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Dad forced to live in tent amid housing crisis

An Aussie dad is the latest to fall victim to the housing crisis, with soaring rent and low vacancy rates forcing him to live in a tent. Peter Woodforde, 58, has been forced to live makeshift gazebo wrapped in tarps that's set up in an Adelaide park, and while his children know that he is doing it tough, they don't know that he is homeless and living in a tent. The father has yet to tell his kids, who live with their mother, that he's unable to find a suitable place to live as he said that they would be distraught if they found out. He admitted his 15-year-old daughter once told him that it "hurt her" to know her dad was struggling to find a comfortable place to live - but she doesn't know the extent of it. Speaking to 7News, Woodforde said it's been difficult not being able to offer his kids a place to sleep. “Every parent wants to give their kids everything they possibly can and wants to give them the best chance of having a good life,” he told the publication. “What I say to them is that this is only temporary, Dad will get back on his feet. “(But) you’re missing out on some golden years ... I help where I can, I might pick them up and drop them off from school, but now they’re too far for me to do that,” he added. "I have to get myself off the street. I have to get my family into a house." Woodforde is sharing his story because he believes that homelessness is in a “state of emergency”, especially with winter approaching. He is also unsure about whether his makeshift tent will collapse when heavier rain hits, and hopes that more could be done to help these people facing desperate circumstances. “We’re coming into the colder months - what’s the bill going to be for all the health problems that are going to arise out of this?" he said. Images: 7News

Money & Banking

Family of eight forced to live in tent amid rental crisis

A family of eight have been forced to live in a tent for over six months as they wait to find suitable accommodation after their last rental lease ended. Cameron and Tameka Fletcher and their six children, aged between one and 10, have been living in a tent and have had to move from campsite to campsite since September. The couple claimed that the government can't support them because they have "too many children", and are waiting for public housing, but they might not meet the criteria to be eligible for it. They were reportedly staying in a makeshift tent city in a suburban park north of Brisbane. "We've always had a house, we've never done this," Cameron Fletcher told Nine News. "Everyone here is going through the same thing. But it's the only way to get help." “We can only do what’s best for our kids, to keep a roof over their heads,” his wife added. One of the couple's daughters is due to start school next year, and they have been struggling to enrol her as the family doesn't have a permanent address. The family said they are also struggling with day-to-day activities like finding breakfast, washing their clothes and getting the kids ready for school, and are using solar camping showers purchased from Kmart to clean themselves. According to Nine News, the family would be happy with a three-bedroom home but were told by state housing officials that they can only be offered a five-bedroom home to avoid overcrowding, but there are currently none available. In a statement issued to Yahoo News, a spokesperson for Department of Housing said it “has been working with the family since September last year, including providing accommodation which they chose to leave”. "As we’ve been assisting them to find longer-term options, they have declined further offers of accommodation," the spokesperson said. "With regards to social housing, there are eligibility factors that need to be met, including income thresholds. However, the department continues to work with the family to find a private rental and give any other support they might need." This comes as new <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/rent-shock-what-youll-be-paying-in-every-australian-suburb-in-2024/news-story/10b67da9ebe170a2e2d37caa7e66bf40" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PropTrack</a> data, released in March, revealed that rent has increased by 17 per cent over the past 12 months, across all the capital cities in Australia. More than half of Queenslanders who have applied for social housing are reportedly homeless and have had to wait for over two years amid a lack of supply and increased demands. Earlier this year, the Queensland government announced it was aiming to build another 53,500 social homes by 2046, with a $3.1 billion funding boost to deliver one million homes. Images: Nine News

Money & Banking

Man living in a tent after partner “gave up” on Covid restrictions

A hyper-vigilant man has resorted to living in a “pressurised” tent in a garage to avoid contracting Covid, after his girlfriend relaxed about restrictions. The Aussie man named Jason, who is a self-proclaimed “Covid education activist” caused a stir online after he posted a photo of his unusual sleeping arrangements. The now-viral post shared by Jason featured a picture of the peculiar tent he claims to be sleeping in, with an air purifier sticking out of the door, igniting a firestorm of reactions on Twitter, ranging from agreeance, to humour, to concern. Despite the media storm, Jason defended his decision to maintain strict pandemic precautions, despite never having contracted Covid-19. “This is my bed in the garage because my partner has dropped precautions. I take precautions 100 per cent of the time. Don’t tell me that this hasn’t upended every f**king second of my life,” Jason declared in his original post, which included the image of his extraordinary sleeping arrangement. Taking his precautions to the next level, Jason also revealed that he has experimented with sleeping in a face mask, but he admitted that he found it uncomfortable and could not sleep properly with it. “I’ve tried to sleep in a mask, and I can’t. I know people sleep in CPAP masks all the time, so it’s possible, but I can’t do it,” he shared on Twitter. Despite the flurry of reactions to Jason’s living arrangement, he did receive some support for his precautionary measures, while some even suggested Jason leave his partner, to which he admitted the thought “had occurred to me”. Another Twitter user commended the tent and air filter idea, considering it a cost-effective and potentially effective solution to avoid contracting Covid. “I like the tent+filter idea. It’s cheap and should be effective,” another agreed. A few people shared that they empathised with Jason, and are also maintaining strict pandemic precautions. One person wrote, “Initially didn’t think much of the pic, but this is infuriating. I spend all my salary in-flo mask, enovid (antiviral nasal spray), no social life, so yes, I take precautions 100 per cent of the time.” “I’m sorry you have to live like this. I no longer see my family since they stopped masking,” another added. However, not everyone empathised with Jason’s living arrangements, saying he was being unrealistic about the future of Covid. “I work in senior living, and in the two years we’ve been open, we’ve lost zero to Covid. Even the (85-year-olds) getting it now are mild cases. Why? They’re boosted, so they don’t panic or sleep in a garage,” one commenter explained. “The vaccine is meant to enable you to live normally without worrying. Covid is endemic, so you will be in the tent for the rest of your life, lol.” posted another. In response to the viral post, one Twitter user humorously remarked, “We’re a few years away from a really good documentary on how this virus broke people’s brains.” Image credits: Getty Images / Twitter

Real Estate

International student forced to live in tent

A 27-year-old student Zoe Jiang travelled from China to Sydney to attend university and much to her surprise, she was forced to sleep in a tent. The finance student arrived in Australia in January 2023 and was shocked to discover the rental prices were too high, resulting in her having to set up camp in short-stay accommodation. During one of her short stays, Ms Jiang did not have a room of her own. She had to pitch a tent in the middle of the living room to allow privacy from her roommates who came home late. Despite sleeping in the shared room, she was paying $300 a week in rent. "I have never had a night in a tent before," Ms Jiang said. "It's a fresh experience, and I think camping in a living room is very different." She has since found long-term accommodation, but she had lived in three different places in less than two months. Ms Jiang is one of many international students struggling to find a home in the nation's growing rental shortage. Housing advocates are concerned that international students are at risk of exploitation and are urging universities to offer support. Ms Jiang is just one of thousands of Chinese international students who had to rush back to Australia or face the risk of losing their qualifications under a new Chinese government policy. Ms Jiang joined the 59,000 international students who arrived in Australia in January 2023, a figure that proved “more than double” the amount as the same time last year, Universities Australia said. Sydney’s rental vacancy is currently at its worst, growing 35 per cent in unit rents across the city. Hundreds of residents are seen lining up outside rental inspections, but international students are suffering the most. The national president of the Council of International Students Australia, Yeganeh Soltanpour, said many international students who have just arrived are often overlooked by real estate agents. "[They] don't have a rental history because they are from overseas, so the chance for them to apply for a rental and get it is a lot lower," she said. Local students might be able to find rental vacancies through personal and family networks, but newly arrived international students have “almost zero connections”. "They can't ask someone for help, they don't always know where to look at ... [and] they might not know a lot about the areas," she said. "They may not even know how to use public transport properly. "This leads to the issue that they have to choose homes within the CBD area, which means they have to pay more rent." Zoe Jiang is one of many international students forced to stay in a shared space like a living room. Leo Patterson-Ross, CEO of the Tenants’ Union of NSW, said transforming a living room into a bedroom could be unlawful. "The assumption is that it is unlawful under planning rules, under local councils, to convert a room to her bedroom without getting consent from council," he said. Mr Patterson-Ross mentioned he had seen "some very unlawful and often abusive behaviour" from landlords and head tenants who sublet rooms to students. This includes withholding students’ passports and threatening to report them to the immigration department if they were to breach the tenancy agreement. Mr Patterson-Ross also said that to prevent exploitation against international students, the government must fix “the fundamental issue” that everyone is faced with. “We just do not have enough homes for everyone in Australia," he said. "And that supply is not just the buildings, but also the pricing of the buildings." He also called for an independent third-party audit to ensure rentals in the market are of good quality rather than having renters shoulder the burden. Ms Soltanpour has asked international students to support each other to combat the rental crisis, but emphasised it was not their responsibility to “fix the issue”. She also called on universities to offer more support for students struggling to find accommodation. The chief executive of Universities Australia, Catriona Jackson, acknowledged that finding a rental anywhere in Australia is difficult for international students at the moment. "Universities continue to support students by providing information on accommodation options before they arrive in Australia along with various other support services," she said. "We encourage any student struggling to secure housing or facing financial pressures to reach out to their university for assistance." Fortunately for Ms Jiang she eventually secured her own room in North Sydney, paying $300 a week – the same amount as when she was sleeping in a tent. She met her new neighbour on the day she moved in, an elderly Italian woman who migrated to Australia when she was just 19. Ms Jiang’s new neighbour invited her in for a cup of tea and encouraged her to make new friends in Australia as “life is a gift”. Taking to social media after her move, a clearly grateful Ms Jiang wrote, “It’s such a great day.” Image credit: Shutterstock

Real Estate

Family forced to live in a tent after mould infestation makes house "unliveable"

A family of five have been forced to live in a tent in their backyard after their home was overrun with an infestation of black mould that was making their children sick. Andrew Walsh-Baldwin and his wife Angalina took the drastic measure to move into the backyard of their $480,000 property in Victoria after the toxic mould in their newly purchased home caused all three of their young kids to fall ill. Their home has been rendered "unliveable" by construction experts, who said their home has not allowed for proper drainage during the unprecedented amount of rain. Ms Walsh-Baldwin broke down in tears when talking to Nine News, as she said "it's been freezing" living in the tent. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A family of five is living in a tent, after heavy rain caused black mould to flourish in their home. Serious building defects in the newly purchased property are also contributing to the spread, which is making the kids sick. <a href="https://twitter.com/reid_butler9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reid_butler9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9News</a> <a href="https://t.co/IR1AqLNpI3">pic.twitter.com/IR1AqLNpI3</a> — 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1594595429681098759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote> "This was supposed to be our home," she said. Her husband Baldwin said, "The other week we got 190ml (of rain). I can't believe... we've got to this point." "The kids have been getting sick and missed a full term of kinder," he said. "You just feel inadequate now because, as a parent, we've failed." Dr Cameron Jones of Biological Health Services, who inspected the house, said it was among the worst cases of mould he'd ever seen. "When I've done moisture testing on the timbers, they're showing anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent plus," he said, before revealing the safe level is a maximum of 15 per cent. Building inspector Zeher Khalil, who is helping the family out free of charge, said what he found at the house is "unbelievable". "To pay $480,000 for this house, I mean I just feel like I've been ripped off," he said. The family is insured with Allianz, but their claims were rejected because the company said the defects were pre-existing, with Ms Walsh-Baldwin saying, "We've got rights too." Image credits: Nine News

Real Estate

“I live in a tent”: Horror renovations see woman living in home with no roof

A woman and her son have been left living in a “tent” home filled with mould, exposed wiring and holes after renovation plans went horribly wrong. In February 2020, Jill Harris hired Extension Factory to extend and add a second storey to her Melbourne home. Two years later, she says she has been left living in poor conditions after numerous problems plagued the construction work. With tarps replacing the roof overhead, Ms Harris said the home is flooded by “waterfalls that leak through the light fittings” when it rains and that the only thing her home was good for was Halloween. “I call this the tent. I live in the tent because there is no roof over my room or my son‘s room,” she told A Current Affair. “I have good days where I try to be positive and I have the lowest of lows.” <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/aca-house-damage.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Exposed wiring, holes, and a lack of a watertight roof have been just some of the issues Jill Harris has faced while living in her unfinished home. Images: A Current Affair Ms Harris said the builders first built the storey out of square, forcing them to knock it all down and start again. “(It) just went completely wrong from there. They built it 160mm out of square, which we didn't find out till 12 months later,” she said. Work was eventually stopped by surveyor Steve Maloney after the builders allegedly continued work without the permission of the inspector. Mr Maloney said work needed to stop because of the “owner(s) and their builders' compliances with the building legislation”. Since then, Ms Harris has turned her unfinished home into a warning against the company, adorning the front with signs reading that the company is “destroying our lives”, “doesn’t care” and that “a contract with them means nothing”. “I’ts (sic) cheaper for the “Extension Factory” to put this in the hands than it is to honour my contract with them and finish my home. Tens of thousands of dollars of mistakes, so they gave up and use lawyers to protect them!” another sign reads. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/extension-factory1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> After no resolution was reached to finish her home, Jill Harris let out her frustration against Extension Factory through signs displayed in front of her home. Image: A Current Affair Gerry Hoggard, the owner of Extension Factory, conceded that there had been issues with the property and said he could appreciate Ms Harris being upset. “It certainly was an error, it was built out of square, we accepted responsibility and took it down,” Mr Hoggard said. “I know what she’s living through. “I don’t like it (my name) being treated that way, but I can appreciate she‘s upset about what’s transpired.” Although he claimed that Ms Harris was advised to vacate the property at the start of the build, her brother Ashley, a former Extension Factory employee, said it wasn’t going to happen. “It’s not the sort of job that you would leave anyone occupying the premises,” Mr Hoggard said. However, Ms Harris said she wasn’t told that she would need to vacate her property. A Current Affair reported that it alerted the Victorian Building Authority to Ms Harris’ situation, prompting the organisation to release a statement. "The Victorian Building Authority takes complaints against building and plumbing practitioners extremely seriously,” it read, adding that the building authority carries out thousands of inspections to ensure work is compliant. "When it doesn't, we use the powers available to us to hold practitioners accountable." Image: A Current Affair

Real Estate

Landlord overstays welcome sleeping in tent under tenant’s home

A landlord has been ordered to pay $NZ 700 ($AUD 630) in damages for unlawful entry after he pitched a tent and stayed under his rental property. When the tenant living in the home asked him to leave after he slept there overnight, Brian Clement verbally insulted them and came up with excuses as to why he was allowed to stay under the house, as reported by the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/landlord-slept-in-tent-under-tenants-home-refused-to-leave/MSWNZ6WCH3JCTTTXQM7OSQ57VE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. The tenant and partner, whose names are suppressed, told the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal that Clement repeatedly came “unannounced and overstayed” for up to three days at a time. “The more visits the more it disturbed our sense of privacy at home,” the tenant’s girlfriend told the tribunal. Over two years, she said she saw Clement at the house at least 15 times and that he stayed overnight seven times. In one incident in February last year, the tenant was away and his girlfriend and her daughter were alone at home when Clement refused demands to leave. "I cannot express how uncomfortable and weird I felt that night," the girlfriend said. "I sent Brian a message as I could hear him around the house and asked him once more to leave." On the two occasions she called him, he answered with “verbal insults” and said he was “just under the house catching internet Wi-Fi”. She believed Clement would sleep in his car, only to discover the next morning that he had pitched a tent under the house and slept there. A neighbour who confirmed the account said it was “unnerving” and that she even felt “unsafe at the time”. She described the relationship between the tenant and Clement as “unusual and always ‘grey’”. She said the tenants had been renting the property for over a decade, and that Clement “appeared to come and go” from the property. Clement admitted to staying at the home overnight, but argued the tent was for storing tools and that he only slept in it for one night. He told the tribunal that his rental agreement gave him the right, as the owner, with “access at all times, with reasonable notice, for upgrading repairs … etc” and that the house “may need to be vacated by [the tenant] for occasional visits and staying of friends”. However, the tribunal ruled that the agreement was “entirely contrary to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which only allows a landlord to enter the property during the rental period with the tenant’s consent, in an emergency, or with minimum notice given. "Importantly, even if a tenant has given consent to the landlord to enter the premises, the tenant is able to withdraw that consent at any time, and if consent is withdrawn, then the landlord would need to leave immediately," tribunal adjudicator Rex Woodhouse said. As well as paying damages, Clement was ordered to pay an additional $1000 ($AUD 900) for the property having no or ineffective underfloor insulation. "There is a very strong interest for tenants, landlords and the public generally, to ensure tenancies are safe and secure, and tenants being able to preclude landlords from entering or staying on the premises falls within that expectation," Woodhouse said. Georgie Rogers, the resident of advocacy group Renters United, said tenants can go to the police if their landlords are harassing or threatening them. "But the convoluted way of going to the Tenancy Tribunal is the only way for tenants to access their rights," Rogers said. But, he said tenants could be named and blacklisted if their claims were unsuccessful. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Queensland mum shares heartbreaking story of homelessness

A young mother-of-two from Queensland has documented her devastating journey of homelessness, as she has become the face of how the housing crisis is affected generation Z. Sushannah Taylor, 20, has been staying at campsites around the Bundaberg area after her landlord sold the rental home she was living in with her husband Tristan, 22, and the couple’s two daughters Delilah, 2, and six-month-old Luna. Throughout her experience, she has documented her journey on TikTok to show how the reality of the housing crisis is affecting young families across Australia. In the latest blow to Sushannah and her family, the young woman shared she was recently involved in an accident while driving the family car, with her two young children and all the family’s possessions in the back. Sushannah’s car was hit by another vehicle being driven by an elderly woman who, rather than stop to assist, drove away. No one was hurt in the collision, but now Sushannah and Tristan have been lumped with the full cost of repairs for the vehicle — a cost they cannot pay. Sushannah said that she had to “swerve the car to avoid them hitting the front or, you know, the middle where my kids are” and that the kids got “rattled around a little bit but they are doing great”. “But here’s the kicker. The person that hit me was an elderly woman. And when I pulled over and tried to wave her down to say, ‘hey, like, let’s stop, let’s take each other’s details, let’s assess the damage’, she drove off. <div id="indie-campaign-DifJheZrCrms7j4pmefw-0" data-campaign-name="NCA FINANCE Cashed Up Newsletter OneClick SignUp" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1645448400000" data-to="1680181200000"></div> “A hit-and-run. So we don’t have a car right now. And it’s gonna cost me hundreds of dollars to fix the damage.” “What I’m so angry about is the person that decided to hit my car and run away like a coward. I’m homeless. I live out of my car. I need my car. It is an absolute necessity for me and my family to survive. And now I have to look at possibly buying a new one. But don’t have the money for that." “I just want one thing to go right. Because right now I feel like the universe if laughing at me.” Sushannah's videos are shining a light on the homelessness crisis in Australia, documenting what the family eats for each meal and the constant unpacking of their lives to move onto a new campsite. The young couple have applied for more than 40 jobs and are now receiving Centrelink payments to support their family. The area of Bundaberg is extremely competitive to secure housing in, while homeless shelters are also at full capacity. “I’ve been a stay-at-home mum for the past two years so it’s going to be a little bit more difficult for me to jump back in but I’m trying,” Sushannah said. Image credits: TikTok

Real Estate

A short history of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy – an indelible reminder of unceded sovereignty

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of deceased people. Often people think about the Aboriginal Tent Embassy as something historic, dating back to the 1970s. But it should also be thought of as a site of the longest protest for Indigenous land rights, sovereignty and self-determination <a href="https://www.echo.net.au/2021/10/50-years-of-aboriginal-tent-embassy/">in the world</a>. In fact, this year, the Tent Embassy is set to celebrate its <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/blackfishing-alt-right-pushes-to-co-opt-aboriginal-tent-embassy-to-cause-20220105-p59lzj.html">50th continuous year of occupation</a>. Demonstrating its significance to Australian history, it was included on the <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6068943/the-aboriginal-tent-embassy-has-been-left-off-the-act-heritage-list/">Commonwealth Heritage List</a> in 2015 as part of the Old Parliament House precinct. In this momentous year, it’s worth remembering how the Tent Embassy came to be and what it has continued to stand for since its erection in 1972 – and the significance it still has today. <h2>Aliens in our own land</h2> The Tent Embassy began its public life on January 26 1972. On that day, Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams and Tony Coorey left Redfern and drove to Ngunnawal Country (Canberra), where they planted a beach umbrella opposite Parliament House (now known as Old Parliament House). They erected a sign that said “Aboriginal Embassy”. With them on that day was their driver, Tribune photographer Noel Hazard, who captured the event in a series of photos. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/440344/original/file-20220111-15-1n5yt6q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> The establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on Australia Day in 1972. National Museum Australia The term “embassy” was used to bring attention to the fact Aboriginal people had never ceded sovereignty nor engaged in any treaty process with the Crown. As a collective, Aboriginal people were the only cultural group not represented with an embassy. According to Aboriginal activist and scholar Gary Foley, the absence of an Aboriginal embassy in Canberra was a blatant indication <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/learn/learning-resources/learning-resource-themes/first-australians/politics-and-advocacy/activists-aboriginal-tent-embassy-lawns-old-parliament-house">Aboriginal people were treated like aliens in their own land</a>. Initially, the protesters were making a stand about land rights following the then prime minister William McMahon’s speech that <a href="https://law.unimelb.edu.au/about/welcome/mls-indigenous/home/mls-classroom-photo-mural-initiative/classroom-photos/tent-embassy">dismissed any hope for Aboriginal land rights</a> and reasserted the government’s position on the policy of <a href="https://australianstogether.org.au/discover/australian-history/a-white-australia/">assimilation</a>. The Tent Embassy was therefore a public display of our disapproval of and objection to the policies and practices of the government. In later years, it has become an acclaimed site of our continued resistance to the continuity of colonial rule. <h2>Demands of protesters</h2> Police who were patrolling the area at the time of the Tent Embassy’s erection asked the protesters what they were doing outside Parliament House. They said they were protesting and would do so until the government granted land rights to Aboriginal people. The police were said to have responded, “<a href="http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p72441/pdf/article0712.pdf">That could be forever</a>”. As it turned out, it was not illegal to camp on the lawns of Parliament House, so the police could not remove them. Later, on February 6 1972, the members of the Tent Embassy issued their list of demands to the government. The demands were clearly about our rights as Aboriginal people to our homelands, regardless of the fact cities were now built on the land or mining companies were interested in the bounties within. Compensation was called for in the instances where the lands was not able to be returned. There were also demands for the protection of our sacred sites. While the McMahon government cared little about negotiating with the protesters, the leader of the Opposition, Gough Whitlam, visited the Tent Embassy and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/oct/21/gough-whitlam-remembered-a-true-leader-for-indigenous-australians">publicly proclaimed a promise of Aboriginal land rights</a> under a future Labor government. There was widespread support for the Tent Embassy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and allies across the continent, and indeed the world. Media attention also grew as it became obvious the Tent Embassy and protesters were not going to move on. Other Aboriginal activists joined the embassy, including Foley, Isabel Coe, John Newfong, Chicka Dixon, Gordon Briscoe and many others. <h2>Forced removal and revival</h2> The government was not too keen on being reminded Aboriginal people were demanding rights, so it <a href="https://law.unimelb.edu.au/about/welcome/mls-indigenous/home/mls-classroom-photo-mural-initiative/classroom-photos/tent-embassy">amended</a> the Trespass on Commonwealth Lands Ordinance to make it illegal to camp on the lawn of Parliament House. This gave the police the authority to remove the protesters. The ordinance was but a few hours old when <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7j3Rq2Tryo">police attempted to forcibly remove the embassy</a>. They did so to the roar of the crowd chanting “land rights now”. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOIvHE0tJAk">violent confrontation with police</a> ensued. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FOIvHE0tJAk?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> On September 12 1972, the ACT Supreme Court ruled against the use of the trespass laws, and the Tent Embassy was temporarily re-erected before being removed again the following morning. Then, at the end of 1972, the Coalition government led by McMahon lost the federal election to Labor. Whitlam was able to keep his promise in part – he did give the land title deeds to the Gurindji people. This was captured in the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-01/mervyn-bishop-australias-first-aboriginal-press-photographer/8655130">historical photo</a> by Merv Bishop of Whitlam pouring a fistful of dirt into Vincent Lingiari’s hand. While this iconic image has become a demonstration of what might be possible, the work of the embassy is not yet done. Land rights across the continent have yet to be fully achieved. The Tent Embassy was re-established the following year and remained until activist <a href="https://commonslibrary.org/the-aboriginal-tent-embassy/">Charles Perkins negotiated its removal</a> pending the enactment of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1976. In the ensuing years, it occupied several other sites around Canberra, including the site of the current Parliament House. In 1992, it returned to its original site on the lawn of Old Parliament House to mark the 20th anniversary of the original protest. Eleven years later, much of the Tent Embassy was destroyed by fire in a <a href="https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/end-aboriginal-tent-embassy">suspected case of arson</a>. The police once again attempted to remove protesters from the site under <a href="https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/tent-embassy-under-further-attack">orders from federal government’s National Capital Authority</a>. <h2>An enduring symbol of protest</h2> Today, the Tent Embassy remains on the lawns of Old Parliament House as a reminder of the successive failures of subsequent governments to address the demands for justice represented by the embassy and its people. As <a href="https://www.routledge.com/The-Aboriginal-Tent-Embassy-Sovereignty-Black-Power-Land-Rights-and-the/Foley-Schaap/p/book/9780415839518?gclid=CjwKCAiAz--OBhBIEiwAG1rIOuFlzGCUJvLxLafzUlJZ_D1uyMj0Tz9J_YFIEwcLS0kMzAffvRc_7hoCxwUQAvD_BwE">Foley reflects</a> in his history of the embassy: <blockquote> That it has endured for [five] decades as a potent symbol rejecting the hypocrisy, deceit and duplicity by successive Australian governments is a testament to the refusal of large numbers of Aboriginal people to concede defeat in a 200-year struggle for justice. </blockquote> Nowhere else in the world have we seen such longevity around a site of protest. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is an impressive achievement that demonstrates the tenacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our continued fight for the reclamation of our lands and sovereign rights as First Nations peoples.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/174693/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bronwyn-carlson-136214">Bronwyn Carlson</a>, Professor, Indigenous Studies and Director of The Centre for Global Indigenous Futures, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lynda-june-coe-1305919">Lynda-June Coe</a>, PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174">Macquarie University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-short-history-of-the-aboriginal-tent-embassy-an-indelible-reminder-of-unceded-sovereignty-174693">original article</a>. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Real Estate

Foolproof tips for first-time campers

When planning a trip, many people prefer to tone it down with a camping holiday in the bush, rather than embark on a city escape. For first-timers, there’s a lot of things that can either make or break your next camping trip, and it’s always good to be prepared for any situation. Speaking on Today Extra, expert organiser Anita Birges has shared her top tips to make your next camping trip a success. The tent is everything Anita recommends picking a tent with “plenty of room”, which can make or break a trip when travelling with large groups or with kids. In terms of pitching your tent when you reach your destination, Antia advises to pick a shady spot that is clear of hanging branches, and to practice pitching your tent in the backyard before you embark. Anita also recommends staying at a powered campsite that has access to amenities such as toilets and barbecues, especially for first time campers. Invest in your mattress Camping is no fun if you’re too tired to enjoy it, so invest in some good quality air mattresses that are easy to blow up. Alternatively, double sleeping bags are a good idea, giving you the chance to snuggle up with your partner on colder nights to keep warm. Go all out with extras Anita recommends going all out with the extras to make sure your camping trip is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Extra items such as a gazebo, folding chairs and compact table are sure to make any trip easier. As well as these extra luxuries, essentials such as a good-sized esky, first aid kit, cleaning items and an abundance of toilet paper are a must. Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Tips

Cleo Smith: Tent zipper detail revealed as army called in

Image: Facebook Members of the Australian Defence Force have joined the search for missing four-year-old girl Cleo Smith after police revealed an important new detail that casts doubt on the theory she simply wandered off. Cleo has been missing for six days now after vanishing from her parents’ tent during a during a weekend camping trip. She woke up at 1:30 am on Saturday and asked her mum Ellie for a drink. When Ellie and her partner Jake Gliddon woke up at about 6am, the little girl was gone. Search efforts around the Blowholes campsite in Macleod, about 70km north of Carnarvon, have proven fruitless, prompting concerns she was abducted. On Wednesday, four members of the army assisted SES volunteers in the search. They were seen launching a drone over the desolate shrubbery. Thursday marks a sixth straight day of search efforts around the area. But the theory that she was abducted is becoming more likely with police revealing a key detail on the tent the family had been sleeping in. When Ellie woke up, one of the flaps in the tent was already opened. Police say the zipper was too high for it to have been opened by Cleo. “The tent certainly has multiple entries,” inspector Jon Munday said. “One of the major circumstances that has given us the cause for alarm for Cleo’s safety is the fact that one of those zippered entryways was opened. “The positioning of that zipper for the flap is one of the circumstances that has caused us to have grave concerns for Cleo’s safety.” Up to 20 registered sex offenders in the area are now under the microscope of police and have been spoken to. The national appeal was earlier issued amid fears Cleo was taken interstate. The police agencies in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia all shared online the West Australian Police’s post with images and information about the missing girl. Munday says, however, that police will remain at the Blowholes for the time being, with the focus moving from “high probability” areas to less likely locations. “We will be here until we are satisfied that Cleo is not in this area, we have searched thoroughly all the high probability areas,” he said. “We are now extended into further reaches of the places where Cleo could have possibly walked her.” “We are hopeful that Cleo is still alive and we’re operating on the premise that she is still alive, so we’re going to keep searching until we find her.” Ellie and Jake spoke earlier this week to plead for anyone with information to come forward.

News

Why you won't want to miss ALDI's latest Special Buys

Discount retail giant ALDI has struck gold again as they’ve announced a Special Buys that’s ideal for those who love going camping in the spring or summertime. The latest Special Buys on Saturday the 14th boasts a huge six-person tent for just $180. The best part about the tent is that it’s an instant pop-up tent, so no set-up is required. The tent itself is 3 metres wide and nearly 2 metres high. The tent has a pre-attached frame, internal storage pockets, a power cord entry point and an awning. For easy set up and take down, there are three awning poles and an oversized carry bag for easy packing. ALDI is also selling a similar four-person tent for $129 that is 2.4 metres and 1.85 high for those who don’t want to splurge on the six-person tent. If you need accessories to go with your brand-new tent, ALDI have got you covered for that as well. They’re selling an inflatable single mattress for $14.99 or you can relax in comfort on a queen-size mattress for $49. Camping chairs are also available for $24.99 and you can relax by the water on a 2.2m picnic rug that’ll cost you $24.99. There's a cast-iron cooking set available, and the Special Buys are available while stocks last. Scroll through the gallery above to see everything ALDI has on offer.

Money & Banking

Mum's brilliant $8 Kmart backyard hack that's perfect for kids

<div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> Kmart shoppers are so savvy and creative, there’s dozens of social media pages and groups dedicated to sharing tips on how to get the most out of the budget superstore. But this latest tip from one mum is just perfect for summer. Mum-of-two Krystal Findlay took to the popular Facebook group “Kmart Mums Australia” to share how she turned an $8 tent into the perfect shaded play area for her twins. <img width="500" height="390" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/45413/5a00d430dfa0a_kmart_tent_600x468_5a00d4235fcc9_500x390.jpg" alt="5a 00d 430dfa 0a _kmart _tent _600x 468_5a 00d 4235fcc9" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The South Australian told <a href="https://au.be.yahoo.com/lifestyle/parenting/a/37766333/mum-shares-genius-kmart-tent-sandpit-hack/" target="_blank">Yahoo7 Be</a> she originally bought a shell pool to use as a sandpit for her kids, but grew worried about their sun exposure. “As a mum I was thinking how can I still let them have fun and protect them from the sun,” Krystal said. “I purchased the tent because we were going camping and I used it to put their toys in so they had somewhere to play still and had shade. That’s when it dawned on me to use it when we got home for their sandpit. They love it and I’m happy because not only do they have more room to play but they have shade.” Krystal said the entire setup cost her less than $20 – the tent was just $8 and she filled it with five bags of sand from Bunnings for $7.20. Plus, since the tent can be zipped up when not in use, there’s no chance of any bugs or other unwanted critters getting inside. As you can imagine, other mums in the group absolutely loved the idea – not to mention their little ones! </div> </div> </div> </div>

News

Woolies manager now lives in Sydney’s homeless tent city

To say Wayne Grice has had a change of fortunes would perhaps be the understatement of the century. The one-time fresh produce manager at Woolworths is now a member of the homeless tent city that has sprung up on Sydney’s iconic Martin Place, and has become the centre of the homelessness debate gripping the harbour city. Grice is one of up to 45 people who’ve been sleeping in the homeless tent city which NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian is reportedly “completely uncomfortable” with. Grice told News.com.au, “It’s not until you lose it all you realise what you’ve lost.” “My ideal situation would be back with my wife and kids and to be a happy family but that’s not going to happen.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkadirorsfoundation%2Fposts%2F1906081432988719%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="575" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> The homeless tent city has become the centre of a dispute between the NSW Government and City of Sydney council, with Premier Berejiklian calling on Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore to get rid of that tent city. But Ms Moore is having none of it, arguing the rehousing of homeless people should be the State Government’s job. “It’s not illegal for people to be homeless,” Ms Moore said, “For some people it’s an inevitable consequence of the housing affordability crisis in Sydney.” Either way it’s hard to say what the future has in store for Grice and co, who elaborated on his situation saying, “I was in retail management including 13 years at Woolworths. “Mainly fruit and veg, I started when I was 15 in the markets then Woolies where I did a bit of warehousing, buying and management in stores. “I’ve tried to get back in there but they try not to put too many staff on these days”. It just goes to show you how quickly fortunes can turn around? What’s your view on this issue? Who is responsible for dealing with the homelessness crisis?

News

6 tips for choosing the perfect campsite

The right spot on a campsite can make or break your camping trip. Here are six tips to help you find the perfect spot the pitch a tent. 1. Flat, flatter, flattest First things first, look for the flattest spot you can find. This means both that the ground is not on a slope (which could leave you sleeping on an angle) and that the surface of the ground is also flat. You want to avoid any holes, ridges, or large mounds of grass. Beware of depressions in the ground – if it rains there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a puddle beneath you. 2. Smooth things over It’s always a good idea to give your site a quick sweep before you set up your tent. Remove any rocks, sticks or other objects that could make for an uncomfortable sleep or even tear your tent. Ideally, you should be able to set up on something relatively smooth, even and soft like grass or sand. 3. Look out for anthills We really can’t stress this enough. Nothing (really, nothing) will ruin your camping trip faster than a tent full of ants. These little guys will find you before you know it, so do a thorough check of the area around your site. 4. Be smart with shade The sun can very quickly progress from pleasantly warm to searingly hot, so you’re going to want some shade. Position yourself close to some trees that will provide shade in the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest. Give the trees a good once over before selecting your spot and make sure there are no branches that are dead or look unstable. A strong wind can easily bring one down on you. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/33971/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (93)"/> 5. Get some privacy If you’re camping at an established campground, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the most popular thoroughfare. Try to stay at least one site back from roads or paths where people will walk frequently. Avoid choosing a site too close to the amenities blocks or right by the barbecues as these can be noisy at all hours of the day (and night). 6. Pick the right neighbours Setting up next to a large family with lots of young kids or a bunch of blokes on a beer and fishing trip could spell disaster. If you want peace and quiet, choosing the right neighbours will make all the difference. Do a quick scan when you arrive and try to work out which co-campers are going to suit you best. Are you a serious camper? What tips would you suggest? Share them with the Over60 community in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/5-reasons-to-start-wrapping-your-luggage-in-plastic/">5 reasons to start wrapping your luggage in plastic</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/major-airline-replaces-meals-with-chocolate-bars/">Major airline replaces meals with chocolate bars</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/10/sleep-better-in-a-hotel-room/">10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room</a>

Travel Tips

Retreat to a luxury tent in Alice Springs

Immerse yourself in the beauty of isolation with your own luxury tent. The <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11594035?s=Zo4liqPl_Squeakywindmill_Boutique" target="_blank">Squeaky Windmill Boutique B&B</a> offers front row seats to the unparalleled excellence of the Australian outback. Set amongst the Western Macdonell Ranges, just 15km from the Alice Springs CBD, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_auhomepage" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> property is as comfortable as a high end hotel whilst being situated in the centre of tranquillity. The tent itself features its own ensuite and kitchenette and is fit out with warm hues and splashes of red to emulate the burnt landscape. Enjoy a shared pool, bike rides and the natural wildlife, or simply keep to yourself and enjoy the views. To see all the breathtaking photos, scroll through the gallery above. See the full listing on Airbnb <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11594035?s=Zo4liqPl_Squeakywindmill_Boutique" target="_blank">here.</a> Have you ever stayed somewhere with a truly unforgettable view? Share your photos with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2016/08/8-affordable-accommodation-options-with-million-dollar-views/">8 affordable accommodation options with million-dollar views</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2016/08/the-best-place-to-stay-on-the-great-ocean-road/">The best place to stay on the Great Ocean Road</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/accommodation/2016/08/luxury-caravans-on-airbnb/">3 luxury caravans on Airbnb</a>

Accommodation

6 of the world’s best camping destinations

Forget your local caravan park, the world is full of incredible camping spots that have to be seen to be believed. And some of them don’t even need you to pitch your own tent. 1. Miyajima, Japan The famous red tori gate rising from the water at Miyajima is one of Japan’s most iconic sights. Travel to Miayajima, known as the Island of the Gods, and you can camp almost in the shadow of the famous gate. The island is threaded with beautiful hiking trails, including one to the top of the sacred Mt Misen. In typical Japanese fashion, the camp sites and well kept and also offer modest cabins. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/25256/shutterstock_391891114_498x245.jpg" alt="china camping" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 2. Patagonia, Chile Camp (almost) at the end of the earth. The Patagonia region of South America covers the southernmost tip of the continent and is an incredible, rugged wilderness of mountains, lakes, glaciers and vast snowfields. Spend your days hiking, horseriding, kayaking and looking for rare wildlife. Given that it gets seriously cold down here, you’ll be camping in a sustainable geodesic dome that is part of a larger complex that includes restaurants, bars and yoga domes. 3. Wadi Rum, Jordan Live like a Bedouin in the vast Wadi Rum desert of Jordan. The landscapes are truly otherworldly, which explains why a number of space movies have been filmed here including, most recently, The Martian. The desert is completely dark at night, making for incredible stargazing. You can take a tour on the back of a camel, have tea with Bedouin families and eat dinner cooked over an open fire. Traditional tents are pitched on the sand and beds made with plenty of local blankets – it drops well below freezing at night. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/25255/shutterstock_178038215_498x245.jpg" alt="wadi rum" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 4. Uluru, Northern Territory One of the world’s great campsites is just across the Tasman. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise over Uluru as the ancient rock seems to glow from within. You can’t camp within the national park itself, but the official campsite is only a short drive from the rock itself. The area is fantastic for hiking, wildlife spotting or cultural excursions, and you can cool off at the end of the day with a dip in the camp swimming pool. 5. Canyonlands, Utah This is one for the campers who want to really get away from it all. There are designated campsites in the park, but the real fun is in free camping where you can choose just about any spot in the park to pitch your tent. It’s a dramatic landscape of deep canyons, steep cliffs and towering sandstone pillars in all colours of red and orange. Choose your spot carefully and you won’t see another soul. 6. Haleakala National Park, Hawaii Camp on the edge of a 750,000 year old volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui. With strict limits on campers you’ll be one of only a few who reach the summit at sunrise, a breathtaking sight. Active travellers can hike to the two wilderness campsites that are closest to the summit, though there are also drive-up sites that can be reached by car. Have you ever pitched a tent at one of these famous locations? Where’s your favourite place to camp? Let us know in the comments. Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/07/6-of-the-best-european-beaches-to-visit/">6 of the best European beaches to visit</a> <a href="/travel/domestic-travel/2016/07/the-story-behind-that-wanaka-tree/">The story behind that Wanaka Tree</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/07/7-best-beaches-on-australias-east-coast/">7 best beaches on Australia’s east coast</a>

International Travel

Lion licks water off camper’s tent

On the list of sights you never want to experience as a new camper, we think the one featured this video is pretty close to the top. Francie Lubbe and her partner were camping in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana when they noticed something strange happening on the mesh barrier of their tent. Two lionesses lick water off the tents. Lubbe shows incredible poise to capture the remarkable footage – we would’ve been quaking in our boots! Lubbe posted the footage on Facebook shortly after. "What a privilege. It rained during the night and three lioness licking the water from the tent," she wrote in another post with the below photograph. We’re glad they saw it that way. We would have been scared out of our skins! Have you ever seen a lion, or any other huge animal in real life? How did you react and did anything remarkable happen that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments. Video credit: Facebook / Francie Lubbe No matter where you’re travelling to, making sure you know how to access your cash while away – and in the most affordable way – is very important. Easy to use and with countless benefits, the Over60 Cash Passport allows you to securely access your cash in the same way you use an ATM or credit card. <a href="https://oversixty.cashpassport.com.au" target="_blank">To apply for a card today, click here.</a> Related links: <a href="/travel/international/2016/05/aerial-tour-of-beautiful-flower-field-in-the-netherlands/">Aerial tour of beautiful flower field in the Netherlands</a> <a href="/travel/international/2016/05/10-gorgeous-photos-from-seaside-towns-in-italy/">10 gorgeous photos from seaside towns in Italy</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/05/8-photos-london-mysterious-beauty/">8 photos reveal mysterious side of London</a>

International Travel

10 incomparable views from tents

There’s many reasons to go camping: you love the outdoors, you enjoy the freedom and it’s a fun, healthy and cheap escape. But if there’s only one reason to choose it must be the view you get to enjoy – the sort of view you can only get when you go camping. What view would you most like to wake up to?<img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10471/1.jpg" alt="1 (96)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10472/2.jpg" alt="2 (100)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10473/3.jpg" alt="3 (98)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10474/4.jpg" alt="4 (90)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10475/5.jpg" alt="5 (86)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10477/6.jpg" alt="6 (83)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="375" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10478/7.jpg" alt="7 (76)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10479/8.jpg" alt="8 (70)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10481/9.jpg" alt="9 (57)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img width="500" height="321" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10482/10.jpg" alt="10 (43)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/09/sydneys-best-picnic-spots/">Sydney’s best picnic spots</a><a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/09/beautiful-gorges-in-australia/">5 breathtaking gorges to explore in Australia</a><a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/09/best-aussie-wildlife-experiences/">3 must-have Aussie wildlife experiences</a>

Domestic Travel

5 tips for choosing the right tent

When you’re off camping preparation is key and taking the wrong tent could turn your camping trip into a not-so-happy adventure. Read our guide to ensure you select the best tent for you and your family. Here is what you need to consider before buying:Number of people using the tentTake those recommendations of a “four-man tent” with a grain of salt – they mean four people can snugly fit in it with not much space to move around or for equipment and so on. For a four person family trip, you might be better suited to a six person tent if you’re after some room. So think about what space you need and what you want stored in the tent too.Easy to pitchSome tents are seemingly perfect except they take a small army to set up. Before you buy, make sure you find out how easy (or difficult) it is to pitch your tent.Conditions you will use the tentThere are different tents for different environments. A summer tent will naturally be designed for warm conditions and made with lightweight material. If you’re after a more durable tent that can survive rain and wind, consider a three season tent.Material of tentMany of the cheaper tents might say they’re waterproof but turn out not to be as waterproof as you would like when the rain comes down. While canvas tents are waterproof, they become heavy when water is absorbed. Nylon or polyester tents are waterproof too but not as durable as canvas. Check seams and zips of tent as well as quality of pegs and strength of tent poles.Additional featuresIf you’re buying a tent to last the distance, it’s worth considering the additional features that would make life easier in the long run such as number of doors (two doors stops people clambering over each other), number of windows (helps ventilation), storage pockets, size of awning and the space to add accessories in the future.Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/05/4-campfire-recipes/">4 simple (and delicious) recipes you can cook over a campfire</a><a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/04/caravan-checklist/">Pre-trip checklist for caravans and motorhomes</a><a href="/lifestyle/caravan-camping/2015/02/great-spots-for-camping/">Great destinations for campers</a>

Domestic Travel

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A short history of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy – an indelible reminder of unceded sovereignty

Foolproof tips for first-time campers

Cleo Smith: Tent zipper detail revealed as army called in

Why you won't want to miss ALDI's latest Special Buys

Mum's brilliant $8 Kmart backyard hack that's perfect for kids

Woolies manager now lives in Sydney’s homeless tent city

6 tips for choosing the perfect campsite

Retreat to a luxury tent in Alice Springs

6 of the world’s best camping destinations

Lion licks water off camper’s tent

10 incomparable views from tents

5 tips for choosing the right tent

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