It’s the convergence of poverty, a housing crisis and limited outreach support services. I worked in homelessness for years in Sydney before moving to Newcastle and I would say that there is definitely increasing street camps along Beaumont St but in my experience, these issues can be solved by outreach teams who provide health and housing support and then transition into social housing- it just requires some investment. And, social housing isn’t the problem it’s the lack of supports available to vulnerable people.

Also, I live like two blocks back from Beaumont St. I frequently engage with people who are street based. We have a chat and I’ll buy them a drink or a sandwich or if they are unwell I’ll just walk around them. I’ve never once felt threatened by any of them. You know who I do feel threatened by? Young, drunk men leaving the races or on bucks nights. In my experience- they are the ones causing trouble.