The East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation group has announced a special event for this today (Wednesday, July 17) from 4 to 6pm at Slipway Shed No. Two in Lakes Entrance.
The group has been busy planning its second conversation and is excited to welcome a special guest, Carolyn Neilson, coordinator of the Mount Alexander My Home Network.
Carolyn, affectionately known as Kaz, has been a trailblazer in advocating for affordable housing in the Mount Alexander Shire. Her extensive experience and dedication have led to significant achievements, such as making tiny houses on wheels legal as permanent dwellings in her shire, which is a first in Australia. Kaz also coordinates initiatives like the Home Share Network and efforts to release 1300 vacant dwellings for affordable rentals or transition housing.
“The event will kick off with Kaz sharing her invaluable insights and experiences in advocating for fairer housing outcomes,” one of the organisers of the meeting Isaac Carne said.
“This will be followed by a participative session where attendees can pose their questions to Kaz and learn as much as we can for the work needed in East Gippsland.
Following Kaz’s presentation, the conversation will shift to the formation of working groups aimed at addressing key housing issues identified in the group’s initial meeting.
The proposed working groups are Homelessness and Emergency Housing, Advocacy and Communications, and Diverse Housing Models.
“The group will discuss the suitability of these categories and consider any necessary changes. Participants are encouraged to join one of the working groups to start implementing the ideas and plans discussed,” Mr Carne said.
In addition to the discussion with Kaz, attendees will also learn about a recent proposal by the council to make two vacant lots of land available to community housing providers for building social housing in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. This initiative is currently open for public consultation until August 1.
The East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation group sees this as a crucial opportunity to influence local housing decisions and achieve tangible outcomes for the community.
“Kaz’s work and passion for social and environmental justice will undoubtedly inspire attendees. Her leadership in the Mount Alexander Shire My Home Network, which collaborates with community and government organisations, individuals with lived experience of homelessness, and other community members, has already made a significant impact,” Mr Carne said.
The East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation group invites everyone in the community to come along, bring a friend, and be part of the solution.
“This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conversation on housing affordability and work towards real, positive change for East Gippsland.”
IMAGE: Kaz Neilson
