Caravan park becomes final shelter for homeless seniors
About 16 seniors with nowhere else to go live at Ballan caravan park. Many are over 50 and female.
A small caravan park near Ballarat has become a last refuge for seniors at risk of homelessness. One man, local councillor Paul Tatchell, has privately funded the site for more than a decade.
Tatchell invested more than $1 million to build and renovate units. The park operates 34 beds, with half reserved for tourists and backpackers.
Income from visitors helps pay for deeply discounted rents for pensioners. Women over 50 now represent Australia's fastest-growing homeless group.
Low wages, small retirement savings, and sudden relationship breakdown drive this. Many residents have moved to stable housing after regaining dignity.
Six residents have died at the park.
- About 16 seniors
- Current residents
- 34 beds
- Total beds
- More than $1 million
- Tatchell's investment
- Ballan, near Ballarat
- Location
Why it mattersReveals a major gap in aged care and support for older Australians, especially women. Shows how communities are filling a government void.
AustraliaHighlights the scale of senior homelessness in Australia and the particular vulnerability of women over 50 who cannot afford aged care.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
