Homelessness issues in Gosnells were discussed at a meeting with local members and the City of Gosnells mayor Glenn Dewhurst on September 16.
Mr Dewhurst said people from the community were constantly asking him to do something about homelessness in the city.
“You can’t just get rid of homeless people you need to give them purpose and a helping hand,” he said.
Mr Dewhurst met with various members of the community including director of Collective Hope Disability Services Dale Ross, Art vs Depression representative Gavin Grace and candidate for Gosnells and community Isabell Brown.
Mr Dewhurst attended a sleep out last month as part of a homeless for a night challenge and according to him this has resulted in further conversations to tackle homelessness in the city.
“I have brought these people together as a collision of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for unfortunate people in the community,” he said.
“I have responded to communities call to do more for people going through homelessness, people with disabilities, socially isolated people, victims of domestic violence by giving people the chance to have purpose.
“These people can help by providing good medical care, mental health strategies, job opportunities, purpose programs to combat addiction and eventually a place to stay off the streets.”
Ms Brown is also a leader in the Aboriginal community and received the Richmond Fellowship Award for helping students in child mental health services.
“I will be tireless in promoting a caring, inclusive and progressive community, which includes reducing the level of suicides in Gosnells by championing change at a grassroots level,” she said.
