Homelessness Taskforce Reformed

The COVID-19 Taskforce on Homelessness has been reformed


After a meeting of leaders from across the homelessness sector a COVID-19 homelessness lead group was established by Shelter WA to drive and inform a sector response. On May 17, 2020 this Taskforce was reformed with the intention of streamlining processes and further targeting work.

The Taskforce separated into a core Taskforce, co-chaired by Tiffany Allen, Executive Director, Housing and Homelessness, Department of Communities and Gordon Cole, Chair of Noongar Mia Mia and a Consultation Group, co-chaired by Michelle Mackenzie from Shelter WA and John Berger from the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness.

The Consultation Group will be the platform to raise the issues and risks for people experiencing homelessness as a result of COVID-19, and to develop strategic responses and solutions. As co-chairs of this group, Shelter WA and the WA Alliance to End Homelessness will be a critical conduit between both groups, as they are members of the Taskforce core team, presenting proposals to this smaller team to progress the actions and decisions. Further information on the progress of existing proposals and their authorising pathway will be provided as they come to light.

COVID-19 Response Core Taskforce on Homelessness

  • Tiffany Allen, Department of Communities (Co-Chair)
  • Gordon Cole, Noongar Mia Mia (Co-Chair)
  • Emma Colombera, Department of Communities
  • Carol Innes, Department of Communities
  • John Berger, Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness
  • Daniel Morrison, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
  • Debra Clements, Department of Health
  • Michelle Mackenzie, Shelter WA
  • Amanda Hunt, UnitingCare West
  • Mark Glasson, Anglicare WA
  • Natalie Sangalli, Access Housing
  • Samantha Drury, St Bart’s

Observer – Joshua Cunniffe – Office of Minister McGurk

COVID-19 Taskforce on Homelessness Consultation Group

  • Allan Connolly – Hear of my Experience (HOME)
  • Jamie Neale – Hear of my Experience (HOME)
  • Ken Smith – Salvation Army
  • Carmon Acosta – Tenancy WA
  • Debra Zanella – Ruah
  • John Burger – Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (Co-chair)
  • Michelle Mackenzie – Shelter WA (Co-chair)
  • Ricky Burges – Albany Youth Support Association
  • Katie Stubley – UWA
  • Jesse Noakes – Day Dawn
  • Leah Watkins – Ruah
  • Lisa Wood – UWA
  • Michael Piu – St. Patrick’s Community Support Centre
  • Tony Pietropiccolo – Centrecare
  • Ali Meehan – Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA)
  • Michael King – Centacare Kimberley
  • Jonathan Ford – Moorditj Koort Aboriginal Health and Welfare Centre
  • Lisa Kazalac – Shelter WA
  • Leanne Strommen – Centrecare
  • Emma Landers – City of Perth
  • Tina Williams – Volunteering WA

Further information

Shelter WA will work in partnership with the other peaks and the State Government to ensure that you receive accurate and up to date information. Current issues that are facing the sector at the moment can be found here. If you would like further information or how to become involved please email us here.