The 10th annual Tamworth Homeless Connect will be held next Thursday, 1 August from 10am – 2pm at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC).
Since the first event in 2013, the day has aimed to connect the region’s people in need with services such as health, housing, education and employment assistance and, with the current cost of living crisis, the need is greater than ever.
Chairperson for the organising committee, Graham Cameron, has been with the event since its inception in 2013.
“I was working for Services Australia at the time and it became quite clear that there was a rise in homelessness in the region so we were given some funding and started to meet with local service providers in the area to try to put together a day where people could easily access some of the things they needed, when they needed it most,” said Mr Cameron.
“Our first event had about 30 providers and 300 attendees, now we’re up to just over 50 providers and around 1300-1500 attendees.”
Mr Cameron has since retired from Services Australia, but continues his work as Chairperson, on the committee of a number of likeminded community organisations that organise the Homeless Connect Day.
As per previous years, the event is free and open to all who wish to attend.
“We have a relatively similar breakdown of providers to last year, all the major government service departments as well as access to things like flu shots, hearing and health tests, NSW birth certificates, meals, accommodation providers, legal support, family support, haircuts, clothing and toiletries all offered free of charge,” said Mr Cameron.
Other major partners for this year’s event include Flourish Australia, Homesnorth, Joblink Plus, One of a Kind Community Support, Share the Dignity, Tamworth Bus Lines, Hannaford’s Coaches and Rapid Relief Team.
As per last year, Tamworth Buslines and Hannafords Coaches are also offering free bus transport for people in the Tamworth local government area, both to and from the TRECC.
“I really want to emphasise that there’s no one-size-fits-all criteria for this event – we’ve always called it homeless connect but that doesn’t mean you need to be homeless to need or benefit from some of the services present next week,” said Mr Cameron.
“You can be homeless, but you can also be at risk of homelessness or just doing it tough. The increase in the cost of living is exacerbating these issues for people in our community and for someone on the edge, it doesn’t take much to push them into a real crisis.”
“People living alone are especially susceptible. If they’re relying on benefits, that’s often not enough to cover their expenses, let alone cover rent.”
It’s the concept of connection that Mr Cameron really wants to emphasise as the heart of the event.
“Yes, there’s a lot of freebies and we understand that can be very helpful for people in the short-term, but what we really want people to get out of the day is the knowledge of what services are out there and what can benefit them in their individual circumstances,’ said Mr Cameron.
“The core purpose of the day is connection, connection between people and services.”
Connection is also something that lies at the heart of people receiving the best access to services in the first place.
“I think that across all our services there needs to be more conversation and more awareness too, a broadening of their knowledge bases so that they’re all aware of what’s out there and where might be the best place to refer someone in need too,” said Mr Cameron.
Mr Cameron also wants to encourage anyone who is on the fence about attending on the day to make the effort to come down.
“I think we really need to break that stigma of homelessness, or doing it tough, because there’s so many people who are in the same boat,” said Mr Cameron.
“We will have a full listing of all the providers available at the door, so, even if you don’t want to come in, come and grab the details, all the providers can be contacted any time, not just on the day.”
“Please don’t be shy, don’t be too proud, if you need help, ask for it.”
For more information about Tamworth Homeless Connect Day, visit their Facebook page.
Top image: Josh Morton, Katrina Higgins, Graham Cameron and Belinda Kotris are ready for Tamworth Homelessness Connect Day. (Supplied)
Like what you’re reading? Support The New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Support now