Peplow House Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Men Through Homelessness 

Peplow House Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Men Through Homelessness

For 50 years, Peplow House has been more than a place to stay. It has been a place of safety, stability and hope for thousands of men in Ballarat experiencing homelessness, helping them move from crisis towards independence and long-term housing. 

On 7 August, Peplow House celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special event held during Homelessness Week. The timing of the celebration added particular significance, providing an opportunity to pause, listen and reflect on the realities of homelessness. It also served as a reminder that homelessness is not an identity, but an experience that can change when people are met with the right support, at the right time, within a community that refuses to give up on them. 

The celebration brought together people from across CCV, including case workers, health practitioners, program staff, managers, members of the executive team and the CEO, alongside current and former residents, supporters, partners and community members. It was an opportunity to reflect on five decades of impact, celebrate the dedication of all people involved and thank the Founder Gerry Baldock, whose vision, determination and commitment helped establish the service 50 years ago. 

CCV extends its thanks to everyone who joined the celebration, including The Hon. Juliana Addison MP, Member for Wendouree, and Boyana Shawi, representing The Hon. Michaela Settle MP, Member for Eureka. Their attendance reflected the strong government support for services that assist people experiencing homelessness in the community.  

A highlight of the event was a presentation and discussion panel exploring Peplow House’s history and enduring role within the Ballarat community. Speakers reflected on why the service was established, what homelessness looked like 50 years ago and the challenges men face today. Through these conversations, attendees gained a deeper understanding of how Peplow House continues to support men experiencing homelessness through 24-hour crisis accommodation, support for their immediate needs and guidance tailored to each person’s circumstances.  

 While the panel explored the history of Peplow House, an exhibition of artwork created by current and former residents, photography and personal stories offered a glimpse into life at Peplow House.  

For many residents, art has provided a creative outlet to reflect on their experiences  and Peplow House was the place where they were welcomed during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. CCV thanks the residents for their openness and willingness to share their stories; their contributions helped put a human face to an issue that is often discussed through statistics alone.

One former resident captured the impact of the program when he shared: 

While the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate, it was also a reminder that the work is far from finished.

Today, Peplow House remains Ballarat’s only crisis accommodation service for men, providing more than 2,500 nights of accommodation each year and supporting around 120 men annually through crisis, recovery and the search for long-term housing. 

Homelessness continues to affect too many people across Ballarat and regional Victoria. Housing stress, family violence, mental health challenges, poverty and rising living costs continue to place increasing pressure on individuals, families and communities. 

For many of those who attended the celebration and listened to the stories shared throughout the evening, the event reinforced a sense of collective responsibility and the importance of continuing this work.  

As Peplow House enters its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: to provide compassionate, person-centred support that helps men move beyond crisis and towards a future where they can find not only shelter, but a place to call home. 

You can help support the work of Peplow House through our dedicated appeal. Click the button below