Councils Tackling Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex and growing challenge for local government. Councils are uniquely placed to bring stakeholders together, align efforts across services, and work alongside other councils, community organisations, housing providers, health and justice partners, and central government to support better outcomes for communities.

This forum brings together two experienced local government professionals in the field of homelessness to share their experience and insight. You will hear methods for strengthening relationships across the sector and practical ways councils can collaborate, particularly with councils of similar demographics, to coordinate responses, reduce duplication, and scale approaches that deliver results. We will also discuss how councils can clarify their role, use their influence and levers, and take shared responsibility for supporting their communities.

You will hear from two practitioners working at the centre of council led collaboration: Peniel Elliott from New Zealand, drawing on her work with Rotorua Lakes Council to build partnerships, improve coordination, and translate collective intent into practical action; and Leanne Mitchell from Australia, drawing on her work at the City of Melbourne Council and her experience with the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness. They will both share practical tips for engaging stakeholders and working council to council to progress shared priorities and support more consistent outcomes.

Discussion will focus on moving beyond crisis response and using a whole of council approach. We will explore prevention and early intervention, shared measures of success, and the internal governance and ways of working that help councils partner effectively and sustain momentum.

By the end of the forum, you will leave with practical engagement tips and real world examples from New Zealand and Australia to help build stronger partnerships, create more connected communities, and better support people experiencing homelessness