In a poignant gathering beneath the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, Sydney residents united to honour the memory of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old man who tragically passed away while homeless in the city. The vigil, held on the evening of May 7, 2026, served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those living on the fringes of society. Attendees lit electric candles in hues of blue, red, white, and purple, illuminating the somber occasion as they reflected on the life of a man who came to Australia full of hope but ultimately fell victim to the systemic failures surrounding homelessness.
A Life Unseen
Erin Longbottom, a dedicated homelessness support worker, delivered a powerful eulogy that encapsulated the essence of the night. “No one should be left to die in the middle of Sydney, alone and unseen,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for change in how society treats vulnerable individuals. Longbottom, who manages the homeless health service nursing unit at St Vincent’s Health, recounted the moment she learned of Lama’s death. Despite efforts to assist him, his non-resident status severely limited his access to support systems.
“Late last year, my team and I arrived at work to the news that one of the young non-residents we had been trying to support had died,” she said. “That was Bikram. Tonight we remember him.” Her words resonated deeply with those present, many of whom shared in the collective grief of losing someone who had come to Australia to pursue a better future and instead faced unimaginable struggles.
The Community’s Heartbreak
Bikram Lama, originally from Nepal, is believed to have gone unnoticed for several days, with his body found in a state of decomposition by station staff. The tragedy escalated when his elderly mother was required to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification purposes. The coroner’s court is still awaiting the completion of this formal identification process, causing distress within the Australian-Nepalese community, who feel the impact of Lama’s death acutely.
During the vigil, attendees included individuals who shared similar experiences of homelessness, like Bam Bunyalak, a former rough sleeper from Thailand. She spoke passionately about the challenges faced by non-residents, stating that living without proper support can feel like a “disease with many symptoms,” with homelessness being just one of them. “Bikram Lama deserved a better life, but now he is gone. He did not get the chance to say goodbye to his family, and it feels like nobody cared,” Bunyalak expressed, highlighting the alarming invisibility of those facing hardship.
A Call for Accountability
The gathering also featured independent state MP Alex Greenwich, who shared his concerns about systemic issues contributing to homelessness. Having met with Premier Chris Minns and contacted Attorney General Michael Daley, he is advocating for an inquest into Lama’s death to investigate potential policy failures surrounding non-residents. “I’m concerned that at a state and federal level, we have policies that discriminate against rough sleepers who are non-residents,” Greenwich remarked.
The stark reality is that Lama died just 200 metres from the New South Wales parliament—an unsettling juxtaposition that underscores the urgent need for policy reform. “It is in that house and in our parliament, that policies are made, decisions are made, that may very well have contributed to the death of Bikram,” he added, calling for a reassessment of how society responds to homelessness.
A Moment for Change
The recent deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness, including a newborn at a homeless camp in Wagga Beach and a young Indigenous mother in Western Australia, have sparked national outrage and reflection. Experts and advocacy groups argue that these tragic events must serve as a turning point for Australia. “No one should die alone. No one should die invisible,” Longbottom asserted, emphasising that the issue of homelessness is solvable if society chooses to address it collectively.
Why it Matters
The untimely passing of Bikram Lama is not just a tragedy for his family and friends; it serves as a chilling reminder that homelessness can affect anyone and that systemic neglect must be confronted. His story encapsulates the urgent need for policies that provide equitable support to every individual, irrespective of their residency status. As the community mourns, it is a pivotal moment for Australia to reflect on its values and commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. The call for change is loud and clear: every life matters, and it is time to act.
