More than 30 residents gathered at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance last Wednesday evening for a housing affordability event hosted by the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation (EGHAC), with Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth and Deputy Mayor Cr Tom Crook in attendance.
The evening opened with a presentation from Wendy Francis of the Homeshare Australia and New Zealand Alliance (HANZA), explaining how the self-directed Homeshare model connects homeowners with spare rooms to people seeking secure accommodation — a values-driven, non-transactional arrangement requiring minimal government investment.
Attendees then viewed Tiny Move, Big Impact, EGHAC’s short documentary now available on the wolktolk.com YouTube channel. The film features Bob and Barb, a retired farming couple who deliver food and supplies to unhoused residents, and stories of locals finding stability through tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) despite regulatory barriers.
Deputy Mayor Cr Crook reinforced council’s commitment to housing affordability, encouraging residents to watch or attend the March 17 council meeting where housing will be discussed. EGHAC co-organiser Isaac Carné noted that tiny homes have been central to the group’s discussions for over 18 months, leading to the council’s November 2025 endorsement of a proposal to remove the 28-day limit on living in THOWs.
Carné urged council to advance the review and allow EPA-approved compost toilets and grey water connections, citing that tiny homes have already provided more than 50 households with secure housing in other regions.
Tiny Move, Big Impact is available on the wolktolk.com YouTube channel and the East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation Facebook group.
