“We Need To Remove The Stigma” Local Services Unite At Together For Shelter

Local organisations, volunteers and service providers came together at Queens Park for Together for Shelter last Thursday, connecting vulnerable community members with support, services and practical assistance during Homelessness Week. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Dozens of local organisations united at Queens Park last week as CASA Mackay's annual Together for Shelter event returned, bringing essential services, support and connection to some of the region's most vulnerable residents.

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Held during Homelessness Week for the first time, the event welcomed close to 40 organisations and service providers offering everything from housing and health advice to meals, mental health support, veterinary care and practical assistancefor families, young people, pets and those experiencing hardship.

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The event has grown significantly in recent years, prompting organisers to move from CQUniversity to the larger Queens Park venue and rebrand the event from the Homeless Expo to Together for Shelter.

CASA Mackay General Manager Will Stafford said the day was about ensuring people knew support was available when they needed it.

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"We're really trying to build a community of community services. People might access one service, but they often need support in a few different areas, so having strong relationships between organisations translates into a better experience for clients," Mr Stafford said.

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The CASA representative said rising living costs and increasing housing pressures had highlighted the importance of ensuring support services were both visible and accessible.

"We're seeing increasing cost-of-living pressures and rising rents, and we need to remove the stigma around asking for help. We want people to know the community cares and that support is available," he said.

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"What keeps us up at night isn't the hard work we do during the day. It's the fear that there are people out there who think services like ours are for someone else, or that they don't know support is available."

Among the organisations in attendance was the Mackay Salvation Army, which emphasised the importance of collaboration between local support services.

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"Together for Shelter is a great reminder that none of us can meet the needs of our community on our own," representative David Dobbie said.

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"At The Salvation Army, we're really grateful to stand alongside so many other local organisations as we support people. When we work together, we can offer practical help, compassion and hope, and hopefully remind people that they're not alone."

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc volunteers and Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital representatives also joined the event to provide health checks for furry friends and offer free support and essential supplies for pets belonging to people experiencing hardship.

St Patrick's College students and staff were also on hand, showcasing the school's Brekky Van initiative.

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"This is a representation of what our Brekky Van does every Wednesday and Friday morning in partnership with Orange Sky," assistant principal Andrea Crocker said.

"We provide breakfast for people in our community who need a hot, nourishing meal."

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Year 11 St Patrick's College student Camilla Cicchelli said the experience had been rewarding.

"We're here today to help our community in any way we can," she said.

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"It's been a fantastic day, we've met lots of wonderful people, and hopefully we've been able to help plenty of people with a nice meal as well."

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Organisations providing housing support, first aid, free haircuts, employment assistance, healthcare services, community support, pet supplies and street chaplaincy services were among those in attendance, offering a broad range of practical assistance to people across the5e region.

With housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures continuing to challenge many households, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between local organisations and the role these services play in supporting the community.

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