Mackay’s first sleepbus has rolled into town.
Safe Sleep Mackay has secured delivery of the sleepbus, despite the national Sleepbus organisation winding up due to financial difficulties.
The charity provides accommodation for rough sleepers by transforming old buses into temporary overnight accommodation.
Lisa Jamieson from Safe Sleep Mackay, said it had been a challenging time for them as they worked hard to help secure the best outcome for the region.
“We’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of our first sleepbus for the region and it is fantastic it has now rolled into town,’’ she said.
“Ownership of the bus is being transferred to Australian Street Aid Project Limited.
“With local ownership, it gives us the flexibility to determine how the service is operated and ensure that it will service the needs in our community.”
Ms Jamieson said SSM was also extremely grateful to its donors.
“They have been supporting us and using their networks to help us bring this bus to Mackay,’’ she said.
“Along with Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Community Foundation, Run for MI Life, Macrossan and Amiet, BMA, the local Freemason Lodges and Rotary clubs, we’d also like to thank local bus company Kinetic.
“They have made space available in their Paget yard to park the bus. Centurion also offered to transport the bus to Mackay for us.”
Work is now underway to secure a second bus for the region.
