It’s not every day a federal MP bankrolls a frontline homelessness service – but that’s what Ted O’Brien has done, personally funding the first two weeks of a new drive to secure a shelter-on-wheels for the Coast’s homeless community.
The Federal Member for Fairfax is urging the community to match his commitment, launching a public fundraising campaign to keep the rebranded Sunny Coast Sleeper Bus on the road.
The Sunny Coast Sleeper began a pilot in Nambour in mid-February, operating one night a week to provide safe overnight accommodation for people who would otherwise sleep rough. Delivered by Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre (MNC), the refitted bus features secure, private sleeping pods and links guests with support services.
Mr O’Brien said the need was growing as housing pressures intensify across the Coast.
“Too many members of our community are doing it tough, and for some, a safe night sleep feels completely out of reach,” he said.
“This is about dignity, safety and practical help. The Sleeper Bus gives people a secure place for the night and connects them with support services that can help them get back on their feet.”
He said $15 was enough to keep someone off the street for a night.
“I wanted to make sure the bus could hit the road and start helping people straight away,” he said.
“But for this service to continue and grow, it will take the backing of the whole community.”
The scale of homelessness locally remains stark. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census, about 1,205 people on the Sunshine Coast were experiencing homelessness – a figure service providers say has worsened amid the housing crisis.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
The Sunny Coast Sleeper follows the collapse of the original Sleepbus service, which arrived on the Coast in January 2022 after a community-led campaign spearheaded by MNC in 2020. Over three years it became a lifeline for dozens of vulnerable residents before funding shortfalls forced its closure in early 2025.
Determined to revive the service, MNC negotiated ownership of the vehicle. With backing from an anonymous Queensland family foundation and community donors, the bus was repaired, re-registered and relaunched.
MNC CEO Mark Ellis said even one night of safe sleep could be transformative.
“Getting a good night’s sleep can do so much. It improves mental and physical health, it allows people to get off the street and make better decisions.”
Mr O’Brien said addressing homelessness in Nambour required coordination across governments and the community sector.
“I am continuing to work closely with local state member Marty Hunt and Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli to tackle homelessness in Nambour. The local chambers, churches and charities are doing all they can.”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said council backed the sleeper bus as part of a broader response.
“We are working very closely with the state government because homelessness is a state issue that we all feel locally,” she said.
“I personally have been meeting with a number of providers who offer different housing solutions – it’s a complex problem and it will take a lot of different actions to move the dial.”
Council supports state-led outreach services and provides practical measures such as shower access for people sleeping rough, alongside financial backing for community-led initiatives like the Sunny Coast Sleeper.
“This is a small but meaningful step in our collective efforts to address homelessness in our region. For many people in Nambour who are sleeping rough, it could make a life-changing difference between another unsafe, broken sleep, or feeling rested enough to take proactive and positive steps tomorrow.”
