For many longtime residents of Bairnsdale, the presence of rough camping across the township has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
Over the past 50 years, the town has never experienced the sheer volume of tents and makeshift shelters now visible around parts of the municipality.
Only last week, encampments were seen erected at the Main Street rotunda, behind the East Gippsland Art Gallery, on the fringes of Davison Oval, along the banks of the Mitchell River, and near the local saleyards. The visual evidence of homelessness has undeniably become a more noticeable part of the Bairnsdale landscape.
The issue raises complex questions for the community, particularly at a time when there are more social welfare agencies, support services, outreach workers, and government-funded programs operating within East Gippsland than ever before.
It leaves many wondering why so many individuals are still sleeping rough, raising the question of whether the problem is growing faster than regional services can adequately respond, or if deeper, more systemic social issues are at work.
Many of those currently living rough appear reluctant to publicly discuss their circumstances. While some individuals do travel to the area from larger metropolitan centres — perhaps drawn by Bairnsdale’s quieter regional lifestyle — many are local people who have fallen on hard times due to critical housing shortages, family breakdowns, mental health challenges, addiction, unemployment or acute financial stress.
“Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing communities across Australia,” East Gippsland Shire chief executive officer Fiona Weigall said.
“There are often many factors involved, including housing affordability, health issues, family circumstances, and social disadvantage.”
Local community organisations, welfare agencies and frontline volunteers deserve significant recognition for their ongoing efforts.
Many make genuine, daily attempts to provide emergency accommodation, immediate support and pathways toward more stable living arrangements. Yet, the persistent presence of rough sleeping suggests these complex problems remain far from resolved.
While Bairnsdale grapples with these pressures, the impact of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Zero Project is evidence, a coordinated, person-centred initiative established to address rising homelessness works. Since its 2021 launch, the award-winning model which partners more than 10 local support organisations, has used a real-time ‘By-Name List’ to help outreach workers build relationships and connect 361 rough sleepers with housing, health care and support services.
While most residents agree that those experiencing homelessness deserve compassionate, targeted assistance, many also express growing concern regarding the impact on public spaces, community amenity and the overarching image of the town. The challenge lies in striking a sustainable balance between care and accountability.
Ms Weigall explained that council responses are guided by local laws and operational procedures centred on empathy.
“Our Community Laws Officers don’t move rough sleepers on unless there are significant amenity issues associated with the campsites,” she said.
“They are balancing the needs of vulnerable individuals with the expectations of the wider community, public and personal safety considerations, and the management of public spaces.”
Ultimately, homelessness is not a problem that belongs solely to welfare agencies; addressing it effectively requires coordinated cooperation between local government, police, state authorities, and all levels of society.
The question is not whether the community cares, but whether practical, long-term solutions can be found to help vulnerable people transition from merely surviving to actively rebuilding their lives. Until then, the tents and makeshift shelters look set to remain a stark reminder that despite best intentions, some members of the community are still being left behind.
