The East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation is calling for a long-term, community led strategy to tackle housing affordability, following a heated discussion at the second East Gippsland Housing Affordability Conversation held on July 17.
Member of the group Isaac Carne reported the event, which took place at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance, drew 24 participants, including several residents of Hardie Street. The area is the proposed site of a social housing development that has been met with resistance from nearby residents. The proposal has now been paused by East Gippsland Shire Council for further consultation.
Kaz Nielson, the coordinator of the Mount Alexander ‘My Home Network’, joined the conversation online, sharing insights from her successful work in addressing housing issues in her community. Nielson pointed to the critical link between secure housing and mental health, warning that the lack of affordable housing can lead to increased mental health crises.
“Housing instability not only worsens existing mental health conditions but also makes recovery much harder,” Nielson said.
She detailed several initiatives from her network aimed at increasing access to affordable housing, which have involved collaboration with local government, non-profits, and community groups. Nielson’s approach prioritises long-term, sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes.
Participants in the discussion raised concerns about the challenges of implementing similar initiatives in rural areas like East Gippsland, where resources are often limited. Nielson responded by pointing to successful examples of cross-sector partnerships that have overcome such challenges, stressing the importance of community engagement and creative use of available resources.
“A more integrated and collaborative effort is needed, one that aligns housing with other essential services, like mental health support,” Nielson said.
The meeting also highlighted tensions surrounding the proposed social housing development in Hardie Street, Lakes Entrance. While some residents expressed concerns about safety, infrastructure and a lack of information provided by the council, others shared personal experiences of homelessness, emphasising the urgent need for social and affordable housing.
The group agreed to draft a letter to the council, requesting an extension of the consultation period. They outlined several key areas that need addressing, including the need for detailed homelessness data in East Gippsland and a call for more innovative housing models, such as tiny homes.
The group welcomed the council’s decision to pause the consultation on social housing proposals in Lakes Entrance and Lucknow. They stressed that housing affordability and homelessness are systemic issues that require a coordinated, long-term approach.
SOUP NIGHT
Demonstrating their commitment to addressing housing issues, participants in the conversation decided to organise the first Slipway Soup Night on August 9. The event held at the Slipway Sheds in Lakes Entrance was a success with more than 180 positive reactions on social media and a dozen attendees.
Volunteers prepared seven large pots of soup, along with homemade bread, bread rolls and breadsticks, all of which were donated. The event provided an opportunity for locals to connect, share stories and support those in need.
The Slipway Soup Kitchen will now become a regular fixture, taking place on the third Friday of each month from 5-7pm at the Slipway Sheds. All are welcome to attend.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next Housing Affordability Conversation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, at 4pm, again at the Slipway Sheds.
“We are very excited about this month’s guest speaker, Di Cox, coordinator from Homeshare, a service that pairs unrelated individuals to share a home and their lives for mutual benefit,” Mr Carne said.
“As the community continues to grapple with the challenges of housing affordability, the group remains determined that their efforts will lead to meaningful, long-term change,” he said.
