For those new to town and for those of us who have lived here forever, we can all agree that we love our city of Melbourne.
We love the nightlife, the restaurants, music, bars and clubs. We are proud that we come from all corners and enjoy a modern city that is relatively safe and free from violence.
But in recent years, life in Melbourne has become hard for many people. Our governments are pulling away from providing the services and the right conditions that create a good quality of life for everyone to enjoy. Many people are doing it tough.
We have witnessed how homelessness has become a really big issue in our city and in our country. We know that many people are suffering on the streets or in other places because our governments aren't doing the right thing to make sure people have a safe place to call home.
We also know that family violence, including violence towards children, is a really big problem, and many people have to leave their home and become homeless. There aren't many places for people to go.
We know that our Indigenous community has experienced homelessness in large numbers for a very long time. This is a stain upon our country.
It is fair to say we are in a crisis.
To make matters worse, the Melbourne council wants to spend another 2 million dollars to extend its private security program to patrol the streets of our CBD. We know already that these security guards walk the streets of our city, trying to move people that are unhoused and in crisis out of town, out of sight. This is a big problem. We have to STOP this security guard program now. People who are homeless need support and understanding. They need housing and services, not a criminal record by police arrest.
We don't believe that the people of Melbourne want this to be the kind of global city we live in. We are calling on you to join us in a community SPEAK OUT to voice your lived experience of the security guard program or to voice your opposition to it. Everyone is welcome.
We will meet at the Melbourne Town Hall for this Speak Out before we all enter the council meeting at 5:30pm where anyone can have their say to councillors. We will all be there together.
Make a banner. Make a sign.
Share this event with your friends and family.
We all have the right to enjoy the city.
This is an important issue and we must take a stand.
What kind of city do we want to live in?
We hope to see you there.
Also check out other Parties in Melbourne, Meetups in Melbourne, Entertainment events in Melbourne.
