This weekend will see housing action outside the Byron Shire Council chambers as the lack of accessible and affordable housing in the region is being called out.
A solo performance called No fixed address: Where is my hot shower? by Sarah-Jane McGrath starts at 8am on Saturday, 4 November in Stan Robinson Park outside the Council chambers at 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby highlighting the issue of homelessness, and the lack of facilities in Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers. This will be followed by House You forum on Sunday, 5 November which is aimed at bringing the community together to support one another and look for housing solutions.
Housing forum
Starting at 9am on Sunday everyone is encouraged to bring a tent, bedding and other resources and help set up a village for the day at Council. There will be free vegan food served to the community all day and the option to be part of planting a food forest.
‘Everyone deserves basic human rights including access to water, housing, and safety,’ said organiser Chels Hood Withey.
The housing forum will run from 12 to 2pm with a number of speakers and the opportunity for everyone to voice their ideas.
‘It’s a safe space to discuss what isn’t working now and innovate holistic solutions for the future,’ explains Chels.
The community uniting together
‘This is about the community uniting together to create a share economy by creating resilient community networks. It is about us all uniting to look after each other.’
The results of the House You forum will then be presented to the Byron Council planning meeting on Thursday, 9 November.
From 3pm onwards there will be a range of workshops including know your legal rights, dumpster dive chef, live music and jam sessions, a healing tent and much more.
‘There will be hammocks, board games and art and we’d be really happy if someone was able to bring a ping pong table,’ said Chels.
If you have a spare tent or bedding you can donate them on the day to help support homeless people. You can also stay the night in solidarity with the unhoused community – vans, cars and caravans welcome.
For more information email House You at: [email protected] or find them on social media.
