Thomson family flee, community action group created over alleged nightmare DFFH tenant
A group of residents are demanding the removal of an alleged violent and aggressive neighbour amid claims authorities have lost control and families are fleeing the street.
Geelong
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A group of Geelong residents are demanding the removal of an alleged violent and aggressive neighbour amid claims authorities have lost control and families are fleeing the street.
Homeowner Michael Davies, who bought his Thomson home almost 20 years ago, has started an action group to assist others who claim they’re living in fear of a nearby commission housing tenant.
It comes as shocking footage emerged of the woman, who is known to police, being told to leave a property after allegedly screaming vile and sexually depraved abuse while children slept.
Mr Davies, 45, said her erratic conduct had escalated over the past two years.
Countless complaints to Victoria Police, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and City of Great Geelong have been powerless to stop her.
“This situation has spiralled out of control,” he said.
“People are packing up and moving out because nothing can be done about her.
“She is a menace but the issue is much bigger.”
The Addy understands the housing department is aware of the constant flow of alleged anti-social behaviour at the premises believed to have housed the same tenant for almost 14 years.
Father-of-two, Joel Quinn, is moving his young family to Armstrong Creek on Friday due to the escalating safety concerns.
He had lived in his Callander St home for 10 years.
“It’s got to the point where everyone is just waiting for her to hurt someone before action can be done,” he said.
“What kind of society are we living in … I don’t want my kids around when she inevitably does.”
Mr Quinn, 33, said she often stands near his son’s bedroom window yelling abuse.
“They’re petrified,” he said.
“Police can’t stop her. We’ve lost count how many times we’ve called them but they don’t even come any more.
“We’ve had no choice but to give up and move.”
Another homeowner, who did not want to be named, said the woman had threatened to kill herself while laying in the middle of the road.
He claims his children witnessed the entire episode.
“They had a lot of questions, it was bloody traumatic,” he said.
“Kids should not be exposed to that.
“We have just had to put up with it.”
It’s believed DFFH is working behind the scenes to address the litany of complaints within the Residential Tenancies Act.
People in the area are continually told to report her behaviour to the department before being referred to Crime Stoppers or Victoria Police.
Nothing happens.
Another long-term couple on the same street claim the woman stole their TV unit and set a car alight more than a decade ago.
They were successful in having an IVO taken out against her at the time.
It’s understood her behaviour is not isolated to the street she lives on, with a nearby cafe owner reporting abuse.
Mr Davies and the newly formed Thomson Community Action Group is meeting with Cheetham Ward councillor Melissa Cadwell on Thursday to see what avenues they can pursue.
CoGG have been contacted for comment and Ms Cadwell has not replied to a request for information at the time of publication.
“In a perfect world we would not have to try to kick her out but it’s just not working,” Mr Davies said.
“We are at the point of no return and our community deserves better.”
It’s believed police are not investigating any outstanding criminal charges in relation to the above claims.
The saga is the latest in a string of similar disputes involving DFFH tenants that are plaguing Geelong suburbs and families.
A department spokesman said it not tolerate anti-social behaviour in accommodation it owns “and take all incidents and complaints seriously.”
It’s understood at least one Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal (VCAT) dispute is currently in court involving the woman.
Mr Quinn hoped common sense would prevail and she is soon moved on or charged over her behaviour.
“The situation is sad, it’s a good street,” he said.
“We just hope something is done for the sanity and peace of those left.”
In the meantime all they can do is sit, wait and hope.
Originally published as Thomson family flee, community action group created over alleged nightmare DFFH tenant
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