On 8 January 2026, I lost my beautiful dad, Brendan Ryan Kirkwood, at just 48 years old. He had been experiencing homelessness and was living along the Rosebud foreshore on the Mornington Peninsula when he passed away. Since my dad’s passing, there have reportedly been further deaths on the Mornington Peninsula due to similar circumstances. Losing my dad has been absolutely heartbreaking. He wasn’t just someone experiencing homelessness. He was a father, a son, a brother, and someone who was deeply loved. His life mattered.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for more emergency accommodation and housing support in Victoria, especially in areas like Rosebud, Rye, and the broader Mornington Peninsula. The current resources available for those experiencing homelessness are insufficient, leaving many vulnerable and without safe shelter.

In Victoria, homelessness and housing insecurity have reached critical levels. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are over 24,000 people experiencing homelessness across the state, and the numbers are rising. The lack of affordable housing options, combined with insufficient emergency accommodations, is putting lives at risk every day.

We need immediate action from local and state government bodies to increase funding and resources for emergency accommodation. More transitional housing needs to be established, and long-term affordable housing plans must be developed and implemented. These measures are not just critical for saving lives; they are essential for preserving the dignity of our community members.

Furthermore, we need comprehensive support programs to assist individuals in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Providing mental health, employment, and financial support services can offer a pathway out of homelessness and help prevent people from falling into the cycle again.

Join me in calling on the Victorian government and local councils to take swift, decisive action. Every day that passes without change is another day that someone risks becoming a victim of preventable circumstances. Sign this petition to demand more emergency accommodation, affordable housing, and comprehensive homelessness support across Victoria. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.