When Year 6 student Hattie chose to explore housing inequality for her Cross Curricular research project, she began a journey that would challenge her thinking and inspire empathy and tangible action. Influenced by conversations at home about the property market, Hattie began to question the other side of the housing system: those who are excluded from it. Her curiosity led her to investigate homelessness, one of the most visible and urgent consequences of housing inequality in Victoria and across Australia.
Through her research, Hattie uncovered the complexity of homelessness, learning that it extends far beyond rough sleeping. Hidden homelessness, couch surfing, overcrowded housing, and temporary shelter, affects thousands, driven by systemic issues such as rising rents, lack of affordable housing, unemployment and family violence. Her findings revealed that homelessness is not a personal failure but a societal one, disproportionately affecting women and children. This understanding reshaped her perspective and ignited her desire for advocacy.
Hattie decided to participate in the Melbourne Airport Car Park Sleep Out, an initiative led by Juno and McAuley to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness. Sleeping in a car park for one night gave Hattie a visceral glimpse into the discomfort and insecurity faced by many. “It made everything I’d been studying feel real,” she said.
Motivated by the impact of frontline organisations, Hattie set a fundraising goal of $1,000 and ended up doubling it! Each dollar, she knew, could translate into meals, shelter or support services for someone in need. Her fundraising efforts required clear communication, resilience, and a deep belief in the cause.
Her favourite part of the experience? Seeing how everything connected: her research, her fundraising and her participation in the Sleep Out. Surrounded by others who shared her passion, she felt the power of community and collective action. “I love the moment I realised that my learning had gone beyond the classroom and that my actions were helping real people,” she said. Her experience became a testament to how young people, when empowered, can drive meaningful change.
Hattie’s advice to future students is clear: choose a research topic that challenges you, connect it to something personal and be open to where it leads. Her journey from classroom inquiry to real-world impact exemplifies how education fosters not just skills and knowledge, but compassion and civic responsibility.
In a world where housing inequality continues to grow, Hattie’s story is a reminder that even the smallest actions, when driven by empathy and purpose, can contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
Hear more from Hattie via Instagram.