A number of months ago I was privileged to take Rose Jackson, the NSW Minister for Housing and the North Coast, to meet with the wonderful people running Fletcher Street Cottage and to hear from Council staff on the need for more support for those sleeping rough in our shire. This followed the then shadow minister’s visit to Fletcher Street before the last NSW election.
With the latest street count finding that Byron Shire has the largest number of rough sleepers of any local government area in the state, these services are desperately needed.
Last Thursday, Rose announced funding for both of these services. $125,000 for Fletcher Street Cottage and an extension of the Assertive Outreach Program into Byron Shire. The Assertive Outreach program works with rough sleepers where they are, providing support and referrals to services when needed.
This comes on the heels of the NSW government finally delivering a 60-day cap for short-term holiday letting after a long community campaign.
What a difference a change of government makes. It is great to have a minister that recognises the needs of our community and delivers.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
