Healthy North Coast is proud to announce a new health investment dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness.

In partnership with local homelessness service providers, this initiative provides essential health care to some of the North Coast’s most vulnerable members in Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Coffs Harbour.

Recent data from the 2025 NSW Statewide Street Count highlights the urgent need for targeted health support in our region, with the Byron Shire recording the highest number of people experiencing homelessness in New South Wales outside of the City of Sydney (291). Tweed Valley (155) and Coffs Harbour (99) were the next highest.

Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP, said, “The Albanese Labor Government is delivering $540,000 in federal funding for Healthy North Coast’s initiative to provide essential health care for people experiencing homelessness on the North Coast.

“Homelessness shouldn’t be a barrier to vital health care, and our government’s funding for this program will assist them in accessing the medical support they need from local GPs in Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, and Tweed Heads.

“As your local MP I’m always working to improve access to health care in our region,” Justine said.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler celebrated the introduction of these vital services for the community, “All people, regardless of their housing situation, should have access to quality health care. We are grateful to the Australian Government for this funding support and for the collaboration with our local service partners, who play a vital role in making these services accessible and effective.

“People experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues. This is often made worse by having difficulty accessing health and social services. By embedding health care into trusted community spaces, this program is providing holistic, person-centred care to improve health outcomes and support individuals on their journey to stable housing.”

The program follows a recent expression of interest process, with strong interest from many general practices on the North Coast.

Dr Tonya Coren, GP at First Light Healthcare, who won the contract in Byron Bay, emphasised the importance of accessible health care:

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care, no matter their circumstances. People experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to medical support, which can lead to untreated conditions and serious health complications. By bringing GP services directly to them, we’re breaking down those barriers and ensuring they receive the care they need with dignity and compassion.”

With a total value of $540,000, provided through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network Primary Care Access program, Healthy North Coast is commissioning health services at four key community hubs:

• Byron Bay: A GP from First Light Healthcare attends Fletcher Street Cottage - a drop-in service run by Byron Community Centre that offers meals, showers, laundry and other support services - one session per week on Thursday mornings.
• Tweed Heads: A GP and nurse from Tweed Banora Medical Centre attend Fred’s Place -a drop-in service run by St Vincent de Paul that supports 80-125 people and serves 200 meals per day - one session per week on Wednesday mornings.
• Coffs Harbour: A GP from Coffs Medical Centre attends Pete’s Place - a drop-in service run by St Vincent de Paul that offers meals, showers, clothing and access to other services - one session per week on Thursday mornings.
• Mullumbimby: A GP and nurse from Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health Centre attend Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre – a centre that provides access to a range of services including support for the homeless - one session per week on Wednesday mornings.

Pending successful health outcomes of these services, more may be rolled out in areas of need on the North Coast.