Alternative shelters.

On Saturday I was visited by a member of the public who had experienced homelessness in Canberra for an extended duration of time. We sat down together and mapped out some areas where he had lived during this time, both in and around the parliamentary triangle. On Sunday I set out to photograph these places.

 
This structure is a public bird-viewing house, which is opened 24 hours a day and nestled into Jerrabomberra Wetlands.


Adjacent to the National Library on the shore of the Lake Burley Griffin, there is an extra large hedge that provides ample cover and privacy. It's easy to get into and there seems to be relatively soft undergrowth.


In Yarralumla there is a strip of nature reserve called Stirling Reserve, which is wedged between the Lake and the embassy district. There are many areas that provide good cover (provided a person has a tent), relative privacy and easy access to facilities and city areas.

 
This structure is a former kiosk that sits directly across from the Homestead Unit. I heard recently that someone had spent an extend period occupying this building a year or two ago. This is actually a perfect site. It's solid, discreet and has direct access to toilet facilities.