A remarkable community effort has transformed a Bunbury home left devastated by squatters, allowing a local mother and her disabled son to finally return to their property. The suburban residence had been invaded and extensively damaged over a prolonged period, creating an unlivable environment that left the family in distress.
From Junk Pile to Hopeful Home
Professional cleaners described the property's initial condition as shocking, with piles of dangerous scrap metal, burnt rubbish reduced to ash, discarded bicycles, worn tires, broken sheds, and weeds growing knee-high throughout the yard. The situation became so severe that the family faced the real possibility of losing their home permanently.
Community Springs Into Action
Spearheaded by the Carey Park Lions Club, a major clean-up operation began last Thursday to gut the property and restore it to a habitable state. The project kicked off with the removal of an old caravan covered in graffiti that had apparently attracted the squatters initially.
Trish Robinson, Secretary of Vasse Lions Club, explained how the community rallied after learning about the family's predicament. "Centrecare had been working with the family trying to get them assistance to clean up the property and were frustrated to realise there is no formal assistance available for this type of situation," she revealed.
Family's Emotional Struggle
The homeowner is an 80-plus-year-old woman who serves as primary carer for her son in his 50s living with a disability. Ms Robinson described the profound impact the situation had on their lives: "The mental strain, the stress of not knowing if the house could be made liveable again, the physical energy that has gone into shifting rubbish and picking up lifestyle waste is having a profound impact on their relationship and health."
The caravan proved particularly problematic, with Ms Robinson noting: "The caravan was an issue because of the types of activities that had been carried out in the house whilst the squatters had possession. The house had been broken into several times since the family were able to regain possession, and police were concerned about the van still being there and the message it would portray."
Remarkable Community Support
The restoration project brought together various community members and businesses who contributed their time, resources, and expertise. "Community and business support for the entire project has been amazing," Ms Robinson stated enthusiastically.
She highlighted several key contributors: "Sam from Junkrats was amazing. He and his dad did a clean-up that most people would not even quote on. We paid them probably less than half of what the job was worth. Roberts Transport has taken the caravan away with no charge, and a wonderful benefactor of the community has paid for the tip fees."
As of the latest update, only about three trailer-loads of rubbish remained to be removed, with Lions Club members scheduled to complete this task over the coming days.
Service Clubs Fill Critical Gaps
Ms Robinson emphasized the vital role service organizations play in communities facing unique challenges. "Without Lions Clubs and other service clubs, the gaps in community are too wide to bridge," she observed. "Not-for-profit groups do their best but usually have a very specific mandate, whereas service clubs with enough volunteers can take on many projects that others simply cannot."
She added with pride: "Carey Park Lions Club Branch is very small and only has a few members. This was a very big project to take on, but with the community's help it was achieved, with the best possible outcome regardless of the circumstances."
The successful restoration demonstrates how community collaboration can overcome even the most challenging situations, providing hope and practical support to families in need.
