Former Young Talent Time star Debra Byrne on the verge of homelessness, slams rental industry
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When people hear the name Debra Byrne, the next thing that usually pops into their minds is Young Talent Time.
She was easily a pillar of the show, having been a founding member of its original iteration in 1971. But this same star is now facing a very different reality at the age of 66.
Recently, Debra took to social media to reveal that she, her grandchildren and daughter were facing homelessness in 60 days, no less. The reason? That Debra couldn't find a rental property as a pensioner.
‘I wasn’t always a pensioner, I was 50 plus and I still worked,’ she said.
‘As time went on it became more difficult to network to be part of the industry I had been part of since I was 10.’
‘Mary Poppins was the last musical where I could work for many months. Since then it’s been spasmodic work, so for years I have been on the carer pension.’
Continuing her emotional admission, she then turned her frustrations into something many Aussies can relate to.
'How dare the rental industry snub pensioners?' she stressed. ‘How dare they see us as incompetent of paying our rent.’
Debra outlined that she had always worked hard until that became physically unfeasible. But she did so while she cared for her grandsons and children, and the burden had taken a toll. Currently, Byrne’s grandson, Aaron, lives with her, as does her daughter Lucille.
Many people were shocked to hear about her situation, some wondering why she was on the verge of being homeless despite being a former star.
‘Sorry to hear this about Debbie and her family, but I would’ve thought the star that she is, she would have enough money to buy a place of her own,’ one user shared.
It must be remembered that while many of us can save money during our working lives, those on the pension are not typically able to do this and instead rely on the amount they are already given.
Thankfully, many of Debra’s fans have come to her aid and are doing their best to help her find a home. We here at SDC wish her the best in finding a new home.
It’s unfortunate to hear about people in heightened need as they enter their golden years, and we only hope stories like Debra’s will bring this issue to public attention. Many pensioners live in fear of homelessness, unable to get the security and peace of mind a recognisable, comfortable home can provide.
What are your thoughts on this, dear members? Tell us below!
She was easily a pillar of the show, having been a founding member of its original iteration in 1971. But this same star is now facing a very different reality at the age of 66.
‘I wasn’t always a pensioner, I was 50 plus and I still worked,’ she said.
‘As time went on it became more difficult to network to be part of the industry I had been part of since I was 10.’
‘Mary Poppins was the last musical where I could work for many months. Since then it’s been spasmodic work, so for years I have been on the carer pension.’
Continuing her emotional admission, she then turned her frustrations into something many Aussies can relate to.
'How dare the rental industry snub pensioners?' she stressed. ‘How dare they see us as incompetent of paying our rent.’
Debra Byrne, a former Young Talent Time star, is facing homelessness. Credit: YouTube/Scarlett Vespa
Debra outlined that she had always worked hard until that became physically unfeasible. But she did so while she cared for her grandsons and children, and the burden had taken a toll. Currently, Byrne’s grandson, Aaron, lives with her, as does her daughter Lucille.
Debra shared her plight on a social media post. Credit: Debra Anne Byrne/Facebook
Many people were shocked to hear about her situation, some wondering why she was on the verge of being homeless despite being a former star.
‘Sorry to hear this about Debbie and her family, but I would’ve thought the star that she is, she would have enough money to buy a place of her own,’ one user shared.
Thankfully, many of Debra’s fans have come to her aid and are doing their best to help her find a home. We here at SDC wish her the best in finding a new home.
It’s unfortunate to hear about people in heightened need as they enter their golden years, and we only hope stories like Debra’s will bring this issue to public attention. Many pensioners live in fear of homelessness, unable to get the security and peace of mind a recognisable, comfortable home can provide.
What are your thoughts on this, dear members? Tell us below!
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