Brenton came to PCLC because he was facing severe financial hardship and was currently living in his car. He was seeking assistance in accessing his superannuation and applying for the Disability Support Pension. He also needed advice about family law issues as he has three children living interstate that he had not seen for several years. In addition to all of this, he said he was homeless.
It was an ordinary day at the Dandenong Duty Service for our tenancy advocate. She was sitting at the back of the court observing proceedings when she noticed a young woman enter the court with her child in a pram. The woman took at seat at the bar table and stayed silent, while the member read the material and directed all his questions at the agent. Just as he was about to make a possession order as the current rent arrears stood at approximately $3,500, the duty advocate stood up and alerted him to the fact that the tenant had arrived late and was in fact in Court.
Aaron, a single parent, aged 40, was struggling financially and had fallen behind in his rent. His landlord took action in VCAT for rent arrears and possible possession. Aaron represented himself and managed to negotiate a resolution whereby the landlord allowed him to remain in the property if he submitted to a payment plan to cover the arrears.
Lily 27, recently had her four young children taken into care by the Department of Health and Human Services. She had limited family support and struggled with a number of mental health issues. Lily has experienced family violence from the fathers of her children and was vulnerable to alcohol addiction when self- medicating.
After experiencing significant childhood trauma, Jenny 38, had always suffered from depression and anxiety. The last five years had been particularly difficult for Jenny, she had lost a few close friends and family members to tragic deaths, separated from a long term partner and moved interstate. These life events had seen a significant deterioration in her mental health.
Jason is 26 years old and has a long history of drug and alcohol addiction. Whilst he struggled with his addictions he had been a carer for his disabled mother and was living with his parents. Jason’s relationship with his brother had always been volatile and one night when his brother came to visit an argument ensued. The disagreement became physical and police were called.
