Get Involved
The Housing Matters Action Group (HMAG) has 300 members with a core group of 30 active volunteers who really make things happen. Our membership is a mix of interested community members, representatives from relevant government and non-government organisations and interested people with expertise from across the housing system.
Volunteers are the driving force behind our Working Groups and Events. Their commitment and dedication speak to the care we have for each other as a community and our ability to make change when we work together.
We meet on the third Thursday of the month from 4.30-6.00 PM at the Bellingen Sustainability Centre, 6a Church Street Lane, Bellingen NSW 2454.
You are welcome to join us in making a difference. To get involved email info@housingmatters.org.au
What’s on
‘Homes for our Community’ Forum:
Book your ticket now for our upcoming ‘Homes for our Community’ Forum on Saturday 7 September 2024, 9.30am – 1.00pm at the Bellingen Memorial Hall. Full Program available here.
Our two previous forums, back in 2018 and 2019, were key to our story — they helped us connect with community, develop our organisation and work program, and link up with key thinkers and doers in the housing innovation space. Fast forward to 2024, and we think it is time to go back to community, share important updates on our key projects, and invite people to get involved where they can.
We are thrilled that esteemed financial journalist, Alan Kohler, is our Forum keynote speaker. You may recall Alan’s recent piece in the Quarterly Essay, ‘The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Mess and How to Fix It,’ which unpacked what went wrong with the Australian housing market over the twentieth century. We look forward to Alan sharing his thoughtful and engaging analysis with us, and helping us think through the local implications of these macro trends. We look forward to Alan sharing his thoughtful and engaging analysis with us, and helping us think through the local implications of these macro trends.
In addition to Alan Kohler’s keynote, the forum will feature an in-depth presentation on the progress of the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust project. This visionary initiative, a cornerstone of our long-term strategy, aims to establish sustainable housing solutions for residents across the Bellingen Shire.
Please use this link to book your ticket.
Learning Circle and Reading Group:
Our August learning circle was a presentation by Mark Smyth, General Manager of the Banana Coast Union.
Mark has recently returned from an international study tour that explored the merits of the co-operative housing model in Copenhagen, Vienna and Zurich.
The study tour was organised by the Business Council of Co-ops and Mutuals (BCCM) who are committed to learning more about innovative solutions to Australia’s housing affordability crisis. View the recording to hear Mark’s key takeaways from the tour and what Australia can learn from our friends overseas.
The next session will invite guest speaker, Meaghan Burkett to explore community wealth building and place based capital, with an eye to developing a local initiative in that space. The session will be the first in a series about different strategies and techniques for the general public. RSVP learn more and register for a spot.
Date: Thursday 7th November 4.30-6.00 PM.
RSVP: rose@housingmatters.org.au for more info.
Community Land Trust (CLT) Working Group:
Are you keen to help drive change at the local level and address the housing crisis? Interested in housing innovation that delivers affordable and secure homes for local people on local incomes? Then get involved in the Bellingen Shire Community Land Trust Establishment Project as a member of a resident-led working group.
The CLT Working Group (WG) is a forum for interested community members to be involved in the establishment of the Bellingen Shire CLT. The WG will be a space for consultation on operational policy issues related to the establishment of the CLT; and an information dissemination channel making it easy for locals to stay connected to the project.
You can view the WG’s terms of reference and statement of intent here. RSVP is required by contacting clt@housingmatters.org.au
DATE: Friday 20th September 2.30-4.30 PM. RSVP for more info.
RSVP: clt@housingmatters.org.au
Housing Meeting 2025
We’re planning a meeting in early 2025 with the Bellingen Shire Council focusing on the Local Housing Strategy and Council activities in the housing space. Please contact rose@housingmatters.org.au for more info.
Monthly Action Group Meeting:
Since our inception in 2017, our monthly meetings have been action-focused and brought interested residents together to work and plan. We have decided to temporarily park these gatherings so we can refresh our strategic plan 2024-2026 – watch this space!
Date: TBC.
Venue: The Bellingen Sustainability Centre, 6a Church Street Lane, Bellingen
RSVP: rose@housingmatters.org.au
