HOMELESS man Ian (surname withheld), as he battles cancer and other health related issues, just wants a bit of compassion.
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Ian, and a group of other homeless people, have to leave the Nowra Showground by Sunday (January 22) because of the upcoming agricultural show and they all face uncertain futures.
“I don’t know if I am dying but I am not very well,” Ian said.
“Obviously I have got problems and I know I am sick but what am I going to do?
“Basically I was living in the bush for a year struggling, passing out and waking up looking at the stars.”
Ian said he has bowel cancer and recently came to Nowra, was taken to hospital and now was told he has to leave the showground.
“I have appointments (doctor, surgeon, oncologist and Centrelink) every day until Wednesday next week so I can’t leave Nowra,” he said.
“There are other hospitals in the country and other medical centres but these local guys have all my records now.”
Ian does not understand how he would disrupt preparations for the Nowra Show if he was allowed to stay at the showground.
His stay in Nowra has not been totally void of compassion and groups like Salt Ministries have assisted where and when they could.
“The Salt volunteers are helping people because they have good hearts,” he said.
“The same applies for the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society volunteers - everyone means well.”
The other homeless people have also shown him compassion.
One bought him a portable toilet and they helped him put up the annex on his caravan because he was too weak to do it by himself.
The only time Ian gets emotional, despite all the issues he is facing, is when he talks about his faithful dog Gracie.
“Without her (Gracie) I would rather die and she is the only thing I care about,” he said.
“She Gracie is beautiful, big and protective.”
The South Coast Register is seeking a comment from Shoalhaven City Council and the St Vincent de Paul Society also wants to make a comment.
We will contact Ian early next week to see how and where he is.
The Mayor’s Homeless Taskforce was also established and have been meeting to come up with options and we will find out how the taskforce is going.