A homelessness support service will continue operating in a Sunshine Coast town until the end of 2027, thanks to a funding boost.
The Sunny Coast Sleeper Bus will keep welcoming people at Nambour after $26,000 was raised by community members during the past four months.
The bus, which is delivered by the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, is a converted coach providing a safe, supervised overnight place to sleep for up to nine people each night who would otherwise be sleeping rough. The service, which also operates in Maroochydore, is supported by dedicated volunteers.
Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre CEO Mark Ellis said the funding provided certainty for the service and those who rely on it in Nambour.
“This funding gives us the ability to plan ahead and continue delivering this service for the community,” he said.
“We’ve already seen the impact a safe night’s sleep can have, and now we can keep supporting people on their journey to stability.”
Federal MP Ted O’Brien, who volunteered at Nambour on Monday night, said the service was crucial in the town.
“Across the country, more people are at risk of falling through the cracks, which is why practical, frontline services like the Sleeper Bus are so important,” he said.
He said a $15,000 contribution from the Harry Cohney Charitable Foundation was instrumental in reaching the fundraising target.
“They stepped up in a significant way to help those most in need.”
Harry Cohney Charitable Foundation director Sarah Bennett said sleep and safety was the first step in treating the mental health of those suffering from homelessness.
“I see the homeless as superhuman. They have endured too much already. Individual and collective mental health starts and ends with security and housing,” she said
According to updated information from the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, it costs $180 per night for the bus to service Nambour. The money raised has also be allocated to mechanical upgrades for the bus including a new battery and other necessary repairs to continue its trip to Nambour.
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Due to current volunteer availability, the bus will operate one night per week, on Mondays, in Nambour until the end of 2027, with capacity to expand to up to three nights per week as more volunteers come on board.
Mr O’Brien thanked every volunteer and donor who contributed to the campaign and said ongoing community involvement remains critical.
“While funding is now secured, volunteers will always be the backbone of this service, and I encourage anyone who can to get involved.”
To register as a volunteer, visit maroochync.org.au/volunteer.
