The Garage Dweller Who Found a Waterfront Loophole
Wayne, a 63-year-old window cleaner, became an unlikely symbol of Australia's brutal housing crisis after being forced out of Sydney. Having lived in a garage that was subsequently sold, he found himself with nowhere to go in the city he had called home his entire life.
Using a small inheritance from his late mother combined with his savings, Wayne purchased a caravan and left the Harbour City two years ago in search of a sea change and steady work. His journey, however, was unexpectedly short. Less than two hours into his trip, he rolled into the beachside suburb of Toukley on the NSW Central Coast.
There, he discovered a picturesque waterfront nook with no council signs warning against overnight stays. What began as a stop for a few nights turned into a permanent residence. Two years on, Wayne has become a fixture on the quiet slip road, even managing to get his own mailbox installed.
A Life of 'Elevated Homelessness' with Million-Dollar Views
Wayne describes his situation as 'elevated homeless', a direct product of the housing crisis. Despite his unconventional digs, his setup is far from basic. He owns two caravans worth approximately $100,000 as well as a BMW and a Porsche, albeit older models.
His 18-foot, semi off-road, Gold Star RV is equipped with an inverter and runs on solar power, providing all his creature comforts. 'I never miss the tennis, I am up all hours watching it,' he remarked. He also has a BBQ that can heat water and confirms that both his cars and caravans are registered and roadworthy.
With million-dollar waterviews and a private jetty at his doorstep, Wayne's cost of living is minimal. He still works as a window cleaner but doesn't need to earn much because he has no rent to pay.
Community Relations and the Dangers of Street Life
Surprisingly, the local council has largely left him alone, issuing only one parking fine in his first few months, which he paid. He has also received permission from a local property owner to use a former boat marina to store some of his furniture.
Wayne believes his meticulous cleanliness has helped keep complaints at bay. He has fenced off his setup, cleaned up graffiti and weeds, and even painted walls to improve the area's appearance. He has also made friends with many of his neighbours.
However, life on the streets carries inherent risks. Wayne reports incidents of people honking their horns or screaming at his caravan in the middle of the night. He lives with the fear of his home being set on fire, a fate that has befallen other homeless camps in the area. He once woke to find someone trying to steal his Porsche and has dealt with other homeless individuals causing problems.
Despite the dangers, with fishing at his front door, steady work nearby, and a community that has largely embraced him, Wayne has no plans to leave. His unlikely slice of paradise is the only thing keeping him afloat as the national housing crisis, with vacancy rates at a critical 1.2 per cent, continues to spiral.
