A landmark study by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
In April 2025, the City released a landmark report addressing transitional Aboriginal homelessness and anti-social behaviour across regional Australia.
Led by CEO Andrew Brien, this six-month research project is the most in-depth study the City has undertaken in this area. It involved engagement with over 30 stakeholders across Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, and features case studies from communities including Broome, Ceduna, Alice Springs, Darwin, and Kununurra.
Areas visited as part of the research project.
Why this work matters
This is not just a local issue. What’s happening in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is happening in many regional communities across Australia. It’s a call for greater collaboration between governments, communities, and services - and a reminder that listening to local people leads to better outcomes.
This body of work is significant not only locally but also regionally, state, and nationally. The City hopes it will contribute to better on-the-ground outcomes, helping projects that align with Closing the Gap priorities be more effective and responsive to community needs.
What the report found
The report highlights that while no two communities are the same, many face similar challenges - and that culturally informed, locally driven solutions are key to achieving real and lasting change. It emphasises the importance of stable housing, wrap-around support services, improved coordination between agencies, access to meaningful local data, and flexible funding models to enable community-led initiatives.
Key Recommendations
In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, existing relationships with organisations such as the Paupiyala Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation (PTAC), Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation (GIHO), and Bega Garnbirringu Health Services could be formalised and expanded, ensuring Indigenous voices are central to all decision-making processes.
In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, additional or new service delivery hubs should be considered and build on the foundations laid by the Goldfields Indigenous Housing Organisation’s Summer Response Hub (which closed following the cessation of funding on 30 June 2024). They should involve co-design with Aboriginal stakeholders to ensure cultural safety and accessibility.
The continued work towards implementation of the By Name List in Kalgoorlie-Boulder will provide a practical mechanism to identify and prioritise the needs of rough sleepers and should be supported with adequate housing stock and support services.
Building on the Safe Passage Home model, efforts should focus on securing long-term funding, increasing service frequency, and expanding the model to additional communities. The recent funding for a second GIHO-operated bus is a positive step and should be matched with service continuity planning.
The City should advocate for consistency in restrictions across regional centres to support a region-wide approach to alcohol harm reduction. This should be done in collaboration with First Nations people.
The $10 million Local Services Plan Community Support Fund represents a valuable starting point, and the City will continue to advocate to both State and Federal Governments for the extension of this initiative or the development of similar, long-term funding models.
Standardisation in reporting frequency, format, and geographic resolution should be developed to enhance the quality of cross-jurisdictional research and support more targeted interventions in high-need communities.
The City should work with WA Police, liquor licensees, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to strengthen local alcohol management by pursuing the introduction of a Takeaway Alcohol Management System (TAMS) and integration with the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) under the framework of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Liquor Accord.
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Next Steps
The findings will guide the City's future advocacy, including a motion at the 2025 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, calling for a coordinated nationwide framework to address transitional Aboriginal homelessness and support place-based solutions across regional Australia.
Through this landmark report, the City is proud to be leading important conversations and actions that can help drive meaningful change - not just in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but right across regional Australia.
Join the National Think Tank
We're inviting expressions of interest to take part in a national think tank. This event will bring together representatives from the study locations, Aboriginal organisations, service providers, local governments, and other key stakeholders to:
- Share and refine examples of what’s working on the ground
- Strengthen collaboration across regions and sectors
- Help shape a coordinated, long-term national framework
If your organisation is working in this space—or you bring relevant knowledge and lived experience—we welcome your interest.
Complete the form below to express your interest.
