Imagine a world where homelessness and mental illness aren't just ignored but actively addressed with solutions that save lives and money. That's exactly what's happening in Sydney's inner west, and it's a game-changer. Tucked away on a quiet street, a nondescript building called Habilis is proving that supported housing for formerly homeless individuals with mental health issues isn't just a dream—it's a reality. But here's where it gets controversial: could this model be the key to preventing tragedies like the Bondi Junction stabbing? Let's dive in.
Habilis is more than just a shelter; it's a lifeline. With 18 residents, this low-rise building offers access to mental health support services, including a nurse, psychiatrist, and an overnight caretaker. It’s a model that NSW Coroner Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan highlighted in her inquest into the Bondi Junction attack, recommending long-term accommodation for those grappling with mental health issues and homelessness. This isn’t just a local idea—it’s inspired by successful programs like Habilis in NSW and Haven in Victoria.
But why does this matter? Professor Olav Nielssen, Habilis's founder, argues that building more places like this is not just humane—it’s cost-effective. “It’s more expensive to neglect a homeless person than to house and treat them,” he explains. The costs of homelessness ripple through healthcare, criminal justice, and even sanitation. For instance, Joel Cauchi, the perpetrator of the Bondi Junction attack, was homeless and suffering a psychotic relapse of chronic schizophrenia. He hadn’t taken his medication since 2019, a stark reminder of how homelessness disrupts continuity of care. Professor Nielssen points out that without a stable address, it’s nearly impossible to provide consistent treatment.
And this is the part most people miss: homelessness isn’t just a housing issue—it’s a healthcare crisis. Professor Nielssen estimates that about 3,000 people sleep rough in NSW each night, with roughly one-third suffering from severe mental illness. “We need about 1,000 beds, 50 places like Habilis,” he says. It’s a finite problem with a tangible solution.
Take David Maddox, a Habilis resident with chronic schizophrenia. Before moving in, he struggled to stay on his medication while living in public housing. “I missed my medication and ended up in trouble with the police,” he shares. Now, with the support of Habilis, he takes Clozapine regularly. “It makes you feel more calm,” he says. This isn’t just about housing—it’s about stability, care, and dignity.
But is this enough? The Bondi Junction inquest made 23 recommendations, including improving emergency response. The coroner praised the rapid response of police and paramedics but noted communication issues and triage problems. For example, multiple crews attempted to resuscitate the same patients because no one had tagged or prioritized them. This is where the “Ten Second Triage” tool comes in—a rapid screening system that could save lives by ensuring efficient patient prioritization. Dr. Philip Cowburn, who helped devise the tool, emphasizes its urgency: “It could have prevented some of the chaos we saw at Westfield.”
Yet, the declaration of the shopping centre as a “hot zone” after Cauchi’s death highlights another near miss. Ambulance officers were instructed to leave, though fortunately, all survivors had already been evacuated. “It could have been worse,” Dr. Cowburn notes, raising questions about communication protocols in multi-agency responses.
So, here’s the big question: Is supported housing like Habilis the answer to preventing future tragedies, or is it just one piece of a much larger puzzle? And how can we ensure emergency responses are seamless, even in the most chaotic situations? Let’s start the conversation—what do you think?
