Who we are

Established in 1975, Shelter NSW is the State's peak housing policy and advocacy organisation.

We are independent. We promote social justice. We lead and collaborate. We value expertise and evidence.

Interested in the history of housing activism and the birth of Shelter NSW? Download the Champions of Change eBook by Dr Tony Gilmour.

Parramatta consultation forum: what does "a secure home for all" mean to you?

How do we define a sustainable and effective housing system?

How do we create a person-centred housing system underpinned by the following key elements;

• Everyone deserves a secure home to call their own.
• A diverse and integrated system provides a variety of options.
• All tenures provide dignity, stability and affordability.
• Cities, neighbourhoods and homes are built for diversity and inclusion.
• Communities are supported and engaged through change.

We have developed a discussion paper to prompt conversations and engagement to build a coherent and persuasive set of messages that are informed and influenced by Shelter NSW members, supporters and stakeholders.

Shelter NSW and Parramatta Mission invite you to join us on Monday 16 September to participate in discussions on developing a shared contemporary vision for housing.

An Illawarra region consultation forum will be held on 27 September,e hosted by the Community Industry Group. More information and on-line registration is available here.

We will be conducting a series of workshops across Sydney and regional NSW. Keep an eye out for announcements of further consultations including a Liverpool forum.

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Shelter NSW latest research: An overview of the Boarding Houses Sector

“Boarding houses in NSW: Growth, change and implications for equitable density” by Chris Martin of City Futures Research Centre for Shelter NSW is the most comprehensive overview of the boarding houses sector in NSW published since the introduction of the Boarding Houses Act 2012 and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 (AHSEPP).

The report discusses what a boarding house is - considering a range of perspectives including legal, as a built form, the size of the sector and the profile of its residents. It also offers important policy implication insights. We have prepared a brief summary outlining the main findings and implications for reform in housing and planning policy. Read our Shelter NSW update or access the full research report.

Councils' Local Strategic Planning Statements

Wondering what your local council is thinking about the challenge of housing affordability, now and into the future?

Recent changes to NSW planning law require each council to prepare a 20 year vision for land use, called a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS). This is part of a longer-term review of Local Environmental Plans that should lead to the implementation of Affordable Rental Housing Targets.

For the 33 Greater Sydney based councils, the Greater Sydney Commission requires a Local Housing Strategy to be developed as well. The LSPS will give us some clues as to what each council's housing strategy will include, and just how seriously they are taking the challenges of affordable housing.

Sydney based councils need to have their LSPS on exhibition for public feedback - for a minimum of 28 days - by October 1st 2019. Many of them have already started the process.

Help us keep track of what your local council is planning!

Click here to read about our principles for Local Strategic Planning Statements, and to find out where your local council is up to with the LSPS-making process. Let us know if you're planning to give them some feedback.

"Many organisations have a clear history, being established on a particular date in a
specified location by a known group of people.
Not so for Shelter, or National Shelter.
Both organisations emerged gradually and informally,
as befit collectives formed by activists keen for change."

Champions of Change by Dr Tony Gilmour