Fiona York from the Housing for the Aged Action Group has voiced grave concerns during an inquiry about the impending demolition of housing for elderly residents in Melbourne. Many of these tenants lack family support or assets, and York fears that some “will not survive the move.” She emphasized, “It’s just unsafe policy to be talking to people about moving them out of their homes when they’re in their 80s and 90s, and they’ve lived there for 20, 30, 40 years.”
Among the affected is 91-year-old Me Hui Gong, a long-time resident of a North Melbourne flat. Having moved to Australia from China to be with her family, Gong has lived in her current home for two decades. Her flat, a renovated bedsit, became her sanctuary after she refused end-of-life care following a cancer diagnosis. Despite being advised against surgery due to her age, Gong insisted on it and survived. Her recovery, facilitated by the unique support system of the older persons’ program, has been remarkable. She now exercises daily, attributing her resilience to the stability provided by her home.
Support Systems and Safety Concerns
The older persons’ program offers a comprehensive support network with on-site workers from organizations like the Salvation Army and Better Health Network. This system is crucial for residents like Gong, who benefit from assistance with everyday tasks such as translating letters and booking medical appointments. The safety and community atmosphere of these towers are vital, especially since they cater exclusively to elderly residents.
Bill McKenzie, a 17-year resident of the Albert Park tower, shares similar sentiments. He describes the environment as once being a “caring, loving environment” that helped him recover from alcoholism. However, McKenzie notes a decline in recent years, with reduced security measures and the introduction of younger residents with complex issues into the buildings.
Government Response and Community Reaction
A Victorian government spokesperson has denied any reduction in security, stating, “We take all resident concerns, incidents, and safety matters extremely seriously.” However, McKenzie and others remain skeptical, citing recent incidents and inadequate support for new residents with severe mental health issues.
Former social worker Kate Incerti confirmed funding cuts for the older persons’ program, which she argues are happening when support is most needed. “It’s becoming toxic,” McKenzie asserts, suggesting a deliberate push to drive residents out.
The Broader Impact and Legal Battles
As the demolition plans proceed, two towers in Carlton are already being dismantled, with residents being relocated from towers in Richmond and South Yarra. The pressure mounts on those in Flemington and North Melbourne, where eviction notices loom for holdout residents. A class action challenging the legality of the demolitions is pending judgment, offering a glimmer of hope for some.
Protests have erupted, with activists like Hank Ferguson taking direct action to halt the demolitions. Ferguson, drawing parallels to historical anti-eviction struggles, argues for the preservation of these homes, which he believes are essential for the community.
Meanwhile, the state government has released tenders for a 30-year redevelopment project, promising modern, energy-efficient homes with increased capacity. However, critics like Greens housing spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri accuse the government of neglecting the needs of vulnerable elderly residents in favor of property development.
“Older people deserve peace and stability in their home, but Labor is uprooting them,” de Vietri says. “Labor doesn’t care about the harm they are causing.”
For residents like Bill McKenzie, the political debates are overshadowed by the fear of losing their homes. He recounts conversations with neighbors who express despair at the prospect of relocation, fearing the return of past traumas.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Reach Rachael Dexter securely via ProtonMail (end-to-end encrypted) at [email protected] or message her on Signal at rachaeldexter.58.
