Mayor’s cause out in the cold

By Kath Gannaway
SLEEPING rough in a park on a Saturday night is obviously not as attractive an option as a Mayoral Ball.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan had hoped after a week of sleeping in a cardboard box in Melba Park in Lilydale, others would accept the challenge of spending a final night under the stars to raise awareness of homelessness.
Some did, but the numbers, around 30, were disappointing … even for a first effort.
Cr Heenan announced some months ago that he was foregoing the traditional Mayoral Ball in favour of a Sleepout Under the Stars. The aim was to raise awareness of homelessness in the shire and to raise money for relief agencies Anchor Inc and Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS).
Individuals, local businesses, youth groups, schools and church groups were asked to pay $10 for the privilege of experiencing for just one night the discomfort of not having a roof and a comfortable bed.
While conceding the response was disappointing, Cr Heenan told the Mail on Sunday morning, still stiff after his sixth night in the park, that he would continue to lobby and to act to relieve the homelessness situation.
“I would hope to build on it and won’t back down on this. We will just have to try harder to connect with people.
“I would like to see this whole park full next year,” he said.
For those who did take up the challenge, the opportunity to show there is a will to recognise the plight of homeless people and to do something about it, was well worth the effort.
Anita Burman who volunteers for DRERS was part of a group who camped out for the night.
“For me it’s about raising awareness about the issues in terms of homelessness, and of potential homelessness that is linked to the housing crisis,” she said.
“For a lot of people with mortgages, or renting, if anything went wrong, an accident or losing a job, is enough to send them over the edge.
“No one expects to be homeless.”
Michelle Paul of Millgrove was there with her 17-year-old son.
“I think people have the wrong perception of homeless people. We’re new to this area and didn’t realise the housing shortage out here is so bad,” she said.
“It’s disappointing that there aren’t more people but there are some good people here talking about a lot of different issues and that is a positive thing.”
Alan Coutinho-Hogan, another DRERS volunteer said one night had reminded him how hard it is being homeless.
He said the experience had been an emotional one and paid tribute to Cr Heenan for what he said was a genuine commitment to his fellow human beings.
The most compelling tribute however came from a young woman who simply thanked Cr Heenan, and those who helped him on the night “for caring about people like us”.
“It’s hard, it’s frightening and it’s lonely when you’ve got nowhere to go,” she said.
“Just knowing that someone like Tim, and these other people, care enough to do this makes a big difference.”