News

Attention: Chiefs of Staff, News Directors, News Editors

A ground-breaking report on the quality of life of Sydney’s homeless people will be launched by the Commonwealth Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek this Sunday, 6 July at 11 am at Wesley Mission, Sydney.

More than a bed: Sydney’s homeless speak out is the result of a six week study covering more than 200 homeless people in inner-Sydney. The report examines the well being of homeless people seeking their views on issues as diverse as food and accommodation to health and relationships.

The Rudd Labor Government has made the homeless a policy priority. Traditional methods of dealing with homelessness have failed. Wesley Mission has recommended a fresh approach and advocates for a seven point plan to tackle the problem and provide lasting solutions.

“Sydney is now an international city,” the CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev Keith Garner said. “And as an international city it now bears all the hallmarks of its overseas rivals, including a large homeless population which we know little about. We know more about the tourists that visit than about the people who sleep on our streets and shelters and call Sydney home.”

More than a bed: Sydney’s homeless speak out: Launch Details

Date: Sunday, 6 July, 2008
Time: 11 AM
Venue: Entrance to Wesley Mission, 220 Pitt St, Sydney
Speakers: The Hon Tanya Plibersek, Member for Sydney and Commonwealth Minister for Housing and the Rev Keith Garner, CEO of Wesley Mission, Sydney.

Emmanuel a former homeless person will be available for one on one interviews following the launch.

Graeme Cole
Public Affairs Manager
Ph: 02 9263 5350
Mobile: 0408 470 722

Dinoo Kelleghan
Public Affairs Officer
Ph: 02 9263 5545
Mobile: 0434 076 644