The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, recently spoke to Year 11 students at Notre Dame College about homelessness in the Shepparton region, following contact from concerned students.
“Homelessness continues to be a significant issue in Greater Shepparton,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“It was wonderful to hear from young people who care about this issue and are already thinking of how to make a difference in their community.”
According to the Council for Homeless Persons, Greater Shepparton faces one of the highest homelessness rates in regional Victoria, with around 436 people without a home on any given night.
Currently, 59 out of every 10,000 people in Shepparton are homeless, compared to the state average of 42.
Ms O’Keeffe highlighted that in 2022-23, 838 people were homeless in Shepparton, and 162 of them were aged 19 or younger.
“The number of young people affected is especially concerning. It is clear that more support services are needed for our youth.
“What we currently have is a drop of ocean compared to the level of need,” she said.
Ms O’Keeffe also acknowledged the role of services like the Education First Youth Foyer in Shepparton, which provides safe housing and opportunities for young people.
“Services like the Youth Foyer are essential in giving young people a stable foundation, offering education, training, and vital life skills,” she said.
Ms O’Keeffe is calling on the Allan Labor Government to prioritise regional communities in tackling homelessness.
“Instead of wasting billions on city-centric projects, this government must prioritise more housing and housing support services in regional Victoria,” she said.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage housing, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”