By Trudi Ray 09.06.26
The recent violent attack on a man experiencing homelessness in Bendigo’s CBD is a stark reminder of the dangers people sleeping rough face every day.
This attack is abhorrent, and we want to make it clear that there is no place for violence in our communities. Attacking the most vulnerable people in our community is particularly cowardly and deeply disturbing.
Our thoughts are with the victim, and the many people in our community who have been affected by this incident.
At Haven Home Safe, we will continue to advocate for more social housing, more affordable housing, more crisis accommodation and the resources people need to exit homelessness and sustain safe housing. No one should be forced into a situation where sleeping rough becomes their only option. We have identified the need for thousands of additional homes to meet current demand. Local estimates suggest hundreds of people are experiencing homelessness across the region, while many more households are living in housing stress, facing rental insecurity or at risk of homelessness.
These are not just statistics – they are older women sleeping in their cars, young people couch surfing, families struggling to keep a roof over their heads and individuals sleeping rough in public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.  No one should have to develop survival strategies simply because they don’t have a safe place to sleep. Haven Home Safe will continue to work with our community partners to  find alternate pathways.
We have checked in with our colleagues, community members and clients following this incident. Many people experiencing homelessness are already managing significant challenges associated with rough sleeping, including concerns about personal safety. Our staff are doing everything they can to provide reassurance and practical support, particularly to people who may be new to rough sleeping and may be especially vulnerable.
While it is unacceptable that anyone should need advice on how to stay safe while sleeping rough, we know this is the reality many people face every day. That is why outreach, crisis accommodation, community support and assertive engagement remain so important.
The response to this incident should not be fear. It should be compassion, action and a renewed commitment to addressing the causes of homelessness.
The attack on this man should concern every member of our community. It is a reminder that behind every homelessness statistic is a person deserving of safety, dignity and respect.
Ultimately, a safer Bendigo is not achieved by choosing between community safety and housing. A safer Bendigo is one where vulnerable people are protected, where young people are supported before they enter the justice system, where communities work together to prevent harm, and where everyone has access to a safe place to call home.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and increase the time our outreach teams spend connecting with clients in the community.
If you are wondering what you can do to help, there are several ways you can show your support:
- Treat people experiencing homelessness with kindness, dignity and respect.
- Volunteer with organisations such as the Winter Night Shelter in Bendigo.
- Donate to organisations that support people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.
- If you are concerned for someone’s immediate safety or wellbeing, call 000.
- If you or someone you know is sleeping rough in the Bendigo region and would like support from our Rough Sleeper Assertive Outreach team, call or text 0436 813 585 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).
