Geraldton Community Forum & Geraldton Zero Project Logo Launch

On Thursday, 26 June, we hosted the Geraldton Community Forum and Geraldton Zero Project Logo Launch Sundowner. It was a privilege to come together with such a diverse and dedicated group of stakeholders to reflect, share, and plan our continued efforts to end homelessness in Geraldton.

The forum brought together representatives from across the sector, including state government and local council, lead agencies, the Office of Homelessness and Department of Communities, WAAEH, youth organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

We began the day with a powerful Welcome to Country delivered by Kathy Councillor, a proud Naguja woman. Her words and insights into the history of the Southern Yamatji First Nations People grounded us in the importance of culture and place as the foundation for our work.

We were also privileged to hear from John Berger, WAAEH Director of Engagement and Strategic Projects, who spoke about collective impact . Emily Williams facilitated the day with thoughtfulness and purpose, showing how quality data and improvement science underpin the Geraldton Zero Project. Peter Treharne, Local Community Coordinator, brought this into the local context, connecting the collective impact model with the Rough Sleepers Coordination Group and Improvement Team.

We were also fortunate to hear from a range of local and sector leaders, including:

• Fleur Harding  (Mission Australia, Backbone Organisation) and
• Chris Gabelish (Regional Alliance West) — who outlined the AtoZ timeline
• Jayne Walton (Neami National, SUSD) — who shared the role of the Geraldton Ending Homelessness Leadership Group
• Sonya Murphy (STAY) — who powerfully told a young person’s journey from homelessness to housing
• Katie Vos and Brooke Trenorden (Office of Homelessness) — who provided updates on commissioning, the RSLM, and the GASSA
• Wayne McDonald (Bundiyarra) — who spoke to the importance of Aboriginal-led initiatives and GASSA’s role

Each speaker reinforced the crucial role of collaboration and strong cross-sector relationships in driving meaningful, lasting change.

We concluded the day with a Sundowner andofficial launch of the Geraldton Zero Project logo, led by Mayor Jerry Clune of the City of Greater Geraldton. The new logo—designed by Southern Yamatji artist Nicole Dickerson—is a striking and proud symbol of our shared commitment to ending homelessness in Geraldton.

What’s Next: Geraldton Zero Project PDSA Cycles

As we move forward, the Geraldton Zero Project will focus on four priority areas through PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles:

1. Emergency Accommodation for Geraldton
2. Connection and Collaborative Community Relationships, including Accessible Information
3. Local Government’s Role in Ending Homelessness
4. Education and Improving Access to the NDIS

Thank you once again to everyone who participated and contributed their energy, experience, and commitment.

Together, we’re building the path to zero.

03/07/2025 Advance to ZeroEventNewsWAAEH