Pool maintenance closure - Please be advised that the 50-metre pool at Wentworthville Memorial Swim Centre will be closed for scheduled maintenance from Monday 31 August until Monday 23 November 2026. During this time, all programs and classes will continue as scheduled.

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Homelessness

The term homelessness is broad, and while everyone has a different experience of being homeless, at its very core, homelessness is about absence. An absence of a home, a safe place to live, security, choices and control over one's life. It is also often an absence of family and friends.

Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life. Cumberland City Council is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all community members and working collaboratively with specialist homelessness services, government agencies and community organisations to improve outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

While homelessness services are primarily delivered by State Government and specialist support agencies, Council plays an important role in connecting people to support, facilitating partnerships, raising community awareness and responding appropriately to people experiencing homelessness in public places.

Understanding Homelessness

Homelessness is more than the absence of housing. It can also involve a lack of safety, security, stability, social connection and control over one's environment. Access to safe and secure housing is a fundamental human right.

Homelessness may include:

  • Primary homelessness – sleeping rough or living in improvised dwellings.
  • Secondary homelessness – moving frequently between temporary forms of accommodation.
  • Tertiary homelessness – living in accommodation that falls below accepted community standards.

People experience homelessness for many reasons, often involving a combination of housing affordability pressures, financial hardship, family breakdown, domestic and family violence,

Council's Approach

Council is guided by the principles of dignity, respect and inclusion. We recognise that every person's circumstances are different and that homelessness is often linked to a range of factors including housing stress, financial hardship, family breakdown, domestic and family violence, poor physical or mental health, and social isolation.

Council's response to homelessness is informed by the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, which promotes respectful, compassionate and non-discriminatory engagement with people experiencing homelessness and recognises their right to access public spaces in the same way as other members of the community. The Protocol encourages organisations to provide support and assistance where requested or needed, while ensuring that people experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect.

Through the Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2027, Council works with local service providers, government agencies and community partners to improve coordination, increase awareness of available supports, strengthen service connections and advocate for solutions to homelessness across the Cumberland Local Government Area.

Council is committed to working collaboratively to support people experiencing homelessness, facilitate access to appropriate services and contribute to a safe, inclusive and connected community

People Sleeping Rough in Public Places

People experiencing homelessness have the same rights as all community members to access and use public spaces, provided they are doing so lawfully. Council is committed to treating all people experiencing homelessness with compassion, dignity and respect.

People sleeping rough may choose not to engage with support services and, unless there is a health, safety or legal concern, Council will generally respect that choice while continuing to provide information about available assistance.

When Council May Take Action

Council may liaise with specialist homelessness services, emergency services or other authorities when:

  • A person appears to be in distress or requires urgent assistance.
  • There are concerns for the health or safety of the individual or the broader community.
  • A child or young person appears to be at risk.
  • Damage to property, environmental impacts or unlawful activities are occurring.
  • Emergency intervention is required.

Reporting Concerns About a Rough Sleeper

If you are concerned about the wellbeing of someone sleeping rough, you can contact Council or one of the homelessness support services listed below.

When a report is received, Council may:

  • Refer the matter to specialist homelessness outreach services.
  • Facilitate connections with support agencies.
  • Share information about available accommodation and support options.
  • Monitor locations where outreach services are actively engaging with individuals.
  • Contact emergency services where there is an immediate risk to health or safety.

Need Help?

Link2Home

A 24-hour statewide information and referral service for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Assistance may include referrals to temporary accommodation and support services.

1800 152 152

 

Ask Izzy

An online directory that connects people in crisis with housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal assistance and other support services.

askizzy.org.au

Lifeline

This service provides 24/7 counselling to people needing emotional support and provides assistance in suicide prevention, crisis support and mental health support.

13 11 14

Mental Health Line

This 24/7 line offers professional health and advice as well as referrals to local mental health services for people who need mental health support.

1800 011 511

MensLine

This service provides 24/7 telephone counselling support for men struggling with anger management, family violence, (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress, and wellbeing.

1300 789 978

 

13 Yarn

This 24/7 crisis support telephone service provides confidential, culturally safe, and appropriate assistance for Aboriginal peoples to speak about their needs, worries, or concerns.

13 92 76

1800RESPECT

This service provides counselling, information, and referrals for those experiencing domestic or family violence or sexual violence.

1800 732 732

Child Protection Helpline

This service is staffed by professionally qualified caseworkers and is available for reporting suspected abuse, neglected or risk of significant harm to a child or young person.

General community – 132 111

Mandatory reporters – 133 627

The Wellbeing Project 

Merrylands Memorial Park 
26 Treves Street every Thursday from 10am to 12pm 

The Wellbeing Project is a free weekly outreach program that brings people together to access support, build social connections and strengthen community wellbeing. Delivered by Cumberland City Council in partnership with local service providers and community organisations, the program supports people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, financial hardship and social isolation. 

What we offer

  • Free lunch, tea and coffee 
  • Friendly conversation and social connection
  • Information and referrals to housing, health and community services 
  • Shower and laundry facilities
  • Groceries and essential items when available 

Download the Wellbeing Project Flyer (PDF, 660KB)

The Wellbeing Project is proudly delivered in partnership with Vinnies, 4Voices, DOOLEYS, Barnardos, Mission Australia, Uniting, The Salvation Army, Maronites on a Mission and Orange Sky, helping create a more connected, inclusive and resilient Cumberland Community.

Child Protection 

Child Protection Helpline 

If you are concerned about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or young person: 

  • General Community: 132 111 
  • Mandatory Reporters: 133 627

Resources