**
In a poignant gathering at Sydney’s Hyde Park, a community came together to honour the life of Bikram Lama, a 32-year-old homeless man who tragically passed away unnoticed. Attendees held electric candles in a spectrum of colours while reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his death, which highlighted the urgent need for systemic change in how society addresses homelessness.
A Community United in Grief
As dusk fell beneath the sprawling fig trees of Hyde Park, over a hundred mourners convened to pay tribute to Bikram Lama, who died nearby, reportedly remaining undiscovered for nearly a week. The somber atmosphere was accentuated by the soft strumming of a guitar, played by Joe Trueman, a friend and former rough sleeper, who performed Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise” in memory of Lama.
Erin Longbottom, a homelessness support worker from St Vincent’s Health, delivered a heartfelt message, emphasising that no individual should have to perish alone in the heart of a bustling city. “Bikram came here with hope, for study, for opportunity, and for a future. A person who lived, and struggled, and died unseen,” she stated, encapsulating the tragic reality faced by many in similar situations.
An Unseen Crisis
Lama, originally from Nepal, faced significant barriers that contributed to his homelessness. According to Longbottom, his non-resident status severely limited his access to essential services, making it nearly impossible for him to escape the cycle of poverty. “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 recalled, revealing the heartbreaking reality behind the statistics.
The discovery of Lama’s body was grim; staff at St James station found him after commuters had passed him for days. In a further tragedy, his elderly mother was asked to travel from her remote village in Kathmandu to provide a DNA sample for identification, adding another layer of distress to a grieving family already grappling with loss.
Voices of Experience
Bam Bunyalak, who also attended the vigil, shared her own harrowing journey of homelessness after arriving in Australia from Thailand. “Being a non-resident can feel like a disease with many symptoms—homelessness is one of them,” she expressed, emphasising the mental health struggles that often accompany such circumstances. Her message resonated with many at the gathering, reinforcing the idea that every life matters, regardless of residency status.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who attended the vigil, voiced concerns over systemic failings that contributed to Lama’s death. He revealed that he had met with Premier Chris Minns and reached out to Attorney General Michael Daley, advocating for an inquest into the policies affecting non-resident rough sleepers. “It is in our parliament that policies are made that may have contributed to the death of Bikram,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
A Call to Action
The tragic deaths of Bikram Lama and others, including a newborn at a homeless camp and a young Indigenous mother in Western Australia, have sparked a nationwide outcry for change. Experts and advocates insist that these incidents must serve as a turning point in Australia’s approach to homelessness. “No one should die alone, invisible, or because they are homeless,” Longbottom reiterated, urging society to confront the underlying issues and recognise that homelessness is a solvable problem if there is collective will.
Why it Matters
The vigil for Bikram Lama starkly illustrates the urgent need for a shift in societal attitudes towards homelessness. His story is not just a reflection of individual misfortune but a clarion call for systemic change. As communities grapple with the realities of homelessness, it is crucial to foster a culture that prioritises compassion, inclusivity, and actionable solutions. The time for change is now—every life lost is a reminder of the work that remains to be done.
