A poignant gathering took place at Sydney’s Hyde Park as a community came together to mourn the untimely death of 32-year-old Bikram Lama, a homeless man whose life ended tragically and unnoticed. Holding electric candles glowing in hues of blue, red, white, and purple, attendees paid tribute to a life that many felt should never have been lost in such a way.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Under the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, friends, advocates, and concerned citizens convened at dusk to honour Lama, whose body lay undiscovered for nearly a week prior to its recovery. Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, articulated the collective grief felt by those present. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she stated, emphasising the necessity of compassion and awareness in the face of homelessness.
Among the mourners was Joe Trueman, a former rough sleeper and a personal friend of Lama’s, who performed Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” on his guitar, poignantly highlighting the stark realities many face on the streets.
The Struggles of Being a Non-Resident
Lama, who journeyed to Australia from Nepal in search of education and opportunity, faced significant barriers that contributed to his plight. St Vincent’s Health, which sought to support him before his death, noted that his non-resident status complicated his access to crucial resources. Longbottom shared the heartbreaking news of Lama’s death with her team, reflecting on the hope he brought with him and the struggles he endured.
“Tonight we remember him,” she said, encapsulating the sorrow and urgency of the occasion.
The coroner’s court has since been engaged in the formal identification process, which has proven to be a source of frustration for the Australian-Nepalese community, particularly as Lama’s mother was required to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification.
Voices from the Vigil
Among the speakers at the vigil was Bam Bunyalak, who shared her own experience of living without a permanent home after arriving in Australia on a student visa. Escaping family violence, she faced years of homelessness and a lack of access to essential healthcare services. “Being a non-resident can feel like a disease with many symptoms,” she explained, highlighting the intersection of homelessness and mental health struggles.
Bunyalak’s call for recognition was clear: “Bikram Lama deserved a better life. Every single life matters, regardless of race, gender identity, background or residency.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many, underscoring the need for systemic change.
Political Response and the Need for Change
Independent state MP Alex Greenwich also addressed the crowd, stressing the urgency of an inquest into Lama’s death. He has engaged with Premier Chris Minns and the state attorney general, Michael Daley, advocating for an examination of policies that may have contributed to the tragic loss of life. “Lama died just 200 metres from NSW Parliament,” Greenwich pointed out, asserting that policy decisions made within the walls of the parliament directly influence the lives of vulnerable individuals.
His remarks were part of a broader conversation about homelessness in Australia, as recent cases—including the tragic death of a newborn at a homeless camp and an Indigenous mother succumbing to sepsis after eviction—have sparked national outrage and concern.
Experts in the field argue that these tragedies should serve as a wake-up call. “No one should die alone, invisible, or because they are homeless,” Longbottom urged. “Homelessness is solvable—if we as a society choose to solve it.”
Why it Matters
Bikram Lama’s story is a painful reminder of the systemic issues surrounding homelessness in Australia. His death, along with others, serves as a catalyst for urgent discussions about the policies that leave many vulnerable individuals without support or recognition. As the community rallies to honour his memory, it also calls for action—demanding that society not only sees but also addresses the underlying causes of homelessness. This moment could mark a turning point in the fight for a more equitable and compassionate approach to homelessness, urging us all to advocate for change and ensure that no one else suffers the same fate as Lama.