Under Cover - Homelessness in the Macedon Ranges

The Under Cover - Homelessness in the Macedon Ranges event on August 8th at Kyneton Town Hall was an enormous success. As part of Homelessness week in Australia, 250 local residents filled the auditorium to watch the Australian documentary Under Cover and the panel discussion on the extent and nature of homelessness in this region, what various organisations are doing, and what is needed to address the problem.

Jane Monk facilitated the panel discussion with Josephine Falzarano (Rotary), Kate Weston and Justine Maher (Sunbury/Cobaw health), Annie Smithers (du Fermier), Bernie O'Sullivan (Shire Council), Rob Pradolin (Housing all Australians) and our own Lenka Thompson (MRSG).

This event was a joint partnership between Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, Rotary clubs in the Macedon Ranges, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. It was so successful that other shires are looking at hosting similar events. APD Projects and Macedon Ranges Shire Council sponsored the event.

The steering group is working on next steps which will include the formation of an Alliance of community groups and service organisation working together to address the lack of short term and medium term affordable accommodation in the Shire.