THERE is a lack of answers as to where the homeless people from the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell have gone after the City of Bunbury issued a move on notice last week.
In a media statement released by the city, acting chief executive officer Gary Barbour confirmed the shell was closed on Thursday, September 30 for maintenance and upgrades prior to upcoming events.
He also reported that city staff in collaboration with police and outreach services had been working to inform the homeless using the facility of the upcoming closure.
However, when the Mail asked local supporting agencies about where the homeless have re-located to, they could not provide an answer.
Back in August, the Mail reported on how the Music Shell had become a temporary homeless shelter to around 15 to 20 homeless who had set up a 'tent city' in an effort to protect themselves from the winter elements.
Two of the residents living in the Shell at the time, expressed uncertainty to where they would go should they be asked to move on from the Shell.
Accordwest chief executive officer Evan Nunn said although Accordwest had a few 'concerned members of the community' at their door, none of the clients staying at the Shell had come forward seeking assistance.
"We're obviously only a few days in but so far we haven't had anyone present to us yet. But in saying that, their heads may be spinning a bit as they decide where to go next," Mr Nunn said.
"We haven't been approached yet. But we also don't have any emergency crisis accommodation available at this stage either."
It's heartbreaking when the homeless are looking for shelter and somewhere safe to go but this space is now closed.
- Anglicare WA South West service manager Cathy Mills
Anglicare Western Australia, South West service manager Cathy Mills said Anglicare told the people staying at the shelter that it would be unlikely that they could return there.
"In the past it's been when an event is on, people who have been sleeping there have been moved out, and after the event they have moved back in to the space. But what's different this time is that there's fencing up," she said.
"This has happened whilst we're still in winter weather, with no solution offered for where people can go.
"It's heartbreaking when the homeless are looking for shelter and somewhere safe to go but this space is now closed."
Ms Mills confirmed the agency was made aware of the closure in the days leading up to the Shell's closure, which gave the agency the opportunity to inform people about the changes.
"From our perspective, while we understand the position the City is in, at the same time we would have liked to have seen a solution put forward before asking people who have been rough sleeping to move on," Ms Mills said.
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Mr Barbour said city staff remained in regular contact with the support agencies and service providers to ensure those community members impacted by the move had access to the support services available.
He also said the the city continued to support the State Government's Housing First strategy, which was being implemented by frontline service providers.
In February 2021, the Department of Communities gave a five year, $2.5 million contract to Anglicare Western Australia, in partnership with Doors Wide Open and Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation.
The contract was given to these agencies to provide outreach and assistance for the homeless in the region.
In addition to the empty shell, homeless taking shelter at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre also appear to have moved on, with the centre installing screen like doors to deter people returning to sheltered areas.
When asked about the situation, Doors Wide Open did not wish to comment on this story.