Our Mission

Reform Coburg Motor Inn is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those affected by the substandard conditions and safety issues at the Coburg Motor Inn.

Our aim is not to move on the residents of the Coburg Motor Inn or to close the Motor Inn.

We aim to:

  1. Provide a platform for individuals who have stayed at the Inn, their families, and nearby residents to share their experiences.

  2. Raise awareness about the inadequate living conditions and safety concerns at the Coburg Motor Inn.

  3. Advocate for improved standards in emergency accommodation and post-release housing.

  4. Push for legislative changes to ensure that facilities like the Coburg Motor Inn meet higher safety and cleanliness standards.

  5. Collaborate with local officials, housing organizations, and community members to find sustainable solutions for vulnerable individuals in need of safe, dignified housing.

  6. Honor the memory of those who have lost their lives at the Coburg Motor Inn by working towards positive change.

By sharing your stories, we can collectively drive meaningful reform, ensuring that our most vulnerable community members receive the support and dignity they deserve. Together, we can transform the Coburg Motor Inn from a symbol of desperation to a catalyst for change in our approach to crisis accommodation.

Join us in our mission to create safer, more supportive housing solutions for all.

Who am I?

My name is Iolanthe Gabrie, and I am a long-time resident of Coburg North, a business owner in Merri-bek and Darebin, and the founder of Serious Women’s Business. I live very close to the Coburg Motor Inn with my husband, two kids, two cats, and a dog. I am not a journalist or affiliated with any media outlet—I am an interested citizen and community organizer who cares deeply about the safety and well-being of our community and its most vulnerable members.

The Reform Coburg Motor Inn campaign was born out of concern for the conditions at the Coburg Motor Inn and its impact on those who stay there, their families, and the surrounding neighborhood. This platform exists to amplify your voices, share lived experiences, and advocate for meaningful change.

Our Approach to Safe Sharing

We understand that sharing personal stories can be sensitive and emotional.

  1. Why We’re Running This Campaign
    Our motivation is simple: to ensure that vulnerable individuals are treated with dignity and respect, that emergency housing meets acceptable standards, and that our community remains safe for everyone. We believe in creating a space where stories can be shared to raise awareness and push for reform, but always with care and consideration for those involved.

  2. Peer Support for Story Contributors
    We recognize the emotional weight of sharing lived experiences. While we are not a professional support service, we are committed to connecting contributors with appropriate resources or peer support networks if needed. If you require additional assistance after sharing your story, please let us know—we will do our best to guide you toward helpful services.

  3. Informed Consent
    Your story is yours to tell, and we want you to feel confident in how it is shared. I envisage the stories will be used to a) provide proof of experience around the impact of the Coburg Motor Inn on the community at large and b) agitate for Government spending on emergency housing to be transparent and appropriate to the challenge. They may also be used in marketing campaigns and on this website: in this case, I will reach out directly to the authors for additional permission.

Join us in our mission to create safer, more supportive housing solutions for all.