Message from the Mayor - 2 July 2025

Published on 02 July 2025

Looking after people experiencing homelessness especially during extreme weather

I was recently discussing the issue of homelessness with Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM, CEO of Jewish House and our neighbouring councils. Mendel and his team do an amazing job of looking after vulnerable members of our community. We discussed what extra support might be needed during extreme weather and I thought it might be a good idea to share a summary of the local support that is being provided and what you can do to help.

Rabbi Mendel Kastel oam CEO Jewish House and Woollahra Mayor, Sarah Swan

Woollahra Council works with the Eastern Suburbs Homelessness Outreach Collaboration (ESHAC) and neighbouring councils. Through the ESHAC and their collaboration with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and St Vincent’s Homeless Health Services and our connection with the Local Emergency Management Committee support is provided, especially during extreme (currently limited to Heatwaves only) weather, to provide outreach support, resources (water, sunscreen and general health information) or shade and shelter location advice. We are committed to working with support agencies as they consider covering all extreme conditions.

We also have a Homelessness in Public Places Policy which guides our responses and support for people experiencing homelessness and helps us respond to general public enquiries. More information at Homelessness in Public Spaces.

We acknowledge the rights of all members of the community, including people experiencing homelessness, to use public spaces, whilst also recognising their responsibility towards other members of the community, who have the right to live in a safe and peaceful environment.

We act when a person requests assistance, appears to be distressed or in need of help, is behaving in a way that threatens their safety or the safety and security of others, including a disruption in public spaces, or if they are preventing us from regular service provision, for example with parks maintenance.

We also participate in an annual homeless street count alongside other councils and whilst we don’t have a large number of homeless people living in our local area we are committed to respectful care and support.

What you can do to help:

• Be respectful and compassionate. A simple smile or hello can make a difference
• If a person experiencing homelessness is at immediate risk of harm, or is directly threatening the safety of others please call 000
• During extreme weather conditions homeless people may need additional support with food, shelter and clothing. Offer a cool or hot drink/food or contact Missionbeat on 1800 306 461
• If a homeless person requests support at any time, Missionbeat provides crisis intervention, on-street support, welfare assistance, case management, as well as access to food and medical care.
• You can donate to Missionbeat at missionaustralia.com.au Jewish House 1300 544 357 operates a 24/7 phone service which offers support for people experiencing crisis, such as drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence and homelessness.