Geelong residents fight with Department of Family, Fairness, Housing to get tenants booted

A Newcomb father has blasted the state’s housing department after a hellish neighbour, who once set fire to her own rat infested property, suddenly returned.

A fire inside a Newcomb residence next door to a Geelong family home. Photo: Supplied.

A Geelong father has blasted the state’s housing department after a hellish neighbour remerged next door despite assurances she had been relocated.

Newcomb homeowner Martin Stevenson says his “nightmare has returned” after the woman, who cannot be named, recommenced living at a unit on Helms St after she was temporarily removed following a number of bizarre and frightening incidents.

He erected a new fence in her absence, giving him an insight into the dire conditions she was living under which he claims shows a “lack of empathy” from the Department of Family, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).

The tenant of a Newcomb unit on Helms Street.

“There is no back door, kicked in walls and a tip for a yard,” he said.

“I’ve informed DFFH that rats are living in there, but with no response on cleaning it up.”

Mr Stevenson, who has owned his Anthony St home for 13 years, claims the woman is now back “terrifying our children” with a torrent of “screaming abuse” and “vulgar language” coming over the fence.

A DFFH spokesman said he was aware of Mr Stevenson’s predicament and understood the “situation (was) distressing for the neighbouring residents.”

This masthead understands plans are in place to move the tenant to other accommodation due to rising tensions in the neighbourhood and ongoing personal safety concerns.

DFFH will investigate the new complaints and are expected to pursue action through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

The woman allegedly set fire to her own property in February last year, with vision showing her and an unknown man using toxic materials such as a mattress, blankets and a wooden sliding door to ignite the fire.

Fire Rescue Victoria was called to douse the blaze.

The state of the Newcomb unit on Helms Street.

Mr Stevenson remains shocked and angry at the delay, alleging he was told in December the unit should be empty.

“We believed she had been removed, things went quiet for a few months (and) the rear of the unit was boarded up,” he said.

“We were able to have a new fence put up which gave us a shocking view of how she was living.

“Unfortunately, we were wrong and DFFH had not applied for her final removal and incidents are increasing once again.”

“It is disgusting DFFH allow her to live like she is and their continued lack of empathy and support for the families who have to live with her behaviour.”

The dispute is one of several in the last 12 months involving Geelong residents and DFFH tenants.

A Herne Hill family lived “in constant fear” of their neighbour, Trent Halliday, before he was evicted.

A Herne Hill resident has been charged with wilful damage after a terrifying incident with a Geelong family last week. Photo Supplied.

He was charged with wilful damage after a terrifying incident in March, allegedly kicking through timber slats on a fence and attempting to enter their yard.

“It’s just a constant source of worry that never ends,” the concerned neighbour said at the time.

“It has been a living nightmare.

“He is the neighbour from hell and we just wish it could stop.”

Halliday was also convicted and placed on a Community Corrections Order in April last year for terrorising different neighbours by assaulting them, smashing their homes and unleashing his dogs in mid-2022.

He pleaded guilty to a number of charges, including breaching personal safety intervention orders and unlawful assault.

A public housing block in Thomson is also causing major concerns for nearby residents, who are demanding a number of anti-social tenants be evicted.

The 10-unit complex, on Birdsey St, is being described as an eyesore with rubbish regularly dumped on doorsteps.

Public housing at number 29 and 27 Birdsey St in Thomson. Pictures taken in response to a woman who called concerned about the state of public housing flats at the corner of Birdsey St and St Albans Rd. Picture: Alan Barber

One homeowner, who did not want to be named, said she “hates paying rates when there’s this mess around”.

“You know, I’m thinking, I’m paying rates here to look at this rubbish,” she said.

“It’s not fair.”

According to nearby residents, there is often anti-social behaviour by the current tenants, including fights in the street.

A DFHH spokeswoman said department staff had inspected the property and engaged contractors to fix damage and have removed the dumped rubbish.

“Anti-social behaviour or intentional damage to property in public housing is not tolerated,” the spokeswoman said.

29 Birdsey St. Public housing at number 29 and 27 Birdsey St in Thomson. Picture: Alan Barber

“While there are some complex situations, the vast majority of renters do the right thing and respect their community and public housing properties.”

It’s understood the department is clear with renters about their obligations, and that repeat offenders are dealt with in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act and consequences for anti-social behaviour can include eviction.

If you or someone you know is affected harassment, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

In an emergency, call triple-0.

Originally published as Geelong residents fight with Department of Family, Fairness, Housing to get tenants booted