Mayors, councillors and local government representatives have donated coats for the homeless and those in need as part of a coat drive ahead of National Coat Day, which is run by Enormity on 14 July.
The coats are being collected at the 2018 National General Assembly of Local Government, currently being held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.
Senator Steve Martin, who helped launch the drive at the conference, said homelessness does not discriminate.
“Homelessness can affect all members of our community including the young or old, families or single people, Aboriginal people or people from culturally diverse backgrounds, resulting in great social and economic costs to the individual and the community as a whole,” he said.
“Enormity has for a long time worked towards helping those in need by providing the simplest basic need of warmth and protection from the elements of winter – warm coats and clothing.”
Mayor David O’Loughlin, President of the Australian Local Government Association, said councils have been involved in addressing homelessness in Australia.
“Many councils engage with homelessness issues in their communities in innovative ways by working in close partnership with other levels of government and a range of community and not-for-profit organisations,” he said.
“I’m thrilled that this year’s Assembly is supporting a charity that helps the most vulnerable people in our communities who are sleeping rough and doing in tough in this cold winter season.
“I encourage everyone to rustle around in their wardrobes and donate a coat to Enormity.”
The National General Assembly of Local Government is being held from 15 – 17 June. The full conference program can be found at: http://www.conferenceco.com.au/ALGA_NGA/Program.html