Update on the Open Letter – And Some More Oompa Loompa Wisdom from Ailish
This is just a brief post to let you know what’s been going on in our lives since I posted the Open Letter to the Prime Minister and Queensland Premier.
Firstly, what I know most people have wanted to know – has there been any response from the Government? The answer is NO. There has been no contact whatsoever from either the office of the Prime Minister or the Office of the Queensland Premier.
The only response we have received from the Government has been from the Federal Opposition’s Spokesman on Housing - Senator Gary Humphries – and we sincerely thank him for his concern and time.
We have had a substantial response from the media – and I know all of you are jumping up and down saying “use the media, use the media” but I fear that quite often when you set out to “use the media” it gets turned around to the media using you. People who know me well have been aware of the substantial level of abuse and criticism that has been directed at my family, specifically at me. I am truly grateful that there are so many perfect people in the world so that I might learn from them.
I am, at this stage, limiting the amount of interviews I’m willing to do for the sheer fact that the situation we are in requires a LOT of emotional strength on a daily basis. When we put ourselves in the media spotlight it leads to ill-informed citizens making assumptions based on their stereotyped concept of what being “homeless” actually means. We are emotionally exhausted. We don’t have the reserves to be able to deal with that very public and sometimes extremely nasty criticism.
People need to remember that there are children involved in this situation, and we live without walls. They see and hear most of what goes on. If for no other reason, please consider the children before you put your mouth into gear before your brain.
Some of you may have heard the interview I did with Ben Fordham on 2GB – if you haven’t heard it please feel free to check it out here
Ben gave me his word that no ill would come of the interview and that his only motive was to assist my family. I don’t care what you might have heard about Ben, but I can tell you he is an absolute gentleman and a man of his word.
Here’s an example of how what goes on effects my children. My kids gathered around the computer to listen to the interview with “mum” – they were so proud and many high-fives were offered. My daughter said very little, she’s six but she’s like her mother – she’s a thinker.
Later in the day she sat on the end of her bed in the camper trailer for a moment pondering, she looked up at me and said “Did the man say that Charlie and I are not allowed to share this bed anymore?” I could see the sadness in her eyes and the fear in her voice.
“No!” I told her instantly then began to explain to her what the Government was, likening it to her school and the Prime Minister was like her Principal – he’s the boss – the buck stops with him.
I then explained to her, just as the school has different teachers for Italian, Music, Art & Cooking – so too the Government has different departments that looked after specialised areas. The Government was also responsible for making the rules and they made those rules in the hope that they would protect all the people in the country.
I explained that the special area that looks after housing had decided on some rules that they thought would protect anyone that needed a house because they couldn’t get one themselves. One of those rules was that if the government was to lend us a house to live in that Ailish and Charlie would not be allowed to share a bedroom. She looked at me for a minute processing.
“…that’s stupid” she said “we have this bed”. She gently patted the Dora the Explorer doona she bought from home “…that’s all we need.”
“Some children don’t even have a bed to share”. She smiled at me reassuringly, and then turned to a frown.
“I don’t think I like the Government”. She smiled once more and skipped down the stairs to play.
PS Just quickly thank you to everyone who has emailed, tweeted, yelled from the roof-tops or otherwise. We appreciate your support and apologise if we haven’t answered each of you individually. Someone needs to do something about homelessness in Australia. Not by 2020, as Kevin Rudd suggests, but NOW!
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I don’t think I like the government much, either, gorgeous girl.
I know it’s totally different, and I haven’t shared my story as you have, and for what it’s worth – I empathise with the media issues and the commments from those in society who know everything and are perfect!
Sending you loads of cyber hugs and thank you for the update. And for your brutal openess of your situation.
xox
Cate, you are doing the right thing in looking after your family. I just listened to the interview. You sounded sure and articulate. I feel for you and know that this will be resolved soon. The idiots that comment about the number of kids you have don’t know your circumstances prior to you loosing your home and income, don’t even give them a second thought.
As for not allowing brother and sister (even if they are step) to share a room is just ridiculous!
I wish you all the very best.
des
Ailish you have such a beautiful spirit and insight and are a total credit (as with your brothers) to your wonderful parents!
I know its easier said than done – but try not to let others opions get you all down. You can only hope that “one day” the focus will be on the problem at hand and assisting, rather than certain folk trying so hard to come up with some brainy explanation or reason as to why you are where you are now!
Huge hugs to you all and trust that a solution will be found very soon for you all. xx
My turn to cry! x0x0x0x0x0x0
Sending love & hugs. Ailish, you are a beautiful child with an amazing spirit! Cate, you are an extraordinary human being. You always think of everyone else & of the greater good.
Good luck with it all Cate. All I can offer is virtual hugs. I’m standing here on the sideline cheering you on!
I too am amazed at how many perfect people there are in the world. Who knew there were so many?
Don’t let the so and so’s get you down. You’re a fantastic Mum with an awesome family and you are so very strong. You’re a Supermum and Rick sounds pretty darn Super too!
xox
Wow. Just wow. The GFC has struck hard and yet, it’s only the bigger business people who get noticed. Absolutely disgusting.
I will be tweeting, stumbling, shouting from the rooftops alongside you all of the way.
x
Veronica´s last blog ..Growing up
Good luck with everything- just focus on all the good people and support you get. I read your whole blog last night and I’m crushed this is happening to you and your family. The others just don’t see the whole picture of what you set out to do. It’s all well and good to say you should have done this and that blah blah blah, But I love your optimist for trying. Time cannot be wound back so all that is pointless.
So from one fallable woman to another know there is compassion out there
Well done Cate…I am currently spokesperson for a group of homeless men under threat of eviction from their own suburb/community….it is a struggle and we continue to struggle….all we want is some low cost affordable housing for the most vulnerable people…We are facing a Council and State Gov that simply wants to pass the buck and move-on homeless people…to some other form of homelessness…Follow the story….Kevin St Alder..google/facebook/myspace….formed a group on F/B $100,000+problem…please join?
Cate Reply:
January 9th, 2010 at 9:12 am
So let me make sure I understand this… Not only are these men homeless but the community wants them removed because… What? They’re making the place look untidy?
This is my whole point if half the people who went out of their way to criticise and complain about homeless people could find the compassion to HELP them – even just by SUPPORTING them emotionally – we would not have this problem. It’s disgraceful and we all should be ashamed.
People need to start understanding this is a matter of “there but for the grace of God go I”. This CAN happen to anyone!
Help a man find his way when he is lost and you will guide a man into helping others. Expect no compassion from those who have been shown none.
I will be in touch Kevin.
Cate, thanks for being a strong person and brave for your kids. You are marvelous. I hope times turn to the better for you and this year brings you what you most wish for. – Richard
I do understand the difficulties faced in housing some homeless people – those with drug or alcohol addictions or mental disorders for example. (My grandmother was housed next to a man who kept making a fire in the living room because he didn’t know how to turn on the heater.) But the problem can’t be ‘moved on’ or swept over – it has to be dealt with.
As for the sharing a bed rule – I so wish the government would butt out of parents doing their job. Most parents are doing the right thing. Making a rule for every waking and sleeping moment isn’t going to improve things – all it does is cause stress for parents trying to do the right thing while those who don’t give a shit continue not to give a shit.