The Hidden Homelessness Crisis on the Mornington Peninsula
This picturesque region has only one crisis accommodation centre. Its closure is imminent.
REcognition
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Homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula
On the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, homelessness is often hidden from view. The perception of opulent homes and million-dollar beach boxes, belies the reality and scale of the homelessness crisis.
On any night, hundreds of people are sheltering in foreshore dunes, parks, toilet blocks and cars.
Rising rents and property values, cost-of-living pressures and an increasing number of holiday rentals, make even more people vulnerable to homelessness.
people experience homelessness each night nationally.
are waiting for public housing on the Mornington Peninsula.
people sleeping rough on any night in this region.
Crisis Accommodation Centre.
The Ranch MOtel
The Ranch is a run-down 1970s motel with just 13 rooms. It offers a temporary safe haven for people experiencing homelessness, giving them a place to sleep and helping them connect with vital services.
Since 2021, the owner, a property developer, has allowed local community agencies, Mornington Community Support Centre and Southern Peninsula Community Support, to use the site as crisis accommodation. They do so with no Government funding, and manage the clients day-to-day through some of the most challenging times of their lives.
However, The Ranch’s closure is imminent as the site is slated for redevelopment.
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The Ranch Documentary
A collaboration between Peninsula Films and Mornington Community Support Centre, The Ranch is a 35-minute film giving voice to seven locals facing homelessness.
Filmed on the Mornington Peninsula, the documentary offers raw and heartfelt insight into what it’s like to live without safety, privacy, or security.
We created this film to spark conversation, inform, and urge meaningful action.
Premiering to a sell-out crowd at Peninsula Cinema Rosebud in August 2024 during Homelessness Week, The Ranch continues to resonate with audiences through the film festival circuit.
Locals experiencing homelessness share their stories in the film.
Documentary Partners
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