Wombat Housing Support Services

04/06/2026

We’re announcing an important step in how we support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Following a successful 12-month Strategic Alliance, Unison will assume governance responsibility for Wombat.

For our community, this means better coordination behind the scenes. Both organisations will remain operationally independent, and Wombat will continue to operate business as usual.

“This is modern governance in action, responding to today’s challenges by strengthening the connection between housing and support,” said Wombat Housing Support Services Board Chair Tara Durdin.

Read more here: https://www.wombat.org.au/news/unison-and-wombat-strengthen-support-for-people-experiencing-homelessness

Today we’re sharing an important step forward in how we support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Following a successful 12-month Strategic Alliance, Unison will be assuming governance responsibility of Wombat Housing Support Services (Wombat).

We know this closer alignment leads to more consistent and sustainable outcomes — especially when people need stability, continuity, and the right support at the right time.

As CEO James King said:
“We’re pleased to welcome Wombat to our group structure and strengthen supports for our community as a result. Our focus remains on improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”

Wombat will continue to operate as an independent organisation, while together we will build a more integrated and effective homelessness, housing, and support system.

This is a meaningful step forward — and there’s more to come.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/4vn3kqZ

27/05/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, Wombat is proud to officially launch our Reconciliation Action Plan and dedicated RAP webpage.

This is a big step for Wombat, and one shaped by reflection, honest conversations, challenge and hard work.

Our RAP has been developed through the commitment of people across the organisation, including the generous contributions of First Nations staff who shared their artwork, experience, wisdom and guidance throughout the process.

The 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme is All In. For Wombat, being all in means continuing to listen, learn, build respectful relationships and take practical action beyond this week.

Our RAP webpage is now live and shares more about our commitments and reconciliation journey.

Read more here:
https://www.wombat.org.au/about/reconciliation-action-plan

All artwork on this page is adapted from Visitors (2024) by Maddison Dunkley (Gomeroi) and Kevyn Manning (Larrakia). The collaborative work depicts the Spirit Creator and the journey of walking alongside clients — offering support, understanding, and hope.

13/05/2026

Sharing and celebrating this important Treaty milestone. Congratulations to the newly elected Co-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

We continue to stand in support of Treaty in Victoria.

26/01/2026

If you’ve walked past our office on Flemington Rd today, you’ve seen our Windows for Change display filled with a message of solidarity. 🖤💛❤️

At Wombat, we stand in solidarity. Today, our staff have chosen to work because we recognise that January 26th is a day of mourning and survival, not celebration. In support of our First Nations staff, clients, and the wider community, we are continuing our support services while also taking time to attend the Invasion Day Rally in Central Melbourne this morning.

In the homelessness sector, we witness the devastating and ongoing impacts of colonisation every single day. We are in awe of the resilience, compassion, and spirit of the people we are privileged to walk alongside, and we remain committed to the fight for equality, recognition, and justice.

Want to show your support? Check out the incredible posters in our window! They are provided by the legends at Clothing The Gaps We want to thank them for giving us the tools to use our office space for advocacy.

We encourage you to visit Clothing The Gaps to find their Jan 26 campaign resources, sign the Australia Day - Jan 26 - Not A Date To Celebrate petition and get your own posters to display.

Let’s listen, learn, and act together. Always Was. Always Will Be.

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/australia-day-jan-26-not-a-date-to-celebrate?recruiter=968630202&recruited_by_id=70a86fa0-88d1-11e9-9036-d3680673480c&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink

20/12/2025

🎁 Need a meaningful last-minute gift? Send hope instantly. No wrapping or postage required!

Donate today on behalf of someone special, and they’ll receive an e-card you can personalise with your message.

Not buying a gift? You can still make this Christmas matter.
Your donation helps fund simple, powerful thing like a child’s first swimming lesson, a family outing to the zoo, a pet care package, or home essentials.

Whether you’re gifting or giving, you’re creating joy and belonging for families, singles, and young people rebuilding after crisis.

Donate now and create .
👉 https://www.givenow.com.au/wombathousing

17/12/2025

As Christmas approaches, we’ve been collecting gifts from The Sixth Child — a partner who shows up for our young people every single year.
These gifts bring joy to families who are doing it tough, and they always go straight to parents and caregivers. That’s central to the program: preserving a parent’s dignity by ensuring they are the ones giving the gift. A small detail that means everything.

The Sixth Child also supports young people with practical essentials. Recently, Jason* — who had been managing health issues while couch surfing and trying to stay on top of school — finally secured long term housing. As he settled in, The Sixth Child provided him with a new pair of Nike sneakers. For Jason, it wasn’t just shoes — it was confidence, stability and a reminder that people in his community care.
This partnership helps families and young people feel seen, supported and not forgotten — at Christmas and all year round. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.

*Name changed.

10/12/2025

Thanks to StreetSmart Australia and the amazing initiative, we’ve received a grant that will help us provide essential food items to families, singles and young people doing it tough this Christmas. 💛

This support comes from local cafes and their generous customers – thank you for making a real difference in our community!

28/11/2025

Wow, we are speechless!!! We can’t put into words how we’re feeling after the overwhelming support at Liz Stringer’s gig last Friday night at the Corner Hotel. Liz Stringer, you’re such a talent, and to everyone who came out and donated: YOU ARE ALL TRULY AMAZING! 💛

Thank you for supporting our Moments that Matter Campaign. Your generosity helps us offer not only vital support, but also those small, powerful experiences that bring dignity, joy, and hope to people rebuilding after crisis. ✨

👉You can still DONTATE here: https://www.givenow.com.au/wombatandlizstringer

18/11/2025

🎶 We can’t wait for this! 🎶

Join us for a truly special night with the incredible Liz Stringer, standing together with Wombat Housing Support Service at the Corner Hotel for her To Survive tour show.

On the night, you’ll have the opportunity to donate to our Moments That Matter campaign — experiences that restore dignity and joy for families rebuilding after crisis.

📅 Friday, November 21
📍 Corner Hotel
✨ With very special guests Kyarna and Maeve Grieve

Liz has been a passionate friend and advocate for our community, helping us raise much-needed funds to support children, young people, singles and families across Melbourne’s inner west. We value authentic partnerships like this, and working with Liz is always a highlight for us.

🎟 Grab your tickets now and stand with us to make a difference!
👉 https://tickets.cornerhotel.com/outlet/event/c695708b-36d8-4616-a8dd-e18814d42445

07/10/2025

We’re thrilled to be featured as one of the incredible charities on the To Survive Tour!

Liz Stringer has been a wonderful supporter of Wombat Housing Support Services, raising $12k for us in 2021 at The Thornbury Theatre. This year, she’s taking it even further by co-presenting the tour with us and helping to generate vital funds for our work supporting vulnerable communities in Melbourne’s inner north and west.

We deeply appreciate Liz’s friendship and ongoing commitment to our team, whose dedication makes a real difference every day. This partnership is invaluable and will enable us to continue delivering essentials for children, young people, and families—such as food, clothing, and other practical support.

Tickets for the Corner Hotel show and all other dates are available here: www.lizstringer.com/shows

You can check out our donation page here: https://www.givenow.com.au/wombatandlizstringer

Thank you for your support!