As Canberrans prepare for the region's notorious winter weather, an innovative social program will again provide specially designed swags to those sleeping rough.
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Created by former Queensland teacher Jean Madden, the two kilogram Street Swags are made from high-quality waterproofed canvas and include a built-in high-density foam mattress.
Ms Madden was on hand on Wednesday as the Rotary Club of Canberra City donated a new batch of the swags to local charities.
''Nationally the turn-away rate from homeless shelters for families is 80 per cent,'' she said.
''In Canberra, between 2006 and 2011, homelessness has gone up by 70 per cent - at the same time as the government promised to halve homelessness.''
Created in 2005, the bags provide shelter and support, as well as room for extra belongings.
They can be rolled up to the size of a backpack, providing homeless people and families with comfort and privacy.
Lightweight and durable, the swags cost about $60 to produce.
The project rallies prisoners in Australian correctional facilities and school students to assist with the production. More than 26,000 swags have been distributed nationally.
Local Rotary volunteers have distributed more than 160 to Canberra charities in recent years.
Ms Madden, 28, was recognised as the Queensland Young Australian of the Year in 2010 and was presented with a prestigious INDEX design award by Denmark's Crown Princess Mary.
She recently returned from New York after receiving a Stevie Award for leading women in business.
''The people we look after often can't get Centrelink benefits because they don't have an address,'' Ms Madden said. ''They don't want to be listed as being homeless because they are fearful of having their children taken away from them and put into foster care.''
Canberra City Rotary spokesman Paul Rafferty said the group had seen a growing need for the swags in recent years.
''The first few years we did around 30 or so swags and in 2013 we are doing more than 100,'' he said.
To help support Street Swags, visit www.streetswags.org