Mayor determined to continue campaign

By Kath Gannaway
SLEEPING rough in a park on a Saturday night is an unappealing proposition.
But Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan had nevertheless hoped for a better response to his campaign for those with nowhere else to sleep.
After sleeping in a cardboard box for a week from 6 to 12 October in Melba Park in Lilydale, he expected more people to accept the challenge of spending a final night under the stars to raise awareness of homelessness.
Some did, but the numbers, about 30, were disappointing, he said, even for a first effort.
Cr Heenan announced some months ago that he was foregoing the traditional mayoral ball in favour of a sleepout under the stars.
The aim was to raise awareness of homelessness in the shire and to raise money for relief agencies Anchor Inc and Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS).
Individuals, local businesses, youth groups, schools and church groups were asked to pay $10 for the privilege of experiencing for just one night the discomfort of not having a roof and a comfortable bed.
While conceding the response was disappointing, Cr Heenan told the Mail he would continue to lobby and to act to relieve homelessness.
“I hope to build on it and won’t back down on this. We will just have to try harder to connect with people.
“I would like to see this whole park full next year,” he said.
DRERS volunteer Anita Burman was one who braved the cold to do her bit for the homeless.
“For me it’s about raising awareness about the issues in terms of homelessness, and of potential homelessness that is linked to the housing crisis,” she said.