Into the Heartland

Meet Božidara Babková - A woman from Czechoslovakia who has had her eyes opened to Australia’s housing crisis

Božidara grew up during the cold war which saw her living under communist rule in Czechoslovakia. This meant Božidara didn't see or experience homelessness until moving overseas. Since realising how hard it is to find adequate housing and work here in Australia, Božidara has had her perspective changed and is now advocating for more safe and adequate community housing. 

Meet Violet - A professional, mother and first nations woman with experience of homelessness

Violet has been through many ups and downs. She has lived out of her car with her children, moving around to find safety. All the while she never stopped trying to build a career, care for her family, and secure housing for herself and her family. With her ancestors on her side, Violet's story is one of relentless determination and hope. 

Meet Fiona - with two masters degrees who has experienced homelessness

Fiona's life was turned upside down after an incident at her workplace left her with PTSD and anxiety, causing a marriage breakdown. Fiona was left with no job and nowhere to go. Having two masters degrees in education and social work, Fiona never would have expected to be living out of a bus often fearing for her safety. With her companion dog by her side, Fiona's story is one of resilience and determination to restore dignity in the lives of women who are homeless. 

Meet Billy - An artist in her late 50’s with recent lived experience of homelessness

Billy is a resilient woman, originally from New Zealand, with a passion for art. Billy's experience with domestic violence meant leaving a toxic marriage and the home she owned with her husband. Insufficient public housing on the Sunshine Coast has meant that Billy's been at risk of homelessness for the last 2.5 years. Moving between different temporary accommodations, some that at times were triggering and unsafe for Billy, she is determined to find solutions for the housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast. 

Meet Jacqui - 80 year old woman with recent lived experience of homelessness

Jacqui is a beautiful, gentle soul who grew up in Western Queensland, attended boarding school, went to art college in Sydney in the 50's, is mother to three children and owned her own home. In recent times, seeking secure accommodation for Jacqui and her son became difficult, so much that Jacqui became homeless for the best part of 2019, spending her time couch surfing with friends and acquaintances. 

Meet Lindsey - a young mum with recent lived experience of homelessness

After growing up in a Christian family in America, Lindsey sought connection to her Native lineage & a broader sense of the world through travelling & humanitarian work overseas. She arrived in Australia in 2012, eventually falling pregnant in a domestic violent relationship in 2020 and fled to the Sunshine Coast just before giving birth. Lindsey experienced ongoing housing insecurity while also being welcomed and supported by the local community. She is gratefully building a new life for herself & her child.

Carolita Fuentes - growing up in Chile and Melbourne in the 70's

Meet Carolita a dynamic and inspiring woman from Chile. Our conversation weaves through indigenous connection to country, stories from her homeland, childhood racism in Melbourne, saving and regenerating bushland and holding a spiritual connection to two countries. 

Liss Perez Ronderos - Growing up in Venezuela - fun , family, politics

Liss grew up in Venezuela in the 70's and 80's - in a small village, with relative wealth compared to others. Life was relatively carefree, full of fun and community. She studied childcare, worked and over time, understood and noticed the eroding community and political situation unfolding in her country. She moved to Australia and eventually made her home on the Sunshine Coast. 

Ayyaz Bajwa from Pakistan shares stories from his youth about family, cricket, and community.

Ayyaz tells the story of his childhood in Pakistan, listening to conversations with his fathers political and business associates, life in the village, reflections on his country, religion and culture. He also shares about moving to Australia, mental health and his migrant journey in Queensland. 

Saravuth Than - Life during Khmer Rouge Cambodia and social work in PhnomPenh

Saravuth was born in 1975 on the side of the road in Cambodia when his family was travelling from the city to the country during the Khmer Rouge regime.  Saravuth shares stories of incredible loss, resilience and those of strength and triumph of the human spirit. His journey includes life in the camps during the Khmer Rouge regime, working as a social worker with the street kids of Phnom Penh, winning a National Award, mental health, domestic violence and life on the Sunshine Coast.