Cardinia Shire locals can learn about and help support those experiencing homelessness at a range of local events and initiatives this week for National Homelessness Week 2024.
Homelessness Week 2024 (Monday 5 to Sunday 11 August) is an opportunity to share and learn about the impact homelessness has on individuals and their families, and the solutions needed to end homelessness. It's also a time when local government, homelessness services and community groups come together to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Get involved
Storytime Sessions in Emerald, Pakenham and Cockatoo
Myli Community Libraries, with support from Cardinia Shire Council, is hosting three special Storytime sessions at Emerald Library, Pakenham Library, and the Cardinia Mobile Library (at Cockatoo).
Ideal for children up to the age of five years, there will be stories, including a special reading of 'I saw Pete and Pete saw me' by Maggi Hutchings, songs, and an activity about kindness, care, and community for Homelessness Week. Pakenham library will also be hosting a morning tea during the reading. Bookings are encouraged for these free events.
Pakenham Library
11am–12pm, Thursday 8 August at Henry Street, Pakenham
Bookings: https://bit.ly/HW2024-PakenhamStorytime
Emerald Library
11.15am–12pm, Thursday 8 August at 400B Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald
Bookings: https://bit.ly/HW2024-EmeraldStorytime
Cardinia Mobile Library
2.30–3.30pm, Thursday 8 August at Cockatoo Community Complex, 77 Pakenham Road, Cockatoo
Bookings: https://bit.ly/HW2024-MobileStorytime
Cardinia Support Information and Craft table at Pakenham Hall
Council's Community Support team will be attending the Bless Collective community dinner on Thursday 8 August at Pakenham Hall, to host an information and craft table. There will be mindfulness activities for clients and community to participate in through the evening, and resources on local support available. No bookings are required for this.
Housing Support Advice Sessions
Every Wednesday, there are free Housing Support Advice sessions at Pakenham Library (Henry St, Pakenham VIC 3810), led by ERMHA365 Complex Mental Health and Disability Services.
A session is happening on Wednesday 7 August 2024, from 2–4pm. Bookings are not required, but you can register to receive an email reminder 48 hours before the event: https://bit.ly/HousingSupportAdvice2024
Cardinia Life's hot drinks fundraising drive
Cardinia Leisure is raising funds for the Cardinia Foundation throughout Homelessness Week 2024! Cardinia Leisure will donate 50 cents from every hot drink (coffee, chai, tea, and hot chocolate) purchased at Cardinia Life throughout Homelessness Week.
Drop by Cardinia Life at 4 Olympic Way, Pakenham, during café opening hours (Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm), and grab yours now!
2024 Cardinia Fun Run Walk
Hosted by Cardinia Leisure, the 5km and 10km fun run and walk is happening on Sunday 27 October 2024 at Deep Creek Reserve, Pakenham. Register now for the 2024 Cardinia Fun Run Walk: https://bit.ly/CardiniaFunRunWalk2024
Early bird special registration fees are available until 30 September. All proceeds from the Cardinia Fun Run and Walk will be donated to the Cardinia Foundation. Your support means the foundation can continue to invest in the work of local community groups and build a strong, healthy and diverse community through its annual grant-giving program.
