Grinding for good
When Tyson Montgomery first came to Tasmania almost 10-years ago his life was at its darkest point and he was desperately searching for a safe, secure place to spend each night in Clarence, whether it be on the street, in a tent or, if he was lucky, on someone’s couch.
Now, he is in secure housing, has gained suitable employment and is an advocate for homelessness awareness with significant first hand experience.
At the Clarence City Council’s free Off the Couch event at Rosny Skate Park in August, Mr Montgomery said organisations like the Salvation Army saved his life.
“They gave me my life back and I am doing my best to give back to others now,” he said.
“Events like this are so important to keep the conversation going. We should have one of these every day because homelessness is an ongoing problem for thousands of people.”
During National Homelessness Week, the third annual Off the Couch event shed light on the impact of housing insecurity on younger Tasmanians and the prevalence of couch-surfing.
Off the Couch places focus on building education, empathy and awareness in the community of young people experiencing homelessness.
The event featured food, hot drinks, music and activities including a skateboarding competition with multiple prizes and giveaways.
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the issue of homelessness was an ever-present result of the rising cost of living, increases in rent, property prices and mortgage rates.
“Clarence sadly is not isolated from homelessness and there are some obvious reminders of people’s circumstances around our city, however youth homelessness is often hidden,” he said.
“This event has proved to be one which both brings people together and highlights the issues around housing insecurity.
“By involving young people in the conversation through initiatives like Off the Couch we hope to bring the problem of youth homelessness out into the open.”
Census data from 2021 revealed that most people experiencing homelessness in Tasmania are under the age of 35 and young people aged 12 to 24 comprised one-quarter of all Tasmanians experiencing homelessness.
The council partnered with several service providers and organisations to host Off the Couch including the Youth Network Advisory Group, St Vincent De Paul, The Salvation Army, Mission Australia, Colony 47, Jimmy’s Skate and Street, Shelter Tasmania, Centacare Evolve Housing, Bridgewater PCYC, St John Ambulance, Metro Tasmania, and Recycle Create Play.
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About the Author: Simon Andrews
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