Connections Week paints picture of homelessness in the Shire

Connections Week surpasses expectations for survey submission and community support

Just Home Margaret River and the Shire of Augusta Margaret are a step closer to understanding homelessness in the Shire following a successful first Connections Week.

The community-wide initiative, led by Just Home Margaret River, ran from 3- 6 March 2026.

The aim of the week was to collect up-to-date data through a nationally recognised survey, which will be used to strengthen advocacy efforts for social housing and on-the-ground support services.

During the week, 43 surveys were completed by 'permanent residents', with an additional 25 surveys completed by seasonal workers. Connections Weeks have previously been held in other regional centres, including Bunbury and Mandurah in 2021, where 12 and 35 surveys were completed, respectively.

Shire President Julia Jean-Rice said while the Shire was proud to fund Connections Week through its Community Development and Events grants, she had mixed emotions about the initial results.

"In one sense, Connections Week was a success because so many people completed the survey," she said.

"At the same time, it reminds us that there are people in our Shire experiencing real housing stress, and that we need more social housing and on-the-ground support services."

In addition to collecting data, Connections Week was able to offer practical, tangible help for the region's most vulnerable people, allowing them to make connections with sector services and frontline workers.

Shona Anne Hunter, Community Advocacy & Engagement Coordinator at Just Home, said the group has been overwhelmed by the community's generosity.

"It's been encouraging and heartwarming to see our community come together for the region's most vulnerable people," Ms Hunter said.

"From businesses donating vouchers, food and medical supplies to local charities and groups donating funds and volunteering their time, the support has been incredible."

Just Home Interim Chair and volunteer Stuart Carrick said the level of community involvement was inspiring.

"I'm encouraged to see all the different organisations and people from this community get together and tackle this common crisis we're facing. I want to help to keep the momentum going."

The full findings will be shared at the Report Launch on Thursday, 2 April, 10.30 - 11.30 am in Margaret River Council Chambers. For more details, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/justhome/2057585.

About Just Home

Founded in 2015, Just Home's work has been tireless and critical toward housing justice in the Augusta Margaret River region.
Media enquiries: Emma Weir, 0422921277 / [email protected]
General enquiries: Shona Hunter, 0448942657 / [email protected]

Editor's Notes:
Connections Week in Bunbury (2021) saw 12 surveys completed, in Albany (2024) 73 surveys completed, in Geraldton (2020) 45 surveys completed and in Mandurah (2021) 35 surveys completed. Source: https://waaeh.org.au/