Cumberland City Council, in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, marked Homelessness Week 2025 with a youth-focused workshop designed to raise awareness and empower young people to drive social change.
Homelessness Week ran until Sunday 10 August 2025, under this year’s national theme "Homelessness Action Now", which called for urgent and coordinated action to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support for those affected.
Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW invited local young people aged 12 to 25 to attend a Homelessness Week Youth Workshop held on Wednesday 6 August, from 4pm to 5:30pm at the Auburn Centre for Community (44A Macquarie Road, Auburn).
This interactive workshop:
- Explored the experiences and causes of homelessness in Western Sydney
- Provided insight into how Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW support vulnerable community members
- Created a platform for young people to share ideas and perspectives
- Supported the development of a youth-led social justice action plan
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed endorsed this collaboration and focus on youth-based discussion.
"Homelessness impacts people across all parts of our community, including young people. By engaging youth in open dialogue and social planning, we are investing in long-term, community-led solutions."
“This is not a problem that can be fixed overnight, the ongoing cost of living crisis is affecting all age groups across our communities and is forcing more people into homelessness every day.”
“We will continue to drive change and advocacy in the sector through Council’s Homelessness Action Plan.”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Regional Director – Metropolitan, Louis Hearnden identified housing pressures as one of the leading reasons for people seeking support in the region.
“Across the Cumberland region, our members have supported over 2,750 people during the last financial year with approximately half experiencing housing stress,”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Schools Engagement Officer, Roydon Ng supported Cumberland’s ongoing action and education in the space.
“As a young person in Cumberland, I’ve seen both the struggles and the strength in our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be walking alongside people and lifting each other up with dignity and hope.”
“It’s not just talking about homelessness - we’re taking action. It’s about choosing to lead with love, to listen deeply, and to build a future where everyone has the chance to belong and succeed.”
Council understands that education is only part of the solution. Cumberland’s Community Development team proudly works in collaboration with Homes NSW, Mission Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, 4Voices, St Raymond’s Maronite Catholic Parish and Dooleys to conduct weekly outreach programs, providing food, blankets and contact with support services.
For Council Homelessness Resources, visit: Homelessness | Cumberland City Council
To learn more about Vinnies Youth, visit: Vinnies Youth | St Vincent de Paul Society | Vinnies
