AUSTRALIA is the lucky country, and with Christmas coming its great to know that most of us can eat drink get merry and get presents, but a lot of people continue to do it hard on the streets especially in regional areas. CENTACARE Mt.Isa and JETZAK have produced a broadcast TVC and online campaign to highlight both the plight and the hopeful stories from people affected by homelessness in Mt. Isa, as well as the great work being done by many agencies across regional and rural Queensland. The catch cry of the campaign is HOMELESSNESS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE.
MICK was diagnosed with bladder cancer after spending all his life working hard behind the wheel of dangerous bulk carriers and road trains. His life was turned upside down as the battle with the cancer consumed him physically, emotionally and financially. His wife unflinchingly stood beside him and they have found a peace together despite the absence of all their former material trappings. He and his wife epitomise those whose homelessness is brought crashing down by circumstance, and that a good work ethic doesn't bring immunity to its effects.
UNCLE CLIVE is now a respected elder in the Mt.Isa community, but there was a time when even his own family didnt want anything to do with him. Down and out and chronically alcoholic in the streets and creek beds of Mt.Isa, he suffered a tragic life defining moment with the death of his fifteen year old son. He broke free of his hard living life and though he still bears the scars of his past, he carries the noble demeanor of a proud and thoughtful man who has been through so much and risen back up against the odds.
CLAUDINE is happily married with children and living in Mt. Isa. She became aware of the conspicuous presence of the many homeless people in her town and started volunteering at a soup kitchen. Many fortunate people have a desire to help those less so and to 'give something back'. Homelessness doesn't discriminate, and every little bit helps when it comes to assisting the services that make a huge difference to the men, women and especially children who are doing it tough.
CAROL suffered a tragic and unexpected breakup 8 years ago. Completely disarmed by the event she steadily descended into unemployment, poor mental and physical health, social alienation and ultimately homelessness. Not everyone succumbs to a breakup so chronically, but Carols story is a poignant reminder that we all have a weakness in our armour, and that everyday people can and do become homeless, everyday.
CENTACARE and JETZAK worked together to create a TVC for WQ regional broadcast leading up to Christmas . The subjects in the TVC are real people with real stories about homelessness in Mt.Isa.
