The NSW Government is bringing together health and housing experts at two community forums to develop practical solutions for people experiencing mental health, housing, and homelessness challenges in Southern NSW.

The Southern NSW Mental Health, Housing, and Homelessness Forums, which are a collaborative initiative between Southern NSW Local Health District and Mission Australia, are being held in Bega on 14th May and Goulburn on 28 May 2026.

The NSW Government provided $40,000 funding to hold these two forums in Southern NSW, which is part of a $200,000 investment to deliver these Mental Health, Housing, and Homelessness Forums across NSW.
The forums aim to build greater understanding of the connection between housing, homelessness and mental health and will strengthen partnerships between the agencies and non-government organisations as part of the Housing and Mental Health Agreement 2022.
Southern NSW has a Housing and Mental Health Agreement Implementation Plan and a steering committee to support decision making on local service delivery issues, facilitate joint service and workforce planning, and improve cross agency coordination to enhance service access and outcomes.

The forums build upon the NSW Government’s investment of $826,000 for five new, dedicated Mental Health and Housing Liaison Officer positions as part of the 2024-25 Budget.
Since being appointed as Southern NSW Local Health District’s Mental Health and Housing Liaison Officer, Donna Campbell has been working on collaborative activities across SNSWLHD to strengthen partnerships across the region.
Donna’s expertise as a mental health clinician is supporting Homes NSW, NGOs, and other care partners to understand mental health consumers with complex needs and assisting in securing and sustaining tenancies and mental health care for consumers.
For more information on mental health services available in Southern NSW Local Health District visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/snswlhd/our-services/mental-health-services

At all times if you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Mental Health, Housing, and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“Housing stability is crucial for mental health recovery.
“These forums will bring together professionals from Southern NSW Local Health District, Mission
Australia, Homes NSW and other key support services in the community to work together to identify
challenges and barriers and develop new ideas for change.
“In Southern NSW, the NSW Government has also introduced a dedicated Mental Health and
Housing Liaison Officer to work with Homes NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice and
other support services to support people living with a mental health concer n to find and sustain
housing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“There is a complex relationship between housing, homelessness and mental health and these local
forums are one step to ensure our community can access the support, care and housing security.
“A range of local supports are available through Southern NSW Local Health District, Homes NSW,
NGOs and community -led groups, which are a real lifeline for people experiencing homelessness
and mental health concerns.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring agencies work together and community and
consumers are represented and involved in decision -making to provide appropriate care and stable
housing.”

Quotes attributable to Southern NSW Local Health District’s Mental Health Housing Liaison Officer,
Donna Campbell:

“These forums will look at how the Housing and Mental Health Agreement 2022 can be
operationalised in Southern NSW to strengthen the system and workforce that supports people with
lived experience of mental health and housing instability.
“It’s about ensuring the entire ecosystem, including NSW Health, Homes NSW, and NGOs, have the
structural ‘muscle’ to improve how we work together in the immediate, medium and longer term to
achieve the best outcomes for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Mission Australia’s Area Manager, Belle Grossetti:
“Supporting good mental health and ending homelessness starts with safe, stable housing and
access to the right support at the right time. People experiencing housing insecurity and mental
health concerns often face complex challenges, and coordinated resp onses are essential.
“These forums bring services together so we can work more effectively to support locals to remain
safely housed, improve their mental health and build hope and possibility for the future. As a proud
forum partner, this reflects Mission Australia’s commitme nt to working closely with local services
and alongside people and families when they reach out for support.”

MEDIA: Lisa Miller | Dr Michael Holland | 02 6492 2056