Mark Mortensen, the forgotten (BLACK & WHITE 2025)

a series of intimate portraits captured the quiet resilience of those living on the streets, including Daniel, who in one instance, found comfort resting among the bronze dogs of Amanda Stuart’s Bush Pack sculpture or a time where I captured his inner torment. Despite being unemployed and nearly destitute, Daniel has remained optimistic—a stark reminder of the human face behind homelessness. His story highlights a broader crisis in our society: the deep link between mental health struggles and homelessness. Mental health affects how we cope, connect, and function, yet when it deteriorates, it can lead to job loss, housing insecurity, and even further isolation. Alarming data shows that 39% of people who’ve experienced homelessness reported mental illness in the past year—nearly double the rate of those with stable housing (ABS 2023). Homelessness and mental health are not isolated issues; they’re interconnected challenges demanding urgent, bipartisan action. It's time to vote with compassion and conscience.

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