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Wednesday 30 August 2023
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Model dogs:
Sharing the frame with wolfhound Trixie Mattel, dachshound Willie and bull Arab Questlove are Erin Shaw (Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue), Rob and Shireen Hammond (Field of Vision Photography) and Sarah Studley and Jarred Curtis (Co &Co Pet Salon). Picture: Yanni “Photographer out to book more dogs” Page 2
Homeless ‘unfairly’ blamed for crime Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au WELFARE workers are calling for an end to the scapegoating of homeless people over thefts and anti-social behaviour on the Mornington Peninsula. The call follows an incident on Tuesday 22 August near the Rosebud foreshore, where a 36-year-old woman allegedly assaulted a police officer after she was seen throwing objects into traffic and behaving erratically on Point Nepean Road. The woman, from Dromana, alleg-
edly spat at officers and was arrested at the scene. She was charged with assaulting police and remanded in custody to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. CEO of the Mornington Community Support, Ben Smith, said social media had run hot with claims that homeless people were behind many of the anti-social incidents on the peninsula, as well as a recent spate of thefts and break-ins. He said the incident at Rosebud should not be classified as an issue with homelessness, but was related to lack of mental health support for
“those with high needs”. “There is an unrealistic expectation by some in our community that people can afford to live below the poverty line on Jobseeker or DSP, while trying to manage physical and mental health concerns, rapidly rising food and utility expenses, insufficient public transport, and lack of affordable housing, all the while remaining calm. Crime is a symptom of a larger problem,” Smith said. He said there was no government money for homelessness outreach workers, outreach mental health workers, and extremely inadequate levels
of public and social housing on the peninsula. “Staff at the community support centres and Bolton Clarke are the doing that work, largely funded by philanthropy,” he said. “We need outreach workers focused on mental health support. Our agencies are doing our utmost to feed those who are hungry, and connect people to services, but we are small and underfunded to do all the work required to completely transform poverty on the peninsula.” CEO of Southern Peninsula Community Support, Jeremy Maxwell,
said he was also concerned by recent Facebook posts suggesting there was an increase in crime related to an increase in homelessness. “I don’t believe that’s true and to say so is demonising people who are marginalised and impacted by homelessness. I strongly believe that is neither fair nor appropriate,” he said. “At Southern Peninsula Community Support we are not seeing any evidence of more crime generally, but rather evidence of increased distress and anxiety as people struggle with the cost of living and the affordable housing crisis.” Continued Page 4