Episode Four – Bushfire Affected

Unhoused - Voices from the Threshold listens to the voices of those living in unstable housing, those who have lost a home, and those finding it difficult to create or afford a stable home in the Bega Valley NSW. In Episode 4 of Unhoused we speak with people who lost their homes to bushfires in the Bega Valley, during both the Tathra & District fire, and the Black Summer fires of 2019/20, and the founder of Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action. We speak about the various issues and difficulties they and others faced while picking up the pieces, the wins, and we also touch on the increasing numbers of those displaced by climate fuelled disasters in Australia.   The Unhoused Music was created by Candy McVeity on a marimba that was hand-made using housing materials for the Bega Public School. Our main Sandcastle Image is by Ronnie Ayliffe from her ‘Ash Alchemy’ series. Scroll down for links to some helpful services in the Bega Valley. Here are links to the papers and research cited in this episode: Original article from UNSW: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/06/compounding-crisis-report-shows-impact-of-disasters-on-housing-insecurity   A Spotlight video from the UNSW Built Environment “How We Survive” https://youtu.be/L0mTSlAN11E Visit the website for more https://howwesurvive.com/   Census information about the figures I quote: https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/AUS   An article about developments in the forecasting of Australia’s disaster migration future: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2024/09/forecasting-australia%E2%80%99s-disaster-migration-future With over 23,000 Australians displaced by disasters each year, and a shortfall of more than 640,000 affordable homes in Australia “The housing crisis is now a disaster risk in itself.” Cited article. https://cityfutures.ada.unsw.edu.au/documents/699/CHIA-housing-need-national-snapshot-v1.0.pdf   Understanding the bushfire recovery: https://www.naturalhazards.com.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/Understanding%20the%20Black%20Summer%20bushfires%20through%20research_final_web_NHRA.pdf   Other helpful Links in the Bega Valley: MISSION AUSTRALIA: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/servicedirectory/211-homelessness/homelessness-housing-support-bega-valley LINK2HOME: Link2home is a 24/7 statewide telephone service in New South Wales (NSW) that provides information, assessment, and referrals for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service is available on 1800 152 152 and is free to call.  SAPPHIRE NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES:  Non-housing support for children & young people under 18 years. Parents & families. https://sapphireneighbourhoodservices.org.au/ BRIGHTER FUTURES: Brighter Futures is a support program for families with young children who are encountering challenges that can impact on the care of the children. Make contact th...