October 11th, 2024Swagload of success: artshow benefits homeless

A huge success is how artists have summed up last month’s From Behind  Closed Doors fundraising art exhibition.  

Staged by Daylesford Regional Arts Co-operative in the town’s renovated  Stanbridge Hall, the event has raised $2200 for Backpack Bed for Homeless Australia.

“That’s 15 backpack beds and sleeping bags for the homeless of Hepburn Shire,”  says Pam Gleeson, a Glenlyon artist who is also treasurer with the co-operative.  

“Our target was $1000 so yes, we smashed it. We had over $10,000 of art sales.  Not bad for a very small group of 12 artists.

 “Stanbridge Hall proved to be the perfect space to hold an exhibition. We had  over 180 people at our Gala Opening Night and close to a further 300 people visited  the exhibition.  

“We’ll definitely have a major exhibition every year.”  

Pam had suggested that funds raised from the debut event go toward assisting  people contending with homelessness, after becoming aware of the extent of the  problem.  

“I think a lot of people may not even realise that homelessness is an issue even  here in the Hepburn Shire where it’s a problem that is not openly on display,” she  says.

“Many of the homeless find shelter in hidden corners of the towns and villages  or live in the Wombat State Forest.  

“Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. People suffer illnesses, loss of  employment, marital breakups or the need to escape domestic violence. All these  factors can mean loss of home and employment.  

“Backpack Bed for Homeless can’t keep pace with the demand. They supply a  backpack bed every two hours, but, in fact, need to supply one every 11 minutes.  

“Child & Family Services office in Daylesford is the access point or first point of  contact for people at risk of or suffering homelessness. In the past 12 months Cafs  has provided assistance to 111 individuals, families or couples in the Hepburn Shire,  providing tents, swags and backpack beds.”

_{Words: Eve Lamb | Image: Supplied}