Recently, I had the privilege of working on a project that hit close to home—both literally and figuratively. The Mornington Peninsula Shire hired me to capture the essence of Homelessness Week, an event focused on shedding light on the growing housing crisis in our region. The week was packed with activities, from insightful discussions to live music, all aimed at raising awareness and prompting action. Through my lens, I got to witness firsthand the impact of homelessness on individuals and families, and I hope this post provides you with a glimpse of the experience.
The project culminated in a short documentary that covered various moments throughout the week. I had the chance to film Vox pops with the Mayor, who shared his thoughts on the critical issue of affordable housing and the steps being taken by the local government. His words echoed a sentiment shared by many—that while homelessness is a nationwide issue, its effects are deeply felt in local communities like ours.
I also captured footage of talks given by community leaders and activists, offering insight into the real-life struggles faced by those affected by homelessness. Their stories were both heartbreaking and inspiring, and they painted a clear picture of the challenges we face in providing adequate housing and support.
The week wrapped up with a festival featuring live music, bringing the community together in a celebration of hope and solidarity. The festival served as a reminder that while the issue is serious, there is strength in unity and compassion.
As someone who lives and works on the Mornington Peninsula, this project was a stark reminder that the housing crisis is not a distant issue—it’s happening in our backyard. The documentary is more than just a recap of events; it’s a call to action. I encourage you to consider contributing to this cause, whether by donating your time, money, or food to the Mornington Community Support Centre at www.mcsc.au.
Every bit helps, and together we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
ABN 87 158 428 936 Matt Elliott Photography Pty Ltd Trading as Untamed Productions
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Untamed Productions acknowledges the traditional owners of the land we operate on, the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise the resilience, strength and pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.