COMMUNITY Bank Hervey Bay has received communication from sleepbus announcing the organisation’s impending closure, casting uncertainty over the future of Hervey Bay’s sleepbus.

In April 2023, the local bank donated $100,000 to fund the purchase of the mobile sleepbus, which has since provided approximately 500 safe sleeps for the region’s vulnerable individuals. 

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 operations of the sleepbus has relied heavily on donations and volunteers. 

However, the management and operations of the service have been solely under the direction of the sleepbus organisation.

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

The community bank encourages local organisations to explore taking on the management rights of the sleepbus to ensure its continued operation.

Tim Evans, Branch Manager of Community Bank Hervey Bay, 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.

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 on most Friday and Saturday nights, operating from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am. 

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

Justin Geldard, Chairman of Community Bank Hervey Bay, reinforced the importance of the initiative.

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

Community Bank Hervey Bay remains committed to supporting initiatives that address homelessness and hopes the community will rally to safeguard this vital service.

To donate visit - www.sleepbus.org/sleepbusfund