Homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula continues to be a significant issue, with the cost of owning or renting a home here now more expensive than in Melbourne. Mornington Peninsula Shire data shows fewer than one in three Peninsula rental properties are affordable to those on a low income, and 35 per cent of residents are suffering rental stress. Low-income residents are being forced out of the region and away from their families and support networks, while 12 per cent of people experiencing homelessness are sleeping rough in cars or on the foreshore.
Housing and homeless support programs delivered by Western Port Community Support Centre, Southern Peninsula Community Support Centre, and Mornington Community Support Centre are a lifeline for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These services rely on donations and are stretched beyond capacity.
To support these vital services, Flinders Fringe Festival has teamed up with Uncommon Folk to present Street Requiem on the Ridge. This musical and multimedia event will see up to 100 singers come together with a small orchestra to perform selected movements of Street Requiem, composed by Dr Kathleen McGuire, Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch. The performance will be conducted by Dr McGuire and will include Makepisi, a South African a cappella group, and projected images by documentary photographer Noa Smith Fletcher.
“Ultimately, the work is intended to be a universal plea to recognise those who have suffered, to acknowledge those who still suffer, and to inspire people and society into action – as individuals and as a community – to respect and protect the dignity of all humans regardless of their situation, background or beliefs,” Dr McGuire said. “We are proud that Street Requiem has been performed more than 30 times in several countries, raising significant funds for charities and starting important conversations in many communities. In Street Requiem on the Ridge, we are collaborating with Voices of Frankston, led by Kerry Gerraty, which includes members who are homeless.”
Uncommon Folk is providing the venue and covering all costs so that all money raised through donations and ticket sales can go to the three community support centres. This event is supported by the Mornington Peninsula Foundation and Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Street Requiem on the Ridge will be held on Saturday, October 21, at Uncommon Folk Farm, 328 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge, from 5-7pm. Go to www.trybooking.com and search ‘Street Requiem’ for tickets.
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