Homelessness data collecting begins in Margaret River

Last week, community advocacy organisation, Just Home Margaret River, held a Connections Week that provided outreach and created a space for people experiencing homelessness to access support from service providers.

The space acted as a one-stop shop for individuals and families to access, food, essential items, coffee, haircuts, mental health support, and free legal advice. Service providers included, Services Australia, the Department of Housing, LampInc, Salvation Army, Accordwest and Relationships Australia.

Michala Mcmahon, board member of Just Home and National AtoZ General Manager for the Australian Alliance to end Homelessness, attended the event as a volunteer.

“There are no frontline service providers in Margaret River,” Ms. Mcmahon said.

“And it’s very difficult for people to travel to Bunbury or Busselton to access those services,” she continued.

In addition to the event, Michala provided local council staff and volunteers with training on the Australian Homelessness Vulnerability Triage Tool (AHVTT).

With this training, volunteers conducted a survey of people experiencing homelessness.

“With the data from the survey and support from service organisations, the community will have the evidence needed to advocate for necessary place-based services and social/affordable housing” Ms. Mcmahon said.

A successful event with 43 AHVTT surveys completed (a likelihood of 10% of the homeless population), this event proved what collaborative efforts can achieve in a short amount of time.

The three-day event was funded by the Shire of Margaret River and supported generously by local community businesses and stakeholders.

To read more about this story, read the feature article on ABC by local reporter Georgia Loney: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-10/homeless-survey-margaret-river-housing-crisis/106421674

12/03/2026 Advance to ZeroNewsNews and EventsUncategorizedWAAEH