Camberwell Sports Ground rough sleeper says he was ‘almost killed’ at boarding house
A homeless man who for years has lived in the historic Camberwell Sports Ground grandstand after he was “almost killed” at a boarding house acts as the unofficial groundskeeper — with a list of chores provided by the welcoming footy club.
Inner East
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Ben Materazzo is the “No. 1 ticket holder” for Old Scotch Football Club as well as their unofficial live-in groundskeeper.
High up in the bleachers of the grandstand at historic Camberwell Sports Ground, the 38-year-old former mechanic sits surrounded by an eclectic collection of knick-knacks he and his housemate, a plumber also fallen on tough times, have collected over the years.
A recovering drug addict, he said he’s been living rough for years, and he said he knows some people would probably turn up their nose at his lifestyle.
But living in the grandstand was a lot better than trying to survive life on the street or in a boarding house, he said, and the football club, the police and the council allowed them to stay as long as they kept the bleachers relatively tidy.
He said charity groups and community centres also provided them with food and other basic necessities, making it as close as possible to a home.
“We’ve been here on and off for years, we know the club pretty well,” he said.
“Admittedly it looks a bit sh*t at the moment. We’re supposed to keep (our things) to the back two rows.
“(But) these boarding places, they’re not really places you want to be. I’ve almost been killed in one before.
“I came here and I never wanted to leave. I’m the number one ticket holder (at games) … it’s nice to know I can come back here and get into bed and feel safe.”
Sportsground visitor John, who did not want his full name published, said he lived nearby and knew rough sleepers lived in the grandstand.
John said it wasn’t ideal, especially in winter when the weather was freezing, but Mr Materazzo and his mate should be allowed to stay if the alternative was throwing them out on the street.
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“I do think that it’s a sad thing he has to live there. If they could find him a house to live in that would be better,” he said.
Boroondara spokeswoman Kate Brewster said the council worked with police and community agencies to ensure rough sleepers like Ben were supported.
The council knew Ben lived in the grandstand, she said, and it was a strong advocate of the need for more social housing in the community.