National Local Government Homelessness Network

Local governments are often first responders, convenors and connectors across community, services and government when it comes to homelessness. But many council staff feel isolated, under-supported or unsure how to respond well — especially when homelessness isn't part of their formal role.

Funded by the Winston Churchill Trust, this project will scope, co-design and establish a national network: a platform that supports and responds to the needs of local government workers whose jobs intersect with homelessness.

Why a national network matters

Across Australia, council staff respond to homelessness every day – not just those with "homelessness" or "housing" in their job title, but also staff working in public space management, frontline services, community safety and customer service.
A national network can:

  • Build knowledge and understanding across the sector
  • Share practical approaches that work in different contexts
  • Connect workers who might otherwise be working in isolation
  • Build confidence and capability across frontline and specialist roles
  • Strengthen collaboration with housing, health and homelessness partners
  • Provide a collective voice for local government in policy and system reform

Who is this for?

This project is for local government workers across a wide range of roles, including:

  • Dedicated homelessness officers
  • Community development and wellbeing staff
  • Local laws officers and park rangers
  • Librarians, youth workers and frontline staff
  • Staff in councils with and without homelessness portfolios
Councils with a dedicated homelessness portfolio and councils without one are equally welcome.

How the project will work

1. Consultation phase – Complete
In April-May 2026, we ran a short survey and small group conversations with local government staff from all states and territories, providing a baseline for our future work.
2. Synthesis and testing – Underway
An advisory committee of local government representatives from across Australia is testing consultation insights and helping structure the new network.
3. Getting the network up and running
We'll work to rapidly establish the new network, testing and improving what we do as we go.

Interested? We'd love your input.

Join the mailing list to help shape the network from the ground up, or reach out directly to Kerry Hylton with questions.

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Illustration from Leanne Mitchell's Churchill Fellowship report
Churchill Fellowship report

Everybody's Business: What local government can do to end homelessness

The national local government network project builds directly on research by AAEH's Leanne Mitchell, whose 2019 Churchill Fellowship examined how local governments in the UK, US and Canada respond to rough sleeping while balancing their responsibilities to the wider community. Her report sets out practical guidelines and case studies for building effective, whole-of-community responses.

Download the report