How not to panhandle in Garema Place (or anywhere else).

JazzyJess said :

molongloid said :

Bloke swigging a long neck of Melbourne Bitter while selling The Big Issue at Dickson shops today. doesn’t really jibe with http://www.bigissue.org.au/the-vendors/meet-our-vendors/

I saw him too! He first accosted me then my 6 year old. What 6 year old has $5 on him? Also, he verbally abused the next people who declined his charmless offer. It’s a shame because I love the Big Issue and usually buy it or at least make a donation to the vendor but not this scuzz bag.

I think you will find he is outside the view of the normal Big Issue vendors. This guy is definitely not someone who is trying to help himself if that is what he’s doing. I would look at buying from reputable people like Chris (the guy in the wheelchair) and others.

molongloid said :

Bloke swigging a long neck of Melbourne Bitter while selling The Big Issue at Dickson shops today. doesn’t really jibe with http://www.bigissue.org.au/the-vendors/meet-our-vendors/

I saw him too! He first accosted me then my 6 year old. What 6 year old has $5 on him? Also, he verbally abused the next people who declined his charmless offer. It’s a shame because I love the Big Issue and usually buy it or at least make a donation to the vendor but not this scuzz bag.

There are plenty of people in our community who are genuinely worthy of charity. Woodstock-swilling panhandling scum are not on the list.

I’ve had plenty of similar experiences in Garema and on Bunda St. Although a while back I just decided I’d let them know when their behaviour is unacceptable. Had a woman follow me down Bunda Street saying I MUST have money because I have such fancy clothes. Felt much better to have an argument and make a few points about keeping a job, than just trying to ignore random abuse.

Darkfalz said :

Depending on how safe I feel “I only carry notes” gets a puzzled reaction from some,

“Do you take EFTPOS”, works for me.

Reply

I respect people right to pan handle if they must and I have on occassions given them some coin if I felt the story could be genuine. I prefer to donate to the Salvos to be honest.

The incident occured at about midday and I had my 15 year old son with me. He was a bit shocked by the event.

I did consider the Groucho Marx response…. “so do you have change for a $50? Yes! Well you won’t need the $1 I was going to give you then…”

I find it helpful to remind them that “change comes from within”

Depending on how safe I feel “I only carry notes” gets a puzzled reaction from some, but it’s usually just a shake of the head and a sorry mate. I seem to get pan handled the most near the casino coming home from night shift, not sure why but there’s always some bludger or two in the area early in the morning. I said “sorry, I don’t carry cash” and kept walking with one guy and he kept droning on in a a monotone bogan strine “no need to apologise mate you’re well within your rights to say no and…” as I kept on moving. Just as I was getting out of earshot the next person walked past and got asked for money. What shits me the most is we have one of the most generous welfare systems in the world, which costs us all a bucketload in taxes, and these people still have the nerve to ask people for money.

I never give these guys or girls anything as I know they hang around the bus stations all day asking for money & they pick up a few suckers.

Anyway, JessP what time did this incident occur? I ask this question as 5pm this evening, I spotted a Police van heading towards Garema Place through via the City Bus Station. What caught my eye with this is that the van fitted in between the bollards between the road & pedestrian walkway.

To the politicians who want to encourage a livelier city centre or encourage more use of public transport, pay attention to stories like this. Outside the mall (yes, the big bad soulless mall) there’s great potential but there’s problems that need attention. (Btw I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I was in the vicinity of the Sydney Building today, what a horrible run-down welcome to the city centre it must be for tourists arriving up Northbourne Avenue.)