Stress on Housing Crisis for Homeless Women

BY LAURA D'AMICO


Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison is raising concern in regards to the housing crisis many women are facing.

Yesterday Ms Harrison gave a Notice of Motion to address the government, asking for long-term housing solutions for the ever-growing number of homeless women in the Charlestown electorate.

"These women have led conventional lives, raised families, worked part-time or in unpaid roles," Ms Harrison said.

"Many of these women are unable to maintain private rental as the high rental prices can consume practically all of their income - they are left without the financial security to care for themselves."

The rate of women who are homeless is increasing at a concerning rate, with considerable concern for those aged over 46.

With 0.01% of houses in the private rental market being affordable to women claiming a Newstart allowance, there has been an ever-present increase of women sleeping in cars and 'couch surfing'.

The worrying increase in the number of homeless women in the hunter has seen local not-for-profit support services stretched thin, and Jodie Harrison says the government needs to be doing more to fix the problem.

"The Berejiklian Government needs to stop pouring billions of dollars into rebuilding new sports stadiums in Syndey and put the money where it is needed most."

First Female Assistant Bishop For Newcastle

BY: ALEX MURRAY

The Newcastle Anglican Diocese has it's first female assistant bishop, Sonia Roulston.

In 171 years of the Anglican Diocese' operation, this is the first time a female has stepped into this senior position.

It was also the first for the appointment of two assistant bishops, following Sonia Roulston, Charlie Murray was also named Archdeacon from today's events.

Archdeacon Roulston says as the church evolves, so will the role of elevating women.

As Newcastle and the wider Australian region are increasingly more secular, the diocese are hoping this will restore confidence in the system believing actions speak louder than words.

In an interview with the ABC, Archdeacon Roulston said, "It's exciting to be the first woman to be making this step, but in a way it seems like a normal step to be taking"