Two initial observations of Melbourne were an apparent lack
of visible folks without a home (“homeless”) on the streets, and secondly the
wide spread use of motorized scooters to walk about town.
Melbourne is quite diverse culturally, or ethnically, or so
it appeared. Although primarily “western” in outward visible style (i.e.
culturally similar on outside to myself), it is a city of many colors. This is
reflected in its restaurants, as well as in the flow of people on the streets,
in shops, and behind desks.
Upon inquiry, I was assured that the homeless were there,
but knew where not to go, and how to stay out of sight. Three days in the downtown area, and
coming/going from two train stations, offered up only five obvious to me “street
people.” There is a state or territorial network of shelters and non-profit
organizations whose mission is homeless and social relief efforts. Do these organizations work, or is
there a sit/lie scheme in place that puts an emperor’s new cloak of correctness
on downtown Melbourne?
Here in Warrnambool the woman at the town hall counter told
me that earlier that day she had to send away a 76-year-old homeless man as
there were no available shelter beds for him.
The local Brophy Center is a non-profit organization serving
youth at risk, and the general community social and economic needs. (For those
in Chico, imagine a cross of Youth for Change and the Community Action
Agency). One of the professors in
the Education Department at Deakin University is on the Board, so I have an entry in to
their meetings, operations, and service delivery.
The train ride from Melbourne to Warrnambool is what this
post was to be about, or where to begin. It was very crowded. Even in the “reserved
seat only “ car where we were, the aisles were full of standees.
Two “consumers” (in the Regional Center lexicon) were making
their way down the aisle with some difficulty. A mom and teen aged son as it
turned out, who ended up in the seats facing Ann and me. (Ann and I were facing
backwards, as seats were pairs facing each other, so half of travelers always
facing one way.)
The son had a “Companion Card” on a lanyard around his neck.
I believe that let him travel for free, or reduced rate (concession fare) to
help his mom. I saw so many of my former clients in her and in her sense of purpose from
one task to the next, but with a task focus that only she and her son
seemed to fully understand.
Mom would often get loud, and son would remind her to lower
her voice. Any time there was a jostle or bump, mom would look concerned and
say, “Excuse me,” and son would comfort her and say there was nothing for which
she needed to excuse herself.
They were very loving with each other.
I helped them with luggage. They helped me with how the
snack bar worked.
They gave Ann and me a nice introductory preview of
Warrnambool to come. I sense that we will see them again during our stay here.
Many of the local businesses have the following sign posted
on their door.
At city hall, the interpretive sign below was on the
counter, available to help as needed or wanted.
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