Port Melbourne, a suburb known for its affluent residents and high property values, is also home to a government housing complex that has devolved into what locals describe as "Junkieville." The Stokes Street housing block, situated near the bustling Bay Street, has become a focal point for drug addiction and crime, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding wealthy environment.
The housing block, a relic from Port Melbourne's working-class past, has seen a significant decline over the last five years. What was once a mix of young families and individuals facing hardship has transformed into a sanctuary for drug addicts, many of whom have moved in as squatters. Windows and doors are boarded up, with trash, discarded needles, and human excrement strewn throughout the complex and its rear yards.
Residents like Cassie, who has lived in the complex since 2017, have witnessed this deterioration firsthand. "It was family orientated. People were nice and stuff... there were kids everywhere. Now it's just drugs and people squatting and stuff that's taken over," she said. Cassie herself is a drug user, relying on GHB to cope with her circumstances. She described the constant harassment from drug seekers, leading her to post a sign on her door warning against early morning knocks.
Another resident, Ethan, who has lived in the block for approximately five years, stated, "I can guarantee you it has gone downhill. I don't know what it was like before, but it's f
k
ng gone to sh
t now." Ethan, who arrived in Port Melbourne after facing hard times in New South Wales, claims to have been stabbed more than half a dozen times within the complex. He noted that the communal laundry facilities are largely broken and unmaintained, hindering residents' ability to maintain hygiene.
The situation has generated fear and frustration among neighbors. "That place had a mix of young families and people just down on their luck, now it is drug addicts preying upon drug addicts. The families are all gone," one neighbor told the Daily Mail. Residents living in the vicinity have reported incidents of public nudity, the presence of knives, and stabbings, with police frequently called to the scene. The value of nearby properties has reportedly decreased significantly, adding to the community's distress.
Despite the squalor and danger, many residents are determined to remain, even encouraging squatters to occupy vacant units in a bid to prevent the building's demolition. Ethan explained the rationale: "When push comes to shove, if you've got the street and here is an option and it's already sitting here empty, why the f
k not come around here?" He believes the influx of squatters is a byproduct of a systemic failure.
Donna Stolzenberg, founder of the National Homeless Collective, expressed concern that the situation is likely to worsen. She described the current system as "completely broken," attributing the escalating problems to a lack of taxpayer-funded solutions over the years. Stolzenberg advocates for individual caseworkers to help residents transition out of such environments and emphasized that people do not choose to live in these conditions; they "slowly slip further and further until they can’t get themselves out."
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Victoria's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing stated that resident concerns are taken seriously. The department, in collaboration with Victoria Police and the City of Port Phillip, has conducted a site review to develop a plan for improving living conditions. They also noted that residents are referred to support services with their consent. Victoria Police confirmed they respond to incidents, deeming the matter primarily the responsibility of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. The Port Phillip Council did not respond to requests for comment.
Cassie expressed a desire to leave the area and find work, particularly outdoor employment, and to regain custody of her children. However, she feels her status as a drug user makes her unemployable. "I'd love to work. I'd love to have a job and not be on Centrelink. I hate Centrelink, it's not enough," she said, lamenting the cycle of poverty and addiction with little hope for escape.