Homeless Connect is extending a helping hand

Published on 18 June 2024

There are just a few days left to donate items for the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Homeless Connect event, with donations only accepted until this Friday 21 June.

You can provide a helping hand to those doing it tough by donating non-perishable food items, including tinned food, dry goods and long-life products.

Deputy Mayor and Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said the event will feature about 34 services at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on Thursday 4 July 2024, running from 8am to 12.30pm.

“Our Homeless Connect event is special because the whole community can play a part in being involved to help those who have fallen on hard times,” Cr Wickerson said. 

“The annual event also promotes community organisations and services that assist those who are vulnerable, facing homelessness or experiencing other hardships, bringing the services together in one easy to access location.”

One of the organisations taking part in Homeless Connect is Multicultural Australia, with Community Development Coordinator Justina O’Connor explaining the event is a great initiative as it provides information and access to support.

“Homeless Connect is an important event because it is helpful for people who are homeless or facing homelessness to have everything in one place,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Transport is often an issue connected to homelessness and having all these services come together in the same location at Homeless Connect makes it easier for people to access them.

“The event also helps reduces the stigma of homelessness, showing them that they are not alone and there is support available to them.

“But not only does Homeless Connect give those who are doing it tough access to all these amazing services, it is also a great opportunity for services to network and find out what else is available in the Region.

“It is important for these services to know what else is out there because it allows them to create connections so they can collaborate to get better results for our clients.”

Each of the organisations, including Multicultural Australia, will have representatives present on the day providing information on the services they provide.

“Our trainees are also providing lunch on the day and Multicultural Australia is doing food workshops demonstrating recipes that are easy to make using leftover food,” Ms O’Connor said.

Non-perishable food items can be dropped to the School of Arts Building at 230 Bolsover Street between 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday until 21 June 2024.

Donated items will be made into hampers and given out on the day to those in need.

Other services at the event range from free haircuts and health checks, to help finding accommodation and financial advice.

For more information about Homeless Connect, click here.