The urban bushland setting around the Ngargee Tree is a special place. The tree is probably the oldest in St Kilda and a site of significance to the Indigenous community. Over recent years, the area has been looked after by volunteers who have help with vegetation, seating and a pond.
Just metres from St Kilda Junction, the small site is a homage to the natural and Indigenous heritage of the area.
It’s also site of a sprawling encampment that has been there for at least 19 weeks. TWiSK readers may recall that a similar encampment was cleaned up in February after occupants vacated the area. That camp had been there for 12 weeks and Parks Vic removed ‘three vehicle loads of rubbish, abandoned camp materials, and many bicycles.’
Alleged assault prompts questions
Two weeks ago, in mid-August, a park volunteer was challenged by a camp resident while collecting water from the pond. [TWiSK understands that water supply to the area has been limited to discourage the camp.]
TWiSK spoke directly to the volunteer about this incident. The volunteer said he’s been collecting water from the pond often over past months without a problem.
‘While collecting the water I was challenged and told to ****-off. As I proceeded to move off, I was struck with an aluminium pole over the back. Fortunately, there was more damage to the pole than me.’
The volunteer reported the alleged assault to the Parks Vic ranger who reported it to the Police. It’s not clear what action was taken by Police after the report. The volunteer also told TWiSK that he’s witness other park visitors being challenged by the aggressive individual.
Early challenge for roundtable response
The current encampment re-emerged after the key agencies, Council and police agreed to increase their co-operation on local homeless persons outreach.
Rather than a punitive response, the Community Safety Roundtable recognised the complex difficulties facing people sleeping rough and advocated a multi-agency outreach approach. The response starts with ‘how can we help’ followed by ‘these are your options’ and lastly ‘we need you to move on’. But always, the key question still remains – move on to where?
19 weeks in the rough means over 133 nights of freezing winter mornings, with no running water, toilets or showers; no safety or privacy; no electricity. Unsheltered homelessness is no walk in the park. If it is by choice, its a very harsh choice.
The Ngargee Tree encampment is on Parks Victoria land and is regulated by the State rather than council. TWiSK understands that PV were reluctant to move on the encampment earlier in the year and only acted (to remove litter) after the people had left.
TWiSK put these questions to both Parks Vic and local MP Nina Taylor:
Is Parks Victoria aware of the encampment? Has PV spoken to the campers? What steps are being taken to make the area safe or safer? What is PV doing to protect the Ngargee Tree? What local organisations are involved in suggesting alternatives to the campers?
Responses from Nina Taylor and Parks Vic
Working to find alternative accommodation: Response from Nina Taylor MLA
‘Parks Victoria is aware of a group of rough sleepers camping in the vicinity of the Ngargee Tree in Albert Park.
‘Parks Victoria is proactively working with other agencies, including specialist outreach groups, to find alternative suitable accommodation for the campers.
‘The encampment has not impacted on the Ngargee Tree and Parks Victoria continues to monitor the site.
‘City of Port Phillip has been the recipient of significant investment in social and affordable housing since the start of the Big Housing Build in November 2020. More than $380 million has been invested in Port Phillip to build 634 new homes, with 129 already completed.
‘The Victorian Government is investing over $50 million annually to deliver vital homelessness support services across Bayside Peninsula, which includes the City of Port Phillip. This investment provides access to homelessness entry points, case management support, crisis and transitional housing options, as well as tenancy support and brokerage services.’
We continue to monitor the site: response from Parks Victoria
‘Parks Victoria is aware of a group of rough sleepers camping in the vicinity of the Ngargee Tree in Albert Park.
‘Parks Victoria is proactively working with other agencies, including specialist outreach groups, to find alternative suitable accommodation for the campers.
‘The encampment has not impacted on the Ngargee Tree and Parks Victoria continues to monitor the site.’
