Hard times

The new series of Filthy Rich and Homeless takes another group of well-known faces to experience what it’s like to live on the streets. Arron Wood, Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor, tells Danielle McGrane what it was like to be a part of this year’s experim

A rron Wood thought he knew what to expect when he signed up for Filthy Rich and Homeless.

“I’d prepared myself a bit for it and seen the other two series and I thought ‘I know what I’m in for, I know it’s going to be hard’. I said to myself, ‘Probably day five will be when it gets tough’. But it’s done in such a way that almost from the moment the experience starts, it’s unbelievable how quickly the impact comes on,” he said.

As Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Wood has been working on the homeless crisis in his city for years, so taking part in the SBS show seemed like a good opportunity for him to see what it’s like for people living on the streets. He found out very quickly just how tough it is.

“I was dropped off in the middle of Sydney – and I’m from Melbourne – and it was nightfall. I was dropped off at The Rocks after everything was taken – wedding ring, phone, watch – and given ten minutes to select from some second-hand clothes. Then you’re given a bag and they put you in a van and say, ‘See ya later’,” he said.

From that moment on, everything changed, including the city around him.

“Everything that seems so familiar and enjoyable, walking past cafes or walking around the Opera House, all those things

Wood: I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a better understanding of what people experiencing homelessness are trying to cope with

you think are really special when you’ve got all of life’s luxuries, take on a different slant when you’re thinking, ‘Where will I sleep tonight?’” Wood said.

“You feel really divorced from daily life and that comes on