In July last year, a comprehensive data analysis by Homelessness NSW revealed top local government areas for homelessness and rental stress. This came amid calls from the peak body for more social housing and greater funding for frontline services. 

In a sobering statistic, the LGA with the highest rate of homelessness was our own Walgett Shire Council (285 people per 10,000), followed by the City of Sydney (170) and Burwood (160). As 2023 came to a close, Homelessness Australia said it has been the worst year ever for homelessness with service providers put under immense strain and regularly turning needy people away. 

In Walgett, housing shortages and quality has been a long-term priority for the Dharriwaa Elders Group.

A 2023 Briefing Paper by Samantha Rich, who is a Wiradjuri Graduate of Architecture, Adjunct Lecturer and housing researcher at the University of NSW in Sydney featured much anecdotal data from the group.

They reported homelessness in Walgett was due in part to the low number of new houses provided and a limited amount of affordable housing and rentals available. They also reported that this means overcrowding with multigenerational households is common.  

At the time of the June findings, Homelessness NSW CEO Trina Jones agreed it’s a complex situation right across the state. 

"The drivers of homelessness are complex but the solutions are not," she said.

"We can solve these problems by properly funding homelessness services and urgently building more social housing. This will not only transform lives but also stop rents soaring and take pressure off our hospitals, police and other community services." 

"The number of people experiencing homelessness is already far too high and the rising cost of living and impacts from a lack of affordable rentals is increasing those at risk and experiencing homelessness." 

The most recent survey of frontline workers in the sector reveals the extent of the situation nationwide. 

• More than 35 per cent of respondents gave a maximum score of ten when asked how often they had to turn away individuals seeking help due to the housing crisis and 93 per cent said the problem had worsened in the last year. 
• When asked how often they had to provide less support than was needed because of demand pressures, 37 per cent gave a maximum score of ten and combined total of 86 per cent rated this as five or higher, while 93 per cent said the problem was worse than last year. 
• A staggering 56 per cent of respondents rated the emotional toll of having to turn people away or provide less support than needed at a maximum score of ten.  
• The same proportion (56 per cent) also scored 10 for increased workload due to the housing crisis. 
• More than half of all respondents rated the government's current policies and measures to address homelessness amid the housing crisis at between one and three out of ten. 

"Homelessness providers are expected to work miracles. But the strain is simply unrelenting,” Kate Colvin, Chief Executive of Homelessness Australia said.

“Funding, which is already uncertain, is plateauing while demand surges. The status quo is just unsustainable. Homelessness providers are being forced to make extremely difficult choices."

"If they’re approached by a mother and child fleeing violence and a teenager escaping abuse they need to decide whose predicament is worse. Often if someone has a car they can sleep in then they won’t get accommodation."

Ms Colvin said the effects of homelessness are felt on both sides. 

“People working in our sector are confronted by trauma and are taking that home with them. They deserve support and certainty,” she said.