Anchor Community Care Ltd.

11/09/2026

“A community organisation can’t come into existence unless there’s people willing to roll their sleeves up.”

Across 50 years of history, there have been so many people come through our services who have made a difference.

This video features a board member of SHAC, one of the original organisations which formed to create Anchor in the early 2000’s.

Doug Mitchell was the board chair at the time of the Ferntree Gully office opening. We found a dusty copy of a VHS tape from 1997 which covers the opening ceremony for the office, and gives a fascinating insight into the motivation and drive of people working in the areas of homelessness and foster care during that time.

A big part of our 50th anniversary is recognising, celebrating and paying our respect to all of those who came before us to forge the present-day Anchor – one that continues to deliver on the passion and belief that so many have shared in supporting young people experiencing homelessness, and striving for outcomes for families and individuals experiencing hardship and disadvantage.

02/09/2026

Anchor has an incredible history and in our 50th year we are uncovering some of the stories, beginning with how the name Anchor came to be.

Would you believe us if we told you then name just fell out of the dictionary?
Former staff Josette and Jenny tell all.

27/08/2026

There are no individual efforts in the homelessness space.

It takes communities, local businesses, volunteers, frontline workers and supporters coming together to make a difference.

We saw that last night, and were thrilled to see a room full of community supporters gather for the Homelessness Community Fundraiser, an evening focused on connection, collaboration and supporting people experiencing homelessness in the Yarra Ranges.

Anchor organised the event alongside Stable One, Holy Fools and Yarra Ranges Council, and Ant Pitt - bringing together community members, volunteers, frontline workers and local representatives in support of people doing it tough.

Thank you to Chemist Warehouse (Chirnside), Bridget Vallence MP, Reading Cinemas (Chirnside) and Rapid Relief Team AU for your generosity in helping make the event extra special.

19/08/2026

Don't miss next week's dinner and screening of documentary 'The Ranch'.

All proceeds form the event go to supporting the work of Stable One Holy Fools and Anchor.

Tickets available here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1625084

🗓 Wednesday 26 August
🕡 6:30pm
📍 Lilydale Baptist Church

11/08/2026

David and Leanne from our Homelessness team speaking on 3MDR 97.1 FM last week about the need for more awareness and support of people experiencing homelessness.

10/08/2026

Our team have been working extensively to ensure all people experiencing homelessness in our service area are supported to participate in the census.

Our CEO, Heidi Tucker has spoken to the Star Mail News , ABC Melbourne, and SBS News in the lead up to Census night where she has described the census data on homelessness in Australia as ‘precious evidence’.

The census data is a vital opportunity for all Australians to understand how widespread homelessness is.

It allows homelessness organisations of all sizes to be able to advocate for better support and funding and enables the government to see where the need is greatest.

Full story in the comments 👀

10/08/2026

What Gives Homelessness Workers Hope?

In this final episode of our Ask a Homelessness Worker conversations, our experienced frontline homelessness workers share honest insights into the realities of supporting people experiencing homelessness.

They discuss the moments that stay with them, what they've learned from the people they support, the changes they believe could improve Australia's homelessness system, and the hope that keeps them coming back every day.

07/08/2026

The Truth About Homelessness in Australia.

Anchor frontline case managers tackle some of the stigma, stereotypes and biggest misconceptions about homelessness in Australia.

They discuss the stereotypes they hear most often, why homelessness is far more complex than many people realise, and why solving homelessness requires more than simply providing emergency accommodation.

05/08/2026

CAFESMART IS TOMORROW!

Be sure to support any participating cafe's in this amazing day that unites Cafe's and coffee lovers to create change for young people experiencing homelessness.

The money raised drives all kinds of fantastic initiatives to support young people, including through programs and supports here at Anchor.

This year's theme, Homelessness Action Now, is a call for all of us to act with urgency.

Across Australia, homelessness is rising while the organisations responding on the frontline are being asked to do more with less. We know the solutions exist. We need greater investment in affordable housing, stronger support services and the political will to make ending homelessness a national priority.

At StreetSmart, we also know that change happens when communities step up.

That's why we're proud that it's also CafeSmart Week. This Friday 7 August, hundreds of cafés and roasters across Australia will donate $1 from every coffee sold to support local organisations responding to homelessness. And through our Double Shot of Generosity campaign, you can choose to match your café's donation and double your impact.

This Homelessness Week, join us in calling for action from every level of government, then take action in your own community.

☕ Find your local CafeSmart café and plan your coffee stop for Friday.

Together, we can turn everyday generosity into lasting change. 💛

With thanks to our partners Vitasoy Australia & NZ La Marzocco Australia CoffeeTools BeanScene Magazine

04/08/2026

During Homelessness Week 2026, Anchor Community Care is bringing you honest conversations with the people who support those experiencing homelessness every day.

We hope to highlight the very human aspects of our work, and the need for more awareness in the community about Australia's homelessness crisis.

Keep a look out for the rest of the series as we keep the conversation going this Homelessness Week.