Perth Voice Interactive

IT looks like the Manna food service for homeless and disadvantaged people is to stay in Weld Square.

That’s despite ongoing concerns from neighbours who believe it’s attracting people who add to the violence and hooliganism that plagues the park.

Manna recently switched meal times to 1.30pm to try to separate its clients from the night-time crowds, encourage dispersal and discourage sleeping there overnight. According to a Vincent council report, “changes to the meal service times has seen positive feedback from service providers such as WA Police, Nyoongar Outreach Service and the City’s Rangers”.

The service has also been moved to the other side of the park, away from residences.

Acting Vincent mayor Ros Harley says “we have been able to come to a workable arrangement for the people in need of the service and which addresses some of the community concerns”.

“The outcome is a more dignified approach and the city provides both moral and financial support to this service for people in need.”

Resident Brayden Wardrop, who earlier this year convened a crisis meeting with the mayor and police, remains unconvinced: “The change of Manna’s service time has just exposed the issue to a different audience—those utilising the park during the day—and has had little impact in reducing the anti-social behaviour and crime in the area.”

For years the charity has been providing hot meals at 5pm, but nearby residents and business owners say it’s contributed to problems. Simon Psaros runs the restaurant Brika across the road and has had diners scared off by fighting and yelling.

Weld Square is a traditional meeting point for Aboriginal people because it’s just outside the old curfew line (back when this land’s original inhabitants were not permitted inside the capital’s borders). These days it remains popular for people from the bush who camp there, albeit illegally, extended family in tow, while visiting the hospital or other city services. Added to the mix are those existing on society’s fringe, who head down for a feed and companionship, and booze-filled pub-goers stumbling to the local Maccas for a late-night cheeseburger and a bit of biffo.

In 2014 Vincent council resolved to find Manna an alternative venue, preferably inside. Those efforts failed, as they weren’t able to find a suitable building.

Councillors want a report back to them by December next year about how the new hours are working out.

by DAVID BELL