Cumberland City Council, in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, marked Homelessness Week 2025 with a youth-focused workshop designed to raise awareness and empower young people to drive social change.
Homelessness Week ran until Sunday 10 August 2025, under this year’s national theme “Homelessness Action Now”, which called for urgent and coordinated action to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support for those affected.
Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW invited local young people aged 12 to 25 to attend a Homelessness Week Youth Workshop held on Wednesday 6 August, from 4pm to 5:30pm at the Auburn Centre for Community (44A Macquarie Road, Auburn).
This interactive workshop:
- Explored the experiences and causes of homelessness in Western Sydney
- Provided insight into how Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW support vulnerable community members
- Created a platform for young people to share ideas and perspectives
- Supported the development of a youth-led social justice action plan.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed endorsed this collaboration and focus on youth-based discussion.
“Homelessness impacts people across all parts of our community, including young people. By engaging youth in open dialogue and social planning, we are investing in long-term, community-led solutions.”
“This is not a problem that can be fixed overnight, the ongoing cost of living crisis is affecting all age groups across our communities and is forcing more people into homelessness every day.”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director – Metropolitan, Louis Hearnden identified housing pressures as one of the leading reasons for people seeking support in the region.
“Across the Cumberland region, our members have supported over 2,750 people during the last financial year with approximately half experiencing housing stress,”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Schools Engagement Officer, Roydon Ng supported Cumberland’s ongoing action and education in the space.
“As a young person in Cumberland, I’ve seen both the struggles and the strength in our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be walking alongside people and lifting each other up with dignity and hope.”
“It’s not just talking about homelessness – we’re taking action. It’s about choosing to lead with love, to listen deeply, and to build a future where everyone has the chance to belong and succeed.”
Council understands that education is only part of the solution. Cumberland’s Community Development team proudly works in collaboration with Homes NSW, Mission Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, 4Voices, St Raymond’s Maronite Catholic Parish and Dooleys to conduct weekly outreach programs, providing food, blankets and contact with support services.
To register for this workshop, visit: National Homelessness Week – Info Session
For Council Homelessness Resources, visit: Homelessness | Cumberland City Council
Quick links:
Emergency Services:
- Police 000
Use for: Immediate threats to safety, violent behaviour, or if someone is in immediate danger. - Police Assistance Line 131 444
Use for: Non-urgent issues, such as disturbances or suspicious behaviour not involving immediate danger.
- Paramedics (Ambulance) 000
Use for: Medical emergencies if someone requires urgent medical attention.
Support Services & Resources:
- Homelessness Support www.askizzy.org.au Use for:
Referrals and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. They can assist with connecting individuals to appropriate services. - Crisis Accommodation 1800 152 152 Use for:
Immediate housing assistance for individuals in crisis or needing urgent accommodation. Link2home is the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Local Council:
- Cumberland City Council Contact 8757 9000
Use for: Reporting public space maintenance issues, or if you need information on local services. - Council After-Hours Service 8757 9000 Use for:
Non-urgent issues needing council attention outside of regular business hours.
E community@cumberland.nsw.gov.au
W www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au