Everybody’s Business: Local Government Responses to Homelessness, Masterclass for Regional South-West WA Councils

Workshop Intent

This 3 hour masterclass draws on real world case studies and practical guidance, including Leanne Mitchell’s Churchill Fellowship Report: Everybody’s Business and  the Local Government Practice Guide on Responding to Homelessness in Public Space. The session will support local government staff to build internal understanding, coordination and capability in responding effectively and collaboratively to homelessness.

Focusing on strategy, public space management, and advocacy, the workshop will guide councils to explore their role, develop shared responses, and shape internal, as well as joint agendas for action.

Learning objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

1. Understand the role of local government in responding to homelessness and the elements of local strategy.

2. Be familiar with practical, place-based public space management approaches and consider how to these might be adapted into a local context.

3. Be equipped to advocate and collaborate internally and externally to build homelessness knowledge, as well as local government roles and responsibilities

4. Identify priority actions to support internal and joint agenda and coordination in their own councils and potentially as a regional group

Who should attend:

Local government staff, we suggest a limit of four representatives per council. Suggested participation:
- One staff member with compliance/public space focus
- One with a social/community services focus
This structure ensures a blend of perspectives and enables rich, practical discussion.

Workshop Structure

The workshop features a targeted presentation (30 mins + Q&A) followed by a World Café–style discussion, enabling all participants to explore three topic areas:

1. Strategic local government responses

2. Principles for public space management

3. Advocacy and inter-council collaboration