regional context. Core members are homelessness and family violence agencies receiving funded from the Homelessness Assistance Support Program.
There is a Network Coordinator in each region who supports the Network activities. These positions are auspiced by Wombat Housing and Support Services in the West and Launch Housing in the North.
The Networks meet regularly in Homelessness Local Area Service Network (LASN) meetings to manage the coordinated homelessness service system.
NWHNs Vision: An end to homelessness
NWHNs Aim: We aim to achieve this vision by creating opportunities for all N & W Homelessness Assistance Services to come together to:
- Develop an informed regional voice on homelessness;
- Address the causes of homelessness;
- Advocate for improved responses to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; and
- Build the capacity of the regional service system
The Networks' catchments covers the local government areas of Melton, Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobson's Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley, parts of the CBD of Melbourne in the West, Hume, Moreland, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Banyule, Darebin and Yarra.
NWHN Steering Group Members
Western Steering Group
Chair: Zoe Vale, Melbourne City Mission
Wendy Ferguson, UnitingCare Werribee
Halime Aldemir: NW Regional Children’s Resource Program
Aaron Tan: Melton Housing Service
Rhonda Collins: Latitude: Directions for Young People
Rebecca Cleaver: Wombat Housing and Support Services
Irena Baric - Salvation Army Housing Service
Rob Cavill - Unison
Northern Reference Group
Chair: Jade Blakkarly, WISHIN
Karren Walker - Launch Housing
Donna Bennett: Hope St Youth and Family Services
Josh Darvill: VincentCare