Uncertainty for Hervey Bay’s Sleepbus after organisation folds

With the closure of the not-for-profit organisation, the future of the Hervey Bay’s mobile Sleepbus is now uncertain.

The future of Hervey Bay’s mobile Sleepbus has been left uncertain after the organisation behind the project announced its impending closure.

The future of Hervey Bay’s mobile Sleepbus has been left uncertain after the organisation behind the project announced its impending closure.

It comes after Community Bank Hervey Bay donated $100,000 in April 2023 to fund the purchase of the Sleepbus, which has since provided about 500 safe sleeps for the region’s most vulnerable people.

This investment supported the construction of a specially designed mobile vehicle offering safe, temporary overnight accommodation.

The Sleepbus features climate-controlled individual sleep pods, each equipped with a lockable door and toilet, delivering an immediate and cost-effective solution to homelessness.

The operation of the Sleepbus has relied heavily on donations and volunteers.

But the management and operations of the service have been solely under the direction of the Sleepbus organisation.

Sleepbus was a non-profit organisation created by Melbourne businessman Simon Rowe in 2016 after a crowd-sourcing campaign raised $120,000 to transform an old bus into temporary overnight accommodation.

This week it was confirmed the organisation would cease operating due to financial struggles.

While Community Bank Hervey Bay has not been involved in the bus’s operations since its launch, it remains optimistic that the community can preserve this vital resource.

The future of Hervey Bay’s mobile Sleepbus is uncertain after the organisation behind the project announced its impending closure.

The community bank has encouraged local organisations to explore taking on the management rights of the Sleepbus to ensure its continued operation.

Community Bank Hervey Bay branch manager Tim Evans expressed his hope for the program’s future.

“Homelessness is a heartbreaking reality in our community, and the Sleepbus has provided a much-needed temporary solution for many,” he said.

“One safe sleep can make a profound difference.

“While we are deeply disappointed by this recent development, we remain hopeful that our community’s strong history of supporting those in need will help save this essential service.”

Currently, the Sleepbus is stationed at Apex Park car park most Friday and Saturday nights, operating from 8pm-8am.

During the day, it returns to its depot for cleaning and resetting.

Community Bank Hervey Bay chairman Justin Geldard said it was an important initiative.

“Our priority is ensuring the Sleepbus remains available for the community. We urge all stakeholders to work together to secure its future,” he said.

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Originally published as Uncertainty for Hervey Bay’s Sleepbus after organisation folds