EXCLUSIVE: WA Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas Visits Homeless Families on Memorial Drive
The frontline of the local housing crisis receives a high-profile visit as state leadership witnesses the heartbreaking reality firsthand.
By Wade McColl (06/07/2026)
(L-R) Phil Edman, local homelessness advocate, Basil Zempilas, Leader of the Opposition, Ken, local homeless man all standing on Memorial Drive, Rockingham. Photo: Phil Edman.
The devastating reality of the local housing crisis has officially captured the attention of state leaders. Today, Western Australian Liberal Leader Basil Zempilas visited Memorial Drive, meeting directly with the vulnerable families and individuals living in the bushland.
The exclusive visit marks a significant turning point for the community. According to a media release provided by a local Councillor, Mr. Zempilas has become just the second elected representative to personally visit the site and meet with the homeless families relying on tents and cars for shelter.
Basil Zempilas, Leader of the Opposition, talking to Ken, a local homeless man living on Memorial Drive. Photo: Phil Edman.
While many have discussed the growing homelessness emergency from a distance, today’s visit saw state leadership taking the time to listen directly to those experiencing it. The visit sent a clear message that every Western Australian deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
For local advocate Phil Edman, who has spent recent months coordinating massive grassroots supply runs alongside Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the presence of an elected official brings a much-needed spotlight to the systemic failures leaving locals stranded.
Phil Edman, along with volunteers, handing out essentials on Memorial Drive in Rockingham. Photo: Phil Edman
"Finally," Edman stated in response to the visit. "Basil is the only elected official other than Cr Peter Hudson to attend the site."
"I respect any government official visiting our homeless in the City of Rockingham. I would introduce our homeless to our Premier if asked, or any official. It would be an honour to help any of them see our vulnerable."
The severe situation across the coastline has seen families, including a mother and her four children, waiting years on public housing lists while living in the dirt near a local high school. Elderly residents, including a 78-year-old man recovering from surgery in his car and a cancer patient seeking refuge in a tent, have only survived the brutal winter thanks to immediate grassroots intervention.
Basil Zempilas, Leader of the Opposition standing with 14 year-old Nathan on Memorial Drive, Rockingham. Photo: Phil Edman.
Today’s visit highlights the urgent need for practical, state-level solutions to address the crisis. The community has exhausted its resources providing survival gear, and the demand for increased crisis accommodation, pathways into permanent housing, and coordinated support services has never been higher.
Grassroots advocacy has kept people alive, but systemic change is required to rebuild these lives.