A new photo exhibition has been unveiled along Birrarung Marr, celebrating Melbourne’s love of footy through the stories of AFL fans who have experienced, or come close to, homelessness. The display features two-metre-high portraits by acclaimed photographer Andrew Diprose and is part of Melbourne Zero, working to end rough sleeping in Melbourne by 2030.
“We wanted to connect homelessness to something that’s fundamental to our city’s identity, our shared love of footy, to spark meaningful conversations about solutions,” says George Hatvani, Head of Systems Change and Advocacy at Launch Housing.
Each of the individuals featured has a unique connection to football, and all have experienced housing insecurity. They are now safely housed, showing that with the right support, ending homelessness is possible.
Melbourne Zero is calling for all local councils to adopt the Advance to Zero approach, a method proven to reduce rough sleeping through coordinated action. Nine local government areas have already signed on.
Since 2020, nearly 300 people have been securely housed in the City of Melbourne. The City of Stonnington is on track to become Australia’s first community to achieve and sustain ‘functional zero’ rough sleeping.
Leyton, a Carlton supporter featured in the exhibition, experienced homelessness as a teenager and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. He now lives in affordable housing with support from Launch Housing. “Anyone could fall from grace and be homeless. I’m a perfect example of that,” he says.
Photographer Andrew Diprose says portraiture can help inspire connection and action. “Homelessness really can happen to anyone, at any time. I hope these photos help people see the strength and beauty in the participants, and ask what can be done to end homelessness in our city.”
Raise the Roof is free to view until August 24 along the Greenline Project hoarding at Birrarung Marr.
Read the full media release.
Melbourne Zero is powered by Launch Housing.
