The Journey to the NQ Tablelands
My story begins in Victoria, where I grew up on a farm with my large, close-knit family. With a family tragedy out of the blue, this was my first example of losing my home. As a stay-at-home mom, I packed up my two children and moved to the Tablelands region of North Queensland. In part, I was lured by the prospect of a fresh start and the opportunity to be closer to my aging parents. What was meant to be a six-month stint turned into a 32-year residency, as I found myself drawn to the beauty and community of the region.
There are numerous examples of government intervention that have moved people on.
Growing up on a farm, I was no stranger to hard work and the cycles of nature. The extended family environment provided a strong sense of resilience and survival, as we weathered the challenges of farm life together. However, the harsh realities of that era also left their mark, shaping my approach to life and how I would navigate the difficult times to come.
The Loss of a Home
After many years of building a life in the Tablelands, I found myself facing a devastating housing crisis. I had purchased a small house in Herberton, which I later had to relinquish to the bank. This was the second instance of losing my home. This loss was a significant blow, and I sought refuge in a local caravan park, a temporary solution that would soon become the centre of a much larger struggle.
For 13 years, I called the caravan park home, working tirelessly to maintain a sense of community and stability for myself and my fellow residents. We negotiated with the council, advocated for our rights, and even won several battles to improve living conditions and ensure the park remained welcoming. However, our hard-fought efforts were ultimately futile, as the council decided to demolish the park and redevelop the land without regard for the human impact.
The Emotional Toll
The news of the impending eviction hit me like a shockwave. I was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions – anger, hurt, and a deep sense of betrayal. How could the authorities entrusted to serve the community turn their backs on us so callously? The lack of empathy and disregard for our stories and struggles was overwhelming.
In the face of this adversity, I found myself having to dig deep within, drawing on the resilience and strength that had been forged through a lifetime of challenges. It was a battle on multiple fronts – not only fighting the bureaucratic machinery but also managing the emotional toll of losing my home and community. The process was arduous, filled with endless meetings, paperwork, and the constant need to prove the validity of our situation.
Rebuilding and Resilience
Yet, there was a third situation: losing my home. As the eviction process dragged on for nearly two years, I found myself in a state of constant crisis mode. This time was spent scrambling to find temporary housing solutions and navigate the complex web of social services. It was a time of immense upheaval, with my own personal life and my family members also facing significant challenges.
Through it all, I refused to give up. I channelled my anger into a fierce determination to fight for our rights. I took on a leadership role by becoming a spokesperson and advocate for the other residents facing a similar plight. It was a gruelling process that strengthened my resilience and sense of self-worth.
Today, thankfully, I find myself in a new living situation. I am sharing a home with friends while continuing to navigate the complexities of housing insecurity. While the journey has been arduous, it has also been a testament to the power of the human spirit. I have learned that true resilience comes not from the absence of struggle but from the willingness to confront it head-on, to find strength in the community, and to never lose sight of our inherent worth as individuals.
A Call for Compassion
My story is a stark reminder of the human cost of housing crises. There is an urgent need for a more compassionate and holistic approach to addressing these issues. Too often, the voices of those affected are drowned out by bureaucrats and policymakers’ cold, impersonal calculations. It is time to shift the narrative and recognize the profound impact that the loss of a home can have. It is much more than the individuals; it includes families and communities.
As we grapple with the complexities of housing affordability, homelessness, and urban development, we must remember that these are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are the stories of real people, with their own histories, dreams, and struggles. By listening to these stories and acknowledging the humanity at the heart of these issues, we can begin to build a more just and equitable society – one that values the well-being of all its citizens, not just the bottom line.
My journey has been difficult. It has also taught me the power of resilience, community, and the unwavering human spirit. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to advocate for change. We must demand more from our leaders, and never lose sight of the fundamental truth:
that a home is not just a roof over our heads but a reflection of our shared humanity.
Jenny Sader
If you are inspired, the unedited longer-form interview with Jenny is available on our YouTube channel here.
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