Community-Driven Project Sees First Safe Sleep Bus Operated By Australian Street Aid Project

Safe Sleep Mackay (SSM) has announced that Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) will operate the first of the region’s three Safe Sleep buses.

The buses will provide temporary overnight service on weekends, offering a safe, secure place to rest for people currently sleeping rough. The initiative aims to provide dignity, safety, and relief from the elements.

SSM spokesperson Lisa Jamieson said the announcement demonstrates the power of community-led solutions.

“This is a huge milestone for Safe Sleep Mackay and our community. All three buses required significant modifications to ensure they are safe and suitable for operation. Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and local businesses, one bus is now nearly ready and has been handed over to ASAP as the first operator,” Ms Jamieson said.

She added that ASAP has supported the project from the beginning. Their frontline experience with Mackay’s homeless community gives confidence that the first Safe Sleep bus will deliver a real impact.

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) CEO Kayleigh Brewster said the organisation is honoured to operate the first bus.

“A safe night’s sleep is a fundamental human need, which is why we’ve supported this initiative from the start,” Ms Brewster said.

“We are well-positioned to deliver this service due to the trust and rapport we have built with those who will benefit. While this isn’t a solution to homelessness, the bus will provide an alternative to sleeping rough on the nights it operates.”

Ms Brewster added that although work remains to ensure smooth, sustainable operations, the bus is nearly ready, allowing them to coordinate next steps toward launch.

While preparing the first bus, SSM continues toward its broader goal of bringing all three buses into service. Additional funds are still needed to complete modifications on the remaining buses.

“This is just the beginning,” Ms Jamieson said.

“Today’s announcement (made on Monday, the 12th of January), shows what’s possible when a community comes together to care for those doing it tough. We will continue to fundraise and seek expressions of interest from organisations to operate the other buses.”

Safe Sleep Mackay is also actively seeking volunteers to support the program. Assistance is needed for sewing blankets and fitted sheets (materials and templates provided), and, importantly, for bus operations. Volunteers are required as drivers (MR licence), caretakers to stay overnight, helpers to assist guests into pods, and housekeepers to reset the bus for the next night.

If you’d like to get involved, community members can donate or register to volunteer at www.safesleepmackay.com.au. Every contribution helps ensure safe sleep for those who need it most.

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Safe Sleep Mackay is calling for volunteers to help sew blankets and assist with bus operations, including driving and overnight support. Photo source: Safe Sleep Mackay

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) will operate the first Safe Sleep bus, providing trusted frontline support to people sleeping rough in Mackay. Photo supplied

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