Drop in rough sleeper number for Byron Shire 

The 2025 rough sleepers count has seen a 16 per cent drop in rough sleepers across the Byron Shire from 2024. 

The annual Street Count captures a one-day snapshot of rough sleeping across Byron Shire, with trained volunteers conducting an observational survey in selected areas. On the day of this year’s count in February 2025, 291 people were recorded sleeping rough in Byron Shire, but still second only to the City of Sydney.

‘It is heartening to see the numbers decrease. Assertive Outreach has been a critical program for some of our rough sleeper community but we need a mix of service types to support those who are unable to secure housing and those with very complex needs,’ said Julie Williams manager of the Mullumbimby District Neighbourhood Centre (MSNC).

‘We have been supporting our community since 1987 and while we have received zero funding for this work, we will continue to support rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness.’

Fletcher Street Cottage manager Damian Farrell agrees saying that, ‘This decrease shows what’s possible when local services are properly supported. But the need is growing and without continued funding, we risk going backwards.’

While the Street Count is a valuable tool for tracking trends over time, it only captures the most visible forms of homelessness.

‘It doesn’t reflect the many people sleeping in tents, couchsurfing or unstable accommodation, the hidden homelessness we see every day,’ Damian said. 

‘If we want to continue reducing rough sleeping, we need long-term, coordinated support at all levels.’

Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage said that, ‘The partnership with Assertive Outreach has been a game changer. It’s helped us connect more people with housing options and the support they need to move forward.’