Housing assistance & homelessness
Randwick's Affordable Rental Housing Program
This program is designed to assist people who are ineligible for social housing, but for whom the high cost of renting privately is challenging. To be eligible, you must be employed, either live or work in Randwick City, and earn below the relevant income threshold for your household type. Rent is charged at 74.9% of the market price (in some cases, the rental calculation may be made with reference to tenant income). Properties are offered on a medium term for up to five years only, because housing stock is limited.
The Affordable Rental Housing Program is fully managed by St George Community Housing (SGCH). Applications for tenancy must be made through SGCH. For further information, please contact SGCH directly on 1800 573 370.
Randwick City Council's Affordable Housing Strategy
Council is committed to retaining and increasing the stock of affordable housing options within the local area. The draft Affordable Housing Strategy is currently under review and is was on public exhibition via the 'Your Say Randwick' consultation portal.
The consultation period was 6 August to 3 September 2025. Community feedback will be considered to help finalise the Draft Affordable Rental Housing Strategy. The outcomes of the public exhibition will be reported to a future Council meeting.
Council's previous Affordable Housing Strategy can be viewed here: Affordable Housing Strategy PDF, 1349.86 KB.
Homelessness in Randwick
Homelessness affects thousands of people throughout Australia. There are a range of local support services and options for people who are homeless or at risk of being made homeless in Sydney.
Homelessness can be a very distressing and difficult situation, both for people facing homelessness and for those around them.
What to do if you or a friend are homeless
If you or a friend are homeless or likely to not have a regular place to live, contact Link2Home. This NSW Government service provides referrals to accommodation for people in immediate need.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1800 152 152
If you are aware of somebody sleeping rough or whom you suspect may be homeless, please contact Missionbeat on 1800 306 461.
Please click here for support services.
Sleeping rough in parks, streets and other public places is not illegal and Council staff do not have the authority to move on rough sleepers.
If you are concerned for the immediate health, safety or wellbeing of the person or those around them, please contact the police or ambulance by dialing 000. If you have any other questions, contact Randwick City Council switchboard on 1300 722 542
Randwick City Homelessness Protocol
The Randwick City Homelessness Protocol was developed in consultation with:
- housing and social support agencies servicing Randwick City
- relevant Council officers
It is consistent with the State Government's current Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places. As homelessness is the primary responsibility of the State Government, Council plays a supporting role in ensuring that the welfare of rough-sleeping individuals are monitored.
Key points of the Homelessness Protocol
Key points outlined in the Randwick Homelessness Protocol are that it:
- applies only to persons sleeping rough in places such as parks, open spaces and community facilities accessible to the public, and owned or managed by Council.
- describes the role and actions to be taken by Council staff when they're aware of a person sleeping rough, have received information from a member of the community, or when the homeless person presents to Council staff for assistance.
Principles of the Homelessness Protocol
The underlying principles of the Protocol are:
- Rough sleepers have a right to be in public places, at the same time respecting the right of local community members to live in a safe and peaceful environment.
- Rough sleepers have the same rights as other members of the community to:
- privacy
- respect
- use of public amenities
- carry and store their own belongings
- be treated as individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities
- All people, including rough sleepers, have the right not to be harassed or moved on from public spaces unless there is a threat to general safety, their personal safety, or if they are causing a disturbance that constitutes a breach of the peace.
- Council staff are to respond sensitively and without discrimination, whilst acknowledging that some rough sleepers may have a mental illness or disability.
- Rough sleepers, like all community members, should have access to a right of reply and appeals mechanism.
You can download a copy of the 'Protocol for homeless people - brochure' or for more details click here