Keith Garner of Wesley Mission appointed to the Premier's Homelessness Council

22 February 2010

Wesley Mission’s CEO, Rev Dr Keith Garner, has been invited to be a member of an expert group advising the NSW Premier on reducing homelessness.

“I want advice from the people who deal with this issue on a daily basis and who have first hand experience,” Premier Kristina Keneally said when launching the ten-person Premier’s Advisory Council on Homelessness in Sydney on February 18.

The Premier chose Wesley Mission’s Edward Eagar Lodge, which offers emergency accommodation, as the venue for the launch and spent time chatting with several of the residents.

Dr Garner said he welcomed the chance for Wesley Mission to make a contribution to the Council.

“I’m pleased that the Government is prepared to listen on this important issue and that the Premier chose to make the announcement, not in Parliament House, but in a place that works with the everyday realities of homelessness,” he said.

“I’m confident that this Council will not be just a talkfest. My fellow members and I don’t want that and are committed to try and deliver workable solutions.”

Other members of the Premier’s Council include Father Chris Riley (Youth off the Streets), Michael Coffey (Youth Accommodation Association), Sue Cripps (Homelessness NSW) and two people who were homeless for long periods.

The Council will meet quarterly and be chaired by the Premier.

There are an estimated 27,000 people in NSW who are homeless or are sleeping rough.

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