Inspector David Bowler and Sergeant Gemma Hargreaves with the lockers for rough sleepers at Echuca police station.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
A collaborative initiative between Campaspe Shire Council, Victoria Police, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and Anglicare Victoria, free, 24-hour accessible lockers are available for rough sleepers.
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Located outside Echuca police station, the idea for the lockers was thought up through a Housing and Homelessness Partnership Network, including the local support and emergency services, along with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
Meeting regularly to address concerns of local people experiencing homelessness, the group identified their need for secure, safe spaces to store their belongings.
Six lockers have now been installed on Anstruther St at the east end of the police station, and can be accessed without the user entering or even passing the front of the station.
Njenda’s Lani Taga, Echuca police Inspector David Bowler, Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell, Anglicare Victoria’s Jayde Cooper, Njernda’s Ashley Wickham, Anglicare Victoria’s Melissa O’Grady, Echuca police Sergeant Gemma Hargreaves and Campaspe Shire Council community partnerships manager Marc Turri. Photo: Contributed
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell is enthusiastic about the project, highlighting its potential to support rough sleepers.
“By providing a secure place for rough sleepers to store their belongings, we are helping to restore their dignity and sense of security,” he said.
Echuca police Inspector David Bowler echoed these sentiments.
“We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort to support the homeless community in Echuca,” he said.
“The installation of these lockers is a practical step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those in need.
“Users don’t have to come into the station, they are just housed here.
“It’s just a safe place for them to store their belongings.”
Inside the lockers for rough sleepers at Echuca police station.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Anglicare Victoria youth and community services program manager Cam Turnbull expressed his pride at seeing the project brought to fruition.
“For most of us, having somewhere secure to put our belongings is something that’s easy to take for granted,” he said.
“These lockers will give peace of mind to people in town who don’t currently have a home, and I’m really pleased to see this project come together.”
The lockers are accessible at all times in a well-lit, camera-monitored area, and there is also a duress alarm.
Council funded the $8500 cost of the lockers, while they were installed by Victoria Police. Anglicare Victoria is overseeing the administration of the lockers.
Anglicare Victoria is located at 486 High St, Echuca and can be contacted on 5482 0900.
