Territorians who have experienced homelessness will help shape the system that supports them, backed by a $2.112 million investment from the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
YWCA Australia will independently coordinate the group, with delivery support from Anglicare NT.
Expressions of Interest are now open, with Territorians who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity encouraged to apply.
Territorians who have experienced homelessness can now put their hand up to help shape the future of homelessness reform, with Expressions of Interest open to join the new Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG).
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has appointed YWCA Australia to independently coordinate the group, investing $528,000 a year over four years through the Department of Children and Families as part of the Northern Territory Homelessness Strategy 2025-2030. YWCA Australia has engaged Anglicare NT to support delivery, with dedicated staff recruited to lead engagement and support members.
The LEAG will operate Territory-wide with representation from urban, regional, and remote communities, including Aboriginal Territorians and people from diverse backgrounds, providing advice to help inform homelessness policy, planning, governance, and service reform.
Minister for Children and Families, Robyn Cahill, said the people who had been through the system understood it best.
“Nobody understands the homelessness system better than the people who have lived it. Their voices need to be at the table when we make decisions.
“We’ve backed this properly, with independent coordination and the right support around people, because honest advice needs a safe place to be given. YWCA Australia and Anglicare NT bring real experience to that, and I welcome their partnership.”
YWCA Australia NT General Manager, Rachael Uebergang, said the group would create a safe and inclusive space for people to share their experiences.
“People with lived experience know what works, what barriers exist and what needs to change to improve the homelessness system across the Territory.”
Anglicare NT CEO, Craig Kelly, said the work was a first for the sector.
“By listening to people with lived experience, we can help strengthen homelessness responses and improve pathways to stable housing and support for all Territorians.”
Expressions of Interest close on Friday 21 August, with the homelessness sector encouraged to support clients and individuals with lived experience to apply.
