Member

Rayann
People who know me believe I’m somewhat idealistic but still pragmatic…I think this is because I’m a humanities student at heart and can only hope for better within myself, my community and my country. Growing up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney as a consequence of my parent’s decision to be close to family has impacted on my choices; it does tend to inform my opinion. But I’m not rooted to any locality as such; I like to think of myself as a wanderer. I have what many would call a hyphenated identity: Australian Muslim with Lebanese parents but it’s not too unusual in what is essentially a country of migrants.

I’m joining the Act Now crew because my interests lie in youth participation, social justice and equality of access for all. I’m inspired to act when I think of my privileged position in the world…I could have been placed elsewhere but it seems I’m meant to act here. I strongly believe in striving for what you believe in as long as you create no harm for others.

Silence and submission in the face of injustice is not an option for me: it is akin to part-taking in these very acts which we all despise. This is why I’ve always loved the idea of journalism. The opportunity to act as a ‘fourth estate’ and have access to and deliver information to society is one of the many reasons why I’m pursuing a career that is seen by the public as lower than a second-rate car salesperson.

Studying at university has probably been one of the best choices I’ve made in terms of learning experience and broadening my perspective. However, I find that most lessons I learn come from interacting with all types of people. I’m inspired by many people because every person has something distinctive to offer (the beauty of human nature). Changing the world from a young person’s perspective is a novel concept: we all want to do it however; I’m more concerned with how I can contribute as an individual in my community or as part of a collective movement.

My concerns at the moment rest in the frightening prospect that global warming is consuming the planet and our politicians seem to be more worried about the economic impacts this will have-very short-sighted in my view. The ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel/the occupied Palestinian territories as well as the tribal conflict in the Darfur region in Sudan are all issues which will fundamentally impact on human history… The AIDS epidemic, global poverty and inequality of access are also issues which concern me. Homelessness in Australia is rarely an issue that gets coverage but is a growing problem which must be addressed, issues of living standards in Aboriginal communities compared to the rest of the population is something we should all be concerned about.

This work is licenced under a Attribution-NoDerivs licence.
© Rayann 2006. First published on actnow.com.au

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Homeless bloke next to Palace Verona cinema (Paddington) - 23-08-2007 12:42 Last updated:

Yesterday was my first day at Act Now and what a transient day it was. Before I knew it I had left the office and was off to see a film. On my way to and back from the cinema I spotted a homeless man sitting in somewhat of a corner in between two shops. He had a pillow and seemed to be rugged out for the night. It had started raining when I left and he was still there sitting, perhaps waiting. I'm always struck when I pass by a lone person who's made the effort to try and remain inconspicuous even though they may be feeling as though there is no end in sight for their misery, loneliness or despair. But then, of course this is my assumption that all homeless people are helpless and resigned to their fate. I’ve spoken to few homeless men and often they seem just satisfied with having a person for company, but certainly, there are homeless people in Australia who if given the opportunity and aid would change their circumstances. I don’t mean to go on a rant as this is an issue that has been covered on this site but the fact is: on any given night it is estimated that there are 100,000 Australians on the streets. And we all tend to go about our daily lives merrily but every night, while I can safely rug up in my bed…there will be many who find shelter wherever possible and their situation will most likely only spiral downwards. I mean, we’ve had bouts of public outrage when stories have come out about homeless people who’ve been harassed or assaulted but it seems otherwise, this is an issue that’s swept under the carpet. So where does responsibility lie? On a personal level, I believe responsibility lies in every person who (including myself) who witnesses this inequality and merely thinks: oh, if only there was something I could do but remains resigned in complicit acceptance. However, responsibility must be taken by state and federal governments, by community leaders and organisations. And not simply, responsibility but rather there needs to be effective mechanisms in place which address this issue on all levels.

 

I found these initiatives that were most recently funded in the 07-08 Budget:

Reconnect

The Australian Government is providing $85 million over four years from 2007-08 to continue the Reconnect programme.

Reconnect is an Australian Government initiative that provides early intervention support to young people aged between 12 and 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families. Reconnect also builds community capacity to address youth homelessness. There are 100 Reconnect services around Australia and these are located in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations.

http://www.budget.gov.au/2007-08/ministerial/html/dotars-17.htm

 

National Homelessness Strategy

The Australian Government provided $10 million over four years from 2005-06 to fund the National Homelessness Strategy (NHS). Since its inception in 1999, the NHS has provided leadership in developing approaches for the prevention and reduction of homelessness and broken new ground in integrated service delivery to people who are vulnerable to homelessness. The NHS is available to applicants from all over Australia. A number of the projects announced under the NHS are located in regional locations including Mareeba, Walgett, Bunbury and Kakadu.

http://www.budget.gov.au/2007-08/ministerial/html/dotars-17.htm

Supported Accommodation Assistance Programme

People who have nowhere to sleep for the night can seek accommodation and assistance from Supported Accommodation Assistance Programme (SAAP). SAAP will not only provide them with a bed while they have nowhere to live, but will also link them up to services which will help them resolve the issues which contributed to their homelessness.

SAAP is a programme funded jointly by the Australian, state and territory governments, with the Australian Government offering funding of $932 million over five years (to 2010). SAAP provides emergency and transitional supported accommodation and related services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Each day, 1,300 SAAP agencies provide assistance to 22,000 Australians who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

http://www.budget.gov.au/2007-08/ministerial/html/dotars-17.htm

So, yes there are initiatives in place but I wonder if I were to approach the man I saw, what his response would be to these pledges by the Federal Government…

Next time, I think I shall ask him as a small action: that way I’d be getting information from someone who is being affected by this issue.


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