Community Development Workshop: Effectively Assisting People Experiencing Homelessness

As part of Neighbourhood and Community Centres Week 2025, we invite you to a meaningful and interactive workshop focused on deepening local understanding of homelessness—and more importantly, what we as a community can do to support those experiencing these challenges.

This Place-Based Community Development workshop will explore:

• What homelessness looks like in our communities—and how it’s changing
• Emerging trends in homelessness across Lake Macquarie and beyond
• Updates to Homes NSW Temporary Accommodation processes
• The rights of people experiencing homelessness
• How to take a trauma-informed approach in your service or interaction
• Who the local Specialist Homelessness Support Services are and what they do
• How you can assist someone who is homeless or at risk—including referral pathways and the ‘no wrong door’ approach.

About the Presenter:
Glenn Beatty is the Manager of the Matthew Talbot Homeless Service in Newcastle, bringing 25 years of experience in social housing, community development, and homelessness policy across government and non-government settings. Glenn’s practice is grounded in place-based approaches and a deep understanding of both policy and people.

Why this matters during NCCW 2025 – ‘Ripples of Change’:
This year’s theme reminds us that small, informed actions at the local level can have powerful, lasting impacts. This workshop is an opportunity to create ripples of change right here—by strengthening local capability, building trauma-informed responses, and forging stronger community connections around shared challenges.

Place-Based Community Development in action:
This workshop is designed for local community workers, volunteers, service providers, and residents who are actively contributing to the wellbeing of their neighbourhoods. By focusing on local knowledge, partnerships, and responses, we can build more resilient, inclusive communities—starting exactly where we are.

Event Details:
Date: 14 May 2025
Time: 9:30am – 12pm
Location: The Place Charlestown Community Centre

Registrations: Through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/effectively-assisting-people-experiencing-homelessness-tickets-1309207036489?aff=oddtdtcreator

OR call 02 4032 5500.

Be part of the ripple. Join us to grow your understanding, build your local networks, and help make lasting change—one connection at a time.