Shocked tourists feel unsafe around Flinders St station homeless camps

FOR the traders on Flinders St the antics of those in the homeless camp were predictable. But the aggressive behaviour outside the iconic station has shocked tourists.

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FOR the traders on Flinders St the antics of those in the homeless camp were predictable. But the aggressive behaviour of those now living outside the iconic station has shocked tourists.

As the makeshift camp grew in size yesterday, tourists and locals were forced to navigate through the piles of bedding, rubbish and pet waste.

One woman called a homeless man ‘’disgusting’’ as he urinated on the street — within metres of a public toilet.

Another young woman attacked a TV news cameraman — she had been photographed on Tuesday using drug paraphernalia.

People walk past homeless people camped next to Flinders St station. Picture: Ian Currie

Shocked international tennis fans were stunned at the public drug use in the heart of the city.

“If you’re going to the tennis you should be able to walk through your city and feel safe,” American Bradley Smith said.

Englishwoman Liz Walsh said she couldn’t believe the mess. “It’s just awful, some parts of Melbourne seem to be lovely but I didn’t expect to see this,” she said.

Workers from Launch Housing attended the scene at noon yesterday in an attempt to engage in discussion with members of the camp.

Homeless people camped outside Flinders St station as people walk past. Picture: Mark Stewart

People sleeping rough outside Flinders St station. Picture: Nicole Garmston

But Launch Housing spokeswoman Jasmine Fiegehan said due to privacy reasons she could not confirm if any offers of housing were successful.

One man who identified as “Ruski”, who spoke with his face covered by a Guy Fawkes mask, claimed he didn’t have anywhere else to go.

“The reason why they’re kicking us out is because of the Australian Open, they’ve never helped us before and now all of a sudden we need to go,” Ruski said.

“I don’t even get Centrelink, they don’t help me — that’s why I’m here.”

Social service officers offer help rough sleepers outside Flinders St station. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Another homeless woman protested that she had tried to get a job but that employers didn’t want to hire her because she is pregnant.

“I’d love a job, no one wants to employ me,” she said.

But many Melburnians have had enough.

“I won’t be bringing my kids back past this way,” Epping mum of three Julie said.

“I really thought something would have been done by now.”