In Australia, there are over 122,494 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
Homelessness Week, 7 to 13 August 2023, aims to raise awareness of the causes and impacts of homelessness via national and local events and campaigns that educate communities on how they can make a difference.
The City will host a range of initiatives that we encourage the Canning community to take part in.
Foodbank Food Drive – 7 to 20 August
The City of Canning has again partnered with Foodbank WA to help provide meals for those doing it tough in our community. Foodbank WA is the largest hunger relief charity in Australia, providing food and groceries to those who struggle to afford them.
Drop off points were placed at Cannington, Willetton and Riverton Libraries, and the City’s Administration building from 7-20 August. This year, the City’s collection amounted to 372kgs, which is equivalent to 670 meals!
Over the last two years, City of Canning residents have donated a whopping 832kgs of food donations, the equivalent of 1,498 meals.
Foodbank WA accept donations year-round. Find out how you can get involved.
If you need some help on what food to donate, Foodbank has listed their ‘most wanted’ items:
- Canned meals
- Long life milk
- Tea and coffee
- Pasta sauces
- Spreads and jams
- Nappies
- Canned veggies
- Canned soup
- Pasta and rice
- Oats and cereal
- Washing products
- Dental products
- Canned fruit
- Canned tuna
- Baked beans
- Flour
- Meal bases
- Toilet paper
Eye Contact Exhibition
2 to 9 August at Riverton Library, 67 Riley Rd, Riverton
The City of Canning in partnership with the Rotary WA will present a photographic exhibition by Perth photographer Phil England at Riverton Library. Held during Homelessness Week, the exhibition seeks to change the way society views people experiencing homelessness, featuring the stories of 20 Western Australians.
Freo Street Doctor Clinic
Fridays, 2pm – 5pm at 142 Wharf Street, Cannington
The Freo Street Doctor Clinic offers mobile health services to disadvantaged and homeless people. The service is easily accessible and non-judgemental. No appointment is necessary, and all consultations are bulk-billed.
Every Friday, the following services are available at 142 Wharf Street, Cannington (Cannington Soup Kitchen):
- Freo Street Doctor Service, 2pm – 5pm
- Orange Sky Mobile Laundry, 5pm – 7pm
- Cannington Soup Kitchen, 6pm – 7pm
In addition to the existing Street Doctor Service, the City has been successful in securing funding from the Shelter WA Homelessness Week Grant Program. The grant will build upon the current Street Doctor partnership with Black Swan Health, looking to trial a second clinic within the district as soon as possible.
Through events, activities, media, or social media we can develop a greater awareness and understanding of the nature and scope of homelessness. Shelter WA has a range of activities planned for the upcoming week. Visit the Shelter WA website to view the events calendar.
If you have any queries, please contact the Safe Communities team by safecommunities@canning.wa.gov.au or 1300 422 664.