Former tenant describes 'nightmare' stay at notorious Newcastle motel

The New South Wales Government has been applauded for suspending the use of a Newcastle motel for crisis accommodation, in response to allegations of drug use and prostitution.

The Adamstown motel which has been described at a national inquiry into the drug ice, as a notorious hang out for addicts, dealers and gangs. (Photo: ABC News: Dan Cox)

Jeremy Fallins said he will never forget his time at the Adamstown Motel.

"If your stuff wasn't nailed down, it was up for anyone to take," he said.

"You needed a baseball bat in your room for security."

Mr Fallins was homeless at the time, and was referred there by the Department of Family and Community services.

He describes his experience as a nightmare.

"Put it this way, we would get woken up at about six every morning with yelling and screaming, all due to people being up for days on end with ice," he said.

Mr Fallins spent time at the motel two years ago, and said he is still traumatised.

"This was probably the first time that I ever seen this type of stuff," he said.

"I was brought up in a well-respected family but my choices made me homeless.

"That (motel) is where I got put, and it is no place for anyone."

Yesterday, in response to an ABC investigation into drug use and dealing, the motel was cut off by the department as a crisis accommodation provider.

Allegations put to a Federal inquiry into ice, include drug dealing and usage, as well as gang activity and prostitution.

Mr Mullins has applauded the department's response, but questioned why it took it so long to act.

"Oh, I'm glad," he said.

"I'll take what I've seen to the grave, pretty much."

The Department said it is working with police, and it is relocating its clients who have been living at the motel.

MP welcomes department's decision

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he has heard horror stories about the motel, and is pleased the government has decided to act.

"Look, I'm concerned that there is the possibility that at risk clients may have been placed at this facility," he said.

"It beggars belief in fact, and I just worry about the clients who have gone there and been placed at that facility.

"It is disgraceful."

Mr Crakanthorp said the motel incident highlights the urgent need for more suitable crisis accommodation.

"There isn't enough accommodation in Newcastle, and not enough affordable housing either," he said.

"It really is a problem throughout the whole city, and this really brings it home when we hear stories like this."

Source: ABC News, 15^th October 2015
Originally published as: Former tenant describes 'nightmare' stay at notorious Newcastle motel