
Image – Jennifer Kaeshagen
Matargarup was raided again today by 50 police officers who escorted City of Perth workers and other hired personnel. The City of Perth loaded onto trucks tents, swags, bedding, linen, and other daily essentials.
Ultimately, the City of Perth’s councillors and the Lord Mayor stand shamed. It is their watch. They have done ever so little for the city’s homeless. Indeed, their watch has led their response to homelessness to a deficit position.
Those present at the time of the raid on Matargarup were 20 women, most of them elderly. There were some young mothers with children and toddlers. There were less than 10 males as most of the homeless camp had left for a stretch off the island precinct. They left their tents unattended. Most of them being chronically homeless would return to find they have no tents or bedding. They will be sleeping on the earth, exposed to the night air, cold, vulnerable, as they are usually.
There was anger among the homeless but there was mostly tears. There was sadness, there was despair. After the cruel raid concluded and the police muscle nicked off, a few of them embarrassed by their compliance to “only doing my job”, melancholia set in among the elderly and the poor.
“Where are we to sleep tonight?”
“They take our bedding, our mats, our pillows.”
“They take our tents.”
“They just want us to disappear into dangerous places where often we get rolled, assaulted.”
“We were safe here. We had company.”
“We less than dogs to them. They don’t care about us.”
“We weren’t doing anything, just being safe.”
“We beggars in our own lands.”
“We not even that. They want us dead and buried, gone altogether.”
“Why would they move us on from a place of safety.”
I was there and I was angered and demonstratively frustrated by the City of Perth’s cruel conduct. I have spent a lifetime working with the vulnerable, with the homeless and in finding housing for the homeless. The Stringer’s Jennifer Kaeshagen was there as the raid occurred. Ms Kaeshagen coordinates the grassroots First Nations Homelessness Project. Ms Kaeshagen has been securing safe shelter and housing for homeless families and individuals. Her capacity to home families should embarrass the Department of Housing, many well resourced non-government housing mobs and especially the State Government – a State Government whom many of their parliamentarians I have engaged with and whom far too many could not care less about the homeless.
What is next? Move on notices for Matargarup’s homeless?
The Matargarup camp has been a safe space for the homeless who otherwise are vulnerable to the worst of violations on the streets, in congested squats and alleyways. The City of Perth and the State Government stand disgraced. Their conduct to move on Perth’s increasing homelessness into out of sight squats and traps, into alleyways should be condemned by all. The City of Perth’s bent to move on the homeless, and not all that long ago also considered criminalising beggars, are an indictment of their muddled-mindedness.
The City of Perth should be working to provide a homeless friendly precinct. The City of Perth should provide safe spaces with laundries and showers, storage facilities, treatment centres and other basics. But they do not; this speaks for itself.
Homelessness is on the increase, especially in Western Australia. Matargarup’s homelessness camp is a powerful statement of this State’s silence and of the negligible response to homelessness. This is the nation’s wealthiest jurisdiction but with the worst homelessness rates. This State has built only 700 public houses on average each year in the last 6 years but our waiting list is 48,000 people long. For the State’s First Peoples the average fall to below 100 public houses each year.
Perth has many large families, with six, seven, eight children, who are homeless, on the streets, but Western Australia remains silent.
In Australia we have 20,000 children under the age of 12 years homeless. In the Kimberley, nearly seven per cent of the region is homeless. Outside natural disasters and wars this is one of the world’s highest homelessness rates. Nearly 100 per cent of the Kimberley’s homelessness is of First Peoples. But does Western Australia care? Its State Government certainly does not.
Where is the respect for the homeless and a civil society?
Does the City of Perth have the courage to meet with us and talk this through. Well, we know the City of Perth has been reading The Stringer.
– The Stringer emailed the City of Perth Council today. The Stringer offered the City of Perth Council the opportunity to present our readers with a statement – their side of the story – and The Stringer will publish it as soon as we receive it. Earlier today – 27.3.2015 – Gerry Georgatos phoned the Council’s CEO, Gary Stephenson. Gerry and Gary had a brief and open discussion on the issues at play and also discussed homelessness in general, which is increasing. Mr Stephenson has kindly agreed to meet with Gerry Georgatos and Jennifer Kaeshagen on Tuesday morning – 31.3.2015.
Other reading:
Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project | The Stringer
Six homeless children fighting for a better tomorrow | The Stringer
What sort of Australia is this? Seven homeless children in an asbestos slum | The Stringer
8 little children on the streets; youngest less than 30 days old | The Stringer
A nation shamed when the solution for its children is homelessness | The Stringer
Homeless family living in a tent near Perth
Homeless Perth family in tent offered interim housing
I’m quite sad about this. The city of perth. I remember when the queen came to Perth I heard they took the homeless away till she left. I don’t know all the details but that was sad as well. I want to try to help the people out there. Is their anything I can do. I certainly will try my best to help out. Please let me know. I’m not rich but I’m lucky to have a roof over my head. Thank you sincerely chris
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your response to this article.
You are welcome to come down to visit Matargarup at any time.
Talk to the people.
Ask them how you could help.
Love,
The Stringer.
WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/26/wgar-news-breaking-news-homeless-camp-raided-city-of-perth-in-disgrace-once-again-gerry
Contents:
* Breaking News & News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Help the First Nations Homelessness Project – help Matargarup refugee camp – help the homeless
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Refugee camp thanks its founders with corroborree
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: In the heart of Perth, Aboriginal Tent Embassy and a refugee camp
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Jennifer Kaeshagen sets up The First Nations Homelessness Project
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
How to Support The First Nations Homelessness Project
“To support or be supported by The First Nations Homelessness Project, email contact@thestringer.com.au or phone/text 0449 655 282.” Jennifer Kaeshagen, coordinator
Raid on Matargarup homeless people’s camp
WGAR News: WA police dismantle tents at Heirisson Island Aboriginal protest: ABC NewsRadio’s Tracey Holmes speaks to activist Gerry Georgatos
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/05/03/wgar-news-wa-police-dismantle-tents-at-heirisson-island-aboriginal-protest-abc-newsradios
Contents:
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Perth City Council fob off Matargarup homeless & say they cannot help homeless
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Nyungah people remain steadfast despite police raids
* Audio Interview: ABC NewsRadio’s Tracey Holmes speaks to activist Gerry Georgatis: WA police dismantle tents at Heirisson Island Aboriginal protest
* Video: 9 News Perth, YouTube: Show of Force
* Video & News Analysis: Deborah Dupre, Examiner: Australia apartheid: Secret war on Aborigines prompts global May Day protests
* News Analysis: ABC News: Arrests as police remove tents at Perth’s Heirisson Island Aboriginal protest
* News Analysis: Steve Holland, SMH: Arrests as Indigenous protests continue on Heirisson Island
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Perth Police attempt to close down tent embassy on Heirisson Island
* News Analysis: NITV News: Protesters arrested as police close down Heirisson Island protest camp
* News Analysis: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Global Aboriginal rights protests
* Updates: The Stringer, facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* Video: Jennifer Kaeshagen, facebook: “Elder Herbert Bropho today delivering a moving speech on the steps of WA Parliament at the rally to protect the Homelands.”
* News Analysis: Chris Mason, The Stringer: Matargarup
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Beware the ‘framing’ of the conversation – ‘consultation’ is a dirty word – Don’t close any Homelands – end of story
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
The very few possessions that these people have, are taken from them. And possessions that provide aa liitle comfort and privacy from the elements of nature and others. That is dispicable behavior.
Well done Jennifer Kaeshagen.
Thank you for bringing this shameful situation to our attention. I am absolutely appalled by the actions of WA government.What can be done from NSW?
Australia is being touted overseas as a wealthy country, with an enviable lifestyle, and a land of opportunities. Then, why are we being plauged by third world homelessness in the first place? Growth after maturity is malignant, and our population growth is unsustainable. Houses and land is not affordable, and people are being squeezed out of our economy. This should NOT be happening in Australia! Instead of taking asylum seekers, and sending aid, we should be fixing our woeful developmental problems, crime rates and growing poverty.
Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp
WGAR News: Desire Mallet’s Photographs of Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp: Flickr
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-desire-mallets-photographs-of-matargarup-first-nations-refugee-camp-flickr
Contents:
* Video: Lynda Nutter – My Movie, facebook: “Martagarup Dangerous Ladies Standing Strong, after the raid on 26th March 2015. They knew it would rain tonight and took all the tents, but People Power kept them dry! – at Martagarup.”
* Photos: Flickr: Desire Mallet’s Photostream of Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp
* Audio: Gerry Georgatos, NIRS: Police again step in to raid Matargarup embassy [Featuring Matargarup elder Bella Bropho]
* News: Kaitlyn Offer, Perth Now: Nyoongar campers return to Heirisson Island after being cleared off a second time
* Background: WGAR News: Breaking News: Homeless camp raided – City of Perth in disgrace, once again: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Remote communities – Homelands – ‘leaked’ reports corrupt the real story
* Analysis / Opinion: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Here is part of the list of the threatened Homelands – remote communities
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth
WGAR News: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/03/29/wgar-news-protests-against-closure-of-aboriginal-communities-gain-momentum-rewa-harriman
Contents:
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Protests against closure of Aboriginal communities gain momentum [Maori Solidarity with the Nyoongar people at Matargarup, Perth]
* News Analysis & Video: Heeni Brown, Maori Television: Maori concern grows for remote Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Taroi Black, Maori Television: Maori students join online protest against the closure of Aboriginal communities
* Action: Eru Rerekura, Radio New Zealand News: Call for support for Australian indigenous rights
* Video: Digital Dreaming Project, facebook: Coroboree Causes Conjestion: Brisbane Unites for the WA Mob.
* Video: Lia Yorkston, facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: “Brisbane knows how to protest”
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Background: The Stringer facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStringerNews
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
This is going back 150 -200 hundred years. FFS Australia pull yourselves out of the dark ages. You can’t continue with these inhumane and racist practices.
Bella Bropho interviewed on Maori Television
WGAR News: Bella Bropho interviewed by Rewa Harriman – Aboriginal Community Closures: Native Affairs, Maori Television
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/05/wgar-news-bella-bropho-interviewed-by-rewa-harriman-aboriginal-community-closures-native
Contents:
* Latest News & Videos: Top topic: Australia – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/australia
* Video Interview: Native Affairs, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Native Affairs – Aboriginal Community Closures [Rewa Harriman interviews Bella Bropho]
* News Analysis & Video: Native Affairs, Online News Team, Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Aboriginal people call on John Key to support their communities
* News Analysis & Video: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Support grows for Australian Aboriginal communities from Maori MPs
* News Analysis: Online News Team, Maori Television: Marama Fox denied leave for vote on Australian Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Wangkatja elder concerned about mineral wealth of ancestral land
* News Analysis & Video: Rewa Harriman, Maori Television: Nyungah tribe embroiled in familiar battle with Australian Government
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Marches in Melbourne & Sydney protesting community closures
WGAR News: Breaking News 10 April 2015: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne: CAAMA
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/11/wgar-news-breaking-news-10-april-2015-over-thirteen-thousand-people-shut-down-melbourne
* Photos, Videos & Media: 10 April 2015 Marches in Melbourne & Sydney: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook
* Audio Interview: Van Nguyen & Sacha Payne, SBS News: Protests over plans to close remote communities [Van Nguyen spoke to Sacha Payne from the Melbourne rally]
* Video: David Hurley, Herald Sun: Flinders Street protest causing traffic, commuter chaos
* Breaking News & Photos: CAAMA: Over Thirteen Thousand People Shut down Melbourne
* Breaking News: ABC News: Thousands rally in Melbourne in support of remote Aboriginal communities
* Breaking News: Aisha Dow, The Age: Protests bring city roads to standstill
* Breaking News: Skye News: Aboriginal protest disrupts Melb CBD
* Breaking News: SBS News: Hundreds protest against WA closures in Melbourne, Sydney
* Video: NITV News: We Want the World to Know: Rallies Continue Against Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities
* Breaking News: Brittany Ruppert, SMH: 800 people march in Sydney protest against forced closure of remote Indigenous communities
* News Analysis: Green Left: Good news: Victorian council opposes closures of Aboriginal communities
* News Analysis: Thom Mitchell, New Matilda: Marches Today In Sydney, Melbourne Against Forced Closures Of Aboriginal Communities
* Photos: Citizenside France: Noosa: Protesters condemn community closures outside Abbott’s lunch
* Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Kimberley Land Council condemns community closures at UN
WGAR News: ‘Systemic Racism’ Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations: Amy McQuire, New Matilda
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/23/wgar-news-systemic-racism-of-wa-remote-community-closures-savaged-at-united-nations-amy
Contents:
* News Analysis: Amy McQuire, New Matilda: ‘Systemic Racism’ Of WA Remote Community Closures Savaged At United Nations
* News Analysis: Kimberley Land Council: KLC condemns community closures at United Nations
* News Analysis: Calla Wahlquist, The Guardian: UN forum backs fight against closure of remote Aboriginal communities in WA
* Audio Interview: RN Drive, ABC: Australian lawyer to chair top UN indigenous body [Featuring Megan Davis]
* Background: UN News Centre: As Forum opens, deputy UN chief says 2015 a ‘critical year’ for world’s indigenous peoples
* Background: United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Fourteenth Session of the Permanent Forum
* Analysis / Opinion: John Pilger.com, The secret country again wages war on its own people
* News: Online News Team, Maori Television: Events planned worldwide to support Aboriginal communities on May 1st
* News: Maiki Sherman, Maori Television: Labour outlines concerns on Aborigine communities in letter to Australian Labor Party
* Latest News & Videos: Indigenous – Maori Television: http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/latest-news/indigenous
* News & Video: Phil Hickey, Perth Now: Heirisson Island camp Indigenous leaders protest at State Parliament
* News: Brendan Foster, WA Today: Parliament House protest: ugly scenes as police make arrests
* Facebook: The Stringer: “Official statement from Elder Bella Bropho, of the Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp”
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Matargarup Aboriginal People Rally at WA Parliament
WGAR News: White cops, Black victims – Perth is to Western Australia, what Birmingham was to Alabama: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer
https://indymedia.org.au/2015/04/25/wgar-news-white-cops-black-victims-perth-is-to-western-australia-what-birmingham-was-to
Contents:
* News Analysis: Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: White cops, Black victims – Perth is to Western Australia, what Birmingham was to Alabama
* Facebook: The Stringer: “Official statement from Elder Bella Bropho, of the Matargarup First Nations Refugee Camp (Heirisson Island, Perth … )”
* Video: Network Ten: Forced closure rally
* News & Video: Sky News: Protesters clash with police at WA rally
* News & Video: Phil Hickey, Perth Now: Heirisson Island camp Indigenous leaders protest at State Parliament
* News: Brendan Foster, WA Today: Parliament House protest: ugly scenes as police make arrests
* Event Poster: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia, facebook: “We would like to confirm that that 2nd National Call of Action will be held Friday 1st May 2015.”
* Facebook: Stop the Forced Closure of Aboriginal Communities in Australia: https://www.facebook.com/sosblakaustralia
* WGAR Background to the Aboriginal Sovereignty Movement
* WGAR Background: Plans to close Aboriginal homelands / remote communities in WA and SA
Hi, I often get a few things given to me as I used to work in the community, but fI can’t find anyone now the First Nation Peoples park has been taken off them, can someone please tell me where homeless people are living now. I am ashamed of how we treat people.