Council Partners with Victoria Police and Anglicare to Provide Lockers for Rough Sleepers in Echuca
Campaspe Shire Council is partnering with Victoria Police (Echuca) and Anglicare Victoria in an effort to support the homeless community by delivering lockers for rough sleepers in Echuca. These lockers will provide a secure place for individuals to store their personal belongings, rather than leaving them out in the open or having to carry them everywhere they go.
Campaspe Shire Council, Victoria Police (Echuca), Anglicare Victoria and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation came together to form a working group to better support each other's work with people experiencing homelessness. This resulted in a larger Housing and Homelessness Partnership Network which now also includes Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. This network meets regularly to discuss the common concerns facing those experiencing homelessness in the Echuca area and it was this network that identified the impact secure lockers could have on improving the lives of those in this position.
Mayor of Campaspe Shire, Cr Daniel Mackrell expressed his enthusiasm for the project and said the initiative is a testament to Council's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.
"By providing a secure place for rough sleepers to store their belongings, we are helping to restore their dignity and sense of security," Cr Mackrell said.
Inspector David Bowler from Victoria Police (Echuca) also highlighted the importance of the project.
"We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort to support the homeless community in Echuca. The installation of these lockers is a practical step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of those in need," said Inspector Bowler.
Anglicare Victoria Youth and Community Services Program Manager Cam Turnbull said his organisation was proud to be part of the collective effort to improve the lives of some of the most marginalised people in Echuca.
"For most of us, having somewhere secure to put our belongings is something that's easy to take for granted. These lockers will give peace of mind to people in town who don't currently have a home, and I'm really pleased to see this project come together," Mr Turnbull said.
Six lockers will be installed in February at the Echuca station, providing those accessing lockers with a central and safe location with good lighting. Council will be funding the $8,500 cost of the lockers, Victoria Police (Echuca) will install them on the site of their headquarters in Echuca, and Anglicare will oversee the administration of the lockers to those in need of the service.
