Three Gold Coast residents who have experienced homelessness, addiction and significant personal trauma are calling for a different approach to tackling homelessness, saying governments should focus on healing the underlying causes rather than repeatedly moving people from public spaces. Their message comes amid renewed debate over homelessness on the Gold Coast following recent enforcement action to remove large tent encampments from public areas.
The three advocates — Graeme McGrail, Tanaiah Martin and Stefan Derepas — each have firsthand experience of homelessness and substance addiction. Having rebuilt their own lives, they now dedicate their time to supporting others facing similar challenges. They believe many people living on the streets are dealing with unresolved childhood trauma, mental health issues, family violence or addiction, and that these problems require long-term treatment rather than short-term enforcement measures.
Graeme McGrail spent decades experiencing homelessness before finding stability through support services and community assistance. Today, he volunteers with organisations helping rough sleepers access food, accommodation and health services. He says many people sleeping rough have experienced repeated trauma throughout their lives and need consistent support to rebuild trust and regain independence.
Tanaiah Martin became addicted to methamphetamine as a teenager and came close to homelessness before turning his life around with support from faith-based organisations and community programs. He now works with the Australian Anti-Ice Campaign, helping educate young people about addiction and encouraging early intervention. Martin believes preventing homelessness begins with addressing trauma before it develops into long-term substance dependence.
Stefan Derepas also experienced homelessness, addiction and time in prison before accessing rehabilitation and peer-support programs. He now mentors people recovering from addiction and argues that trauma-informed care is more effective than simply treating symptoms. According to Derepas, many people cycling between homelessness, addiction and the justice system have never received appropriate psychological support.
Their comments come after the Gold Coast City Council, supported by police and service agencies, removed a large homeless encampment at North Burleigh Beach. Council representatives said the operation aimed to enforce local laws while also connecting people with available housing and welfare services. However, the former homeless advocates argue that without expanded rehabilitation, counselling and long-term housing support, many people will simply relocate rather than permanently leave homelessness.
Queensland Health says it continues expanding mental health, alcohol and drug treatment services, and maintains that several programs currently have no waiting lists. Nevertheless, the advocates believe significant gaps remain, particularly for young people and those experiencing complex trauma who often require intensive, long-term support before they can successfully rebuild their lives.
The three hope their personal stories will encourage policymakers to adopt a more compassionate and comprehensive approach. They argue that lasting solutions require affordable housing, accessible mental health care, trauma-informed rehabilitation and ongoing community support rather than relying primarily on enforcement measures. Their experiences demonstrate that recovery is possible when people receive the right help at the right time.
