Bendigo Street: A Feature Length Documentary

In Victoria, 69,000 properties are left unused, whilst 24,000 people are homeless. The highest rates of homelessness are endured by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Rent is unaffordable–$100 more than the weekly income of over 300,000 unemployed people. This is the aftermath of the creation of a housing market which is designed to generate profit. The film deepens our understanding of the flaws in our approach to dwelling, inspiring communities to take action in their own ways.

Generate understanding. Challenge perceptions. Inspire action. Understanding the flaws of a profit-driven society is the first step towards realising a just future where Indigenous people have sovereignty and everyone has a safe place to dwell. The film challenges stereotypes by showing the agency of people with a lived experience of homelessness. After watching our film, we hope audiences will take action by organising their own campaigns or support existing fights for dwelling justice.

Short term
-> Shifts away from the dehumanising attitudes towards people with a lived experience of homelessness.
-> Increased knowledge of the inherent incompatibility of our current housing system with a just and sustainable future.
-> Inspire direct action that challenges housing inequality.
-> Awareness of the legacy of colonial possession of land, and the continued dispossession of land experienced by Indigenous people.
-> Increased support for grassroots organisations.
Medium term
-> Increased participation in social movements.
-> Increased government investment in public housing and Aboriginal housing.
-> Significantly increased minimum wage and unemployment benefits.
-> Housing policy reform, such removing negative gearing, introducing compulsory land tax, rent caps, and squatters rights.
Long term
-> Reduced homelessness.
-> Affordable rent and livable wages.
-> All Indigenous people have a life-long safe place to live in their chosen community.

1) The Institute of Postcolonial Studies: an independent, public, alternative-to-university, free education project. The IPCS offers it’s premises in kind as a space to meet and talk.
2) Dr. David Giles: author and anthropologist, is Research Coordinator for the film to ensure relevant research builds a coherent, informed film.
3) Uncle Larry Walsh: writer, Taungurung Elder and community leader, is the cultural advisor.
4) Rent and Housing Union: Will use their networks and mailing lists to promote the film.
5) Save Public Housing Collective: Libby Porter (RMIT) is collaborating with our team in our shared goal of abolishing housing systems that benefit the wealthy.
6) HUSK: A grass-roots collective that provides housing for people experiencing homelessness is assisting with fundraising.
7) 3CR Community Radio is a community controlled radical radio station who are assisting us with promotion.
8) Save Public Housing Collective (SPHC) are collaborating with us on hosting events

> Collectively build political power by joining an active political group or starting your own.
> Learn about radical political economy and anti/de/postcolonial theory by reading books, articles, and zines.
> Attend protests, eviction defense actions, and volunteer in a local group providing support to rough sleepers like Food Not Bombs.
> Support the ‘Pay the Rent’ scheme – a non-profit, First Nations led organisation that redistributes donated funds to address community needs.
> Donate to radical grassroots organisations run by people who are directly impacted such as the Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance, and Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees.
> Vote, volunteer for and donate to a political party with a public housing platform.
> Become a member of a housing or trade union that does not collaborate with political parties or bosses.
> Squat an empty property with your mates and stop paying rent.
> Host people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in your home.