Homeless: Gold Coast City Council refuses to waive fine against homeless man Graeme Aitken

The Gold Coast community has thrown its support behind a homeless man fined for living in his van — but the Gold Coast City Council says the fine still stands.

THE Gold Coast community has come forward in droves to support a homeless man after he was fined for illegal camping.

Graeme Aitken, 66, lives in his van with dog Duke, and suffers from a debilitating bladder condition.

He was fined more than $1200 for sleeping near a Burleigh public toilet, despite having a note from his doctor asking for “compassion” from council staff and explaining his need to be near a toilet.

He claims he was then approached by a council worker who threatened to lock the public toilet to stop him entering at night.

DONATE TO GRAEME AITKEN’S GO FUND ME PAGE

Graeme needs to be near the toilet block because of a medical condition. Picture: Jerad Williams

‘OUT OF HAND’: FIGHTING, DRUNKS, DRUGS IN COAST STREETS

A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman confirmed Mr Aitken could apply to have the fine waived.

“The City has a process whereby Mr Aitken can request a review of the infringement notices should he choose to do so,” she said.

OTHER NEWS:

How ice addicts have taken over Coast streets

‘Just stupid’: Anger over lengthy burn-offs

Incredible new Coast tourist attraction

“Please note that Council officers have previously tried on a number of occasions to help Mr Aitken by connecting him with homelessness services.

“The toilets at Second Ave, Burleigh remain open at all times unless there are maintenance or safety issues.”

Mr Aitken laughed off suggestions he had received assistance from council officers.

“The most they’ve done is come by and say, ‘have you been here, here, and here’, which doesn’t help,” he said.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN: $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

He’s since been inundated with support from the community. Picture: Jerad Williams

COAST HOMELESS TELL THEIR STORY

“I’ve been to homeless services in the area and they’re all chock-a-block and you can’t have a dog.

“It’s a straight fix, I just need to park there for two months until I have an operation.”

Mr Aitken has been living in his van for more than three years, surviving on a small pension.

Since speaking to the Bulletin yesterday multiple people have reached out to donate hot meals, clothing and portable toilets for Mr Aitken to use.

Brisbane resident Peter Henderson offered to donate a portaloo, and said he had been moved by Mr Aitken’s plight.

“I was pretty sick a few years ago, I didn’t find it very nice and I didn’t find people very helpful,” he said.

“I’ve been where he is. I know what it’s like to feel like you have no one to help you.”

Mr Aitken said he was grateful for the offers, but is unable to use the portable toilets for medical reasons.

Facebook users have also come forward, offering to donate to a Gofundme campaign to pay the fine.