Accordwest

27/10/2026

The release of "The Cap Still Fits" from Make Renting Fair WA is an important and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about rental affordability in WA, particularly for regional communities where we know increasing housing costs and limited supply continue to put pressure on renters, pushing more towards housing instability. The report data speaks for itself, and the issue of rent stabilisation mechanisms is imperative when talking about sustainable housing.

With the report urging for greater protections around rent increases, it’s an important time to keep talking about the changes needed to make housing more affordable and secure across the state.

We join Shelter WA in calling for a policy response regarding rent caps in Western Australia.

[Media Release] New polling reveals an overwhelming majority of Western Australians want the Cook Government to make accessible housing standards mandatory

22/10/2026

What an incredible turnout for the Walk for Reconciliation in Goomburrup today.

It was wonderful to see people from across Bunbury come together, with schools, community organisations, businesses, families and community leaders walking side by side.

The Accordwest team was proud to take part and walk alongside Aboriginal community members, leaders and partners. We’re especially grateful for the cultural leadership of Charmaine May and Michelle Woosnam, and the many others who generously share their knowledge, perspectives and culture to strengthen connections and create opportunities for our community to come together.

Reconciliation belongs to all of us, and we each have a role to play in listening, learning and building greater understanding.

Today was a beautiful reminder of what our community can achieve when we walk together. Thank you to everyone who made the day possible, and everyone who joined in.

16/10/2026

Last week, Accordwest joined communities across WA in recognising Mental Health Week, alongside World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

This year’s theme, "Taking control in the face of change", encouraged us to reflect on the things we can influence in our day-to-day lives and the small steps we can take to support our mental wellbeing.

As part of the week, Accordwest hosted our annual Walk Around the Big Swamp, bringing community members together to walk, connect and start conversations about mental health. The walk was followed by a community BBQ, creating another opportunity to connect and spend time together.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, shared a conversation, took time to reflect, or supported someone else.

Mental Health Week may be over, but looking after our mental wellbeing is something we can make part of every day.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:

📞 Lifeline: 13 11 14
📞 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
📞 13 Yarn: 13 92 76
📞 Kids Helpline Official: 1800 55 1800

08/10/2026

Supportive Housing combines long-term housing with the tailored support people need to maintain their tenancy, improve their wellbeing and build a brighter future. For people experiencing chronic homelessness and complex challenges, it is one of the most effective approaches available. Programs such as Perth's 50 Lives 50 Homes have demonstrated this impact, with 81% of participants maintaining their tenancy after one year.

A new paper from the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness, "Supportive Housing: The what, why and how", brings together the evidence and establishes a shared national definition of Supportive Housing. It highlights the opportunity for governments, community services, housing providers and local communities to work together to expand access to housing and support for those who need it most.

At Accordwest, we know that ending homelessness requires more than housing alone. By combining safe and secure housing with person-centred support, we can help people build stability, strengthen connections and achieve lasting outcomes.

Read the paper: aaeh.org.au/supportive-housing-paper-2026

01/10/2026

Thank you, Libby Mettam, for your ongoing advocacy and support in highlighting the housing and homelessness challenges facing communities across the South West, and for taking the time to join us at one of our community hubs during Connections Week.

By strengthening collaboration across local, State and national levels, we can build more effective pathways to support, informed by local data and community voices, and work towards lasting outcomes for people doing it tough.

25/09/2026

This week Accordwest was pleased to launch the Connections Week Report alongside our partners City of Busselton - Local Government, Anglicare WA, Lamp Inc. and Southern WA Salvos - Busselton

The report provides valuable insights into homelessness and housing insecurity in the Busselton region and represents a significant step forward in understanding local challenges and opportunities for action. The findings are drawn from the experiences of 86 people experiencing homelessness or severe housing instability and highlight the complex factors contributing to homelessness, including housing affordability, financial hardship, health concerns and family violence.

We would like to thank our partners, service providers, volunteers, community organisations, businesses, people with lived experience and everyone else who contributed to Connections Week. This work reflects a genuine collective effort to better understand local experiences and strengthen pathways to support.

A special thank you to Gloria Hill from Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation for delivering a meaningful Welcome to Country at the launch event and reminding us of the importance of recognising Country, culture and community in discussions about housing and wellbeing.

We were delighted to welcome Libby Mettam MLA, Member for Vasse, together with representatives from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Department of Communities WA, South West Development Commission, Shelter WA and Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness. Their attendance demonstrated the shared commitment across government, community organisations and service providers to better understand local housing challenges and work together on meaningful solutions.

We also acknowledge the engagement of Minister for Community Services and Homelessness Matt Swinbourn MLC, Minister for Housing John Carey MLA , Minister for South West Don Punch MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Fisheries, Forestry, Small Business and Mid West Jackie Jarvis MLC and Member for Forrest Ben Small MP. Although they were unable to attend the launch, each received and engaged with the report, reflecting the growing recognition of homelessness and housing insecurity as critical issues requiring coordinated action.

The report is not an endpoint. It provides a foundation for ongoing conversation, collaboration and evidence-based advocacy across our region. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners and the broader community to create positive change.

The report is not an endpoint. It provides a foundation for ongoing conversation, collaboration and evidence-based advocacy across our region. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners and the broader community to create positive change.

Read the report:
https://www.accordwest.com.au/busselton-connections-week-report/

15/09/2026

A huge thank you to our partners at Bunji for their generous donation of tents to support people experiencing homelessness in our community.

This practical contribution will help ensure individuals and families facing housing insecurity have access to shelter when they need it most. Donations such as these make a real difference and demonstrate the power of working together to support vulnerable members of our community.

We are grateful for Bunji's ongoing commitment to community wellbeing and for partnering with us to create positive outcomes for those doing it tough.

19/08/2026

Accordwest has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of more than $300 million through the Housing Australia Future Fund to deliver 520 homes for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Australia.

Accordwest CEO Danelle Milward said:

"In the South West, we continue to see strong demand for youth housing and support services, and we know there are young people who would benefit from additional accommodation and support options. Continued investment in regional communities will help ensure more young people can access the support they need before crisis becomes entrenched."

Read more:

Accordwest has welcomed the Federal Government's announcement to deliver 520 homes for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

19/08/2026

Accordwest delivers Emergency Relief services in Harvey on the 4th Wednesday of each month, between 10:00am and 12:00pm at the Harvey Resource Centre. Please note that times may occasionally vary.

If you're experiencing financial hardship and finding it difficult to afford essential items, our team may be able to help.

✅ Assistance may include:
• Woolworths vouchers
• Foodbank vouchers and referrals
• Part-payment of selected invoices

Our Emergency Relief service is available to eligible residents of the Bunbury, Capel, Dardanup, and Harvey Shires.

📞 To book an appointment at the Harvey Resource Centre, please contact us: (08) 9729 9000 or free call 1800 115 799
Harvey Community Resource Centre