Third Sleepbus Joins Mackay’s Frontline Homeless Response

By Hannah McNamara

It’s no secret that Mackay is in the midst of a homelessness crisis, driven by escalating living costs, limited housing availability, and increasingly complex social challenges. In a climate where shelter has become a luxury for many, one initiative offers a glimmer of hope, in the form of three converted buses designed to give those without a roof over their heads a secure place to sleep.

According to the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Specialist Homelessness Services in Mackay assisted 3,193 people during the 2023–24 financial year, with nearly one in four cases (22.9%) involving domestic and family violence — a key driver of displacement.

The rental market paints an equally bleak picture. The median weekly rent in Mackay rose 16% to $580 in the same period, pushing affordable accommodation out of reach for many. Meanwhile, 488 households in the region are registered as homeless or at risk on Queensland’s Social Housing Register, facing an average wait of more than 20 months.

Frontline service providers report not only more people in need but also greater complexity in the support they require. Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) Mackay General Manager William Stafford said the demand is unrelenting.

“We get up to 180 walk-ins and calls daily from people needing help, and have daily outreach with about 65 rough sleepers in Mackay city alone,” he said.

In a timely development, Safe Sleep Mackay (SSM) has successfully secured three Sleepbus vehicles — part of a national initiative to provide safe overnight accommodation for those sleeping rough. Each bus is fitted with secure sleep pods, toilets, and basic comforts like phone chargers, giving people a safe place to rest when few other options are available.

Despite the national Sleepbus organisation ceasing operations in June due to financial hardship, SSM was able to receive the final three buses produced by the charity — two for Mackay and one for Sarina. One bus is specifically outfitted for women and children, offering an extra layer of safety and privacy.

Founder of Sleepbus, Simon Rowe, confirmed the milestone after delivering the final vehicle.

“This brings a 10-year journey for me to an end, however I am so grateful to all the amazing organisations that have stepped up to keep safe sleeps happening around the country.”

Rowe had earlier revealed that refurbishing the third bus was a financial challenge, but SSM persisted. As the final bus made its way north, SSM’s Lisa Jamieson shared an update.

“It’s very exciting that we will get three buses.

“There will be some items needed to fit out the later buses for them to be ready to use. We are currently needing some auto electrical support to help find, potentially, a loose wire in the transmission harness of the first bus.

“So, if there is anyone with Auto-electrician skills that can help out, we’d love to hear from them.”

The buses will be owned and managed by Australian Street Aid Project Limited, enabling local oversight and flexibility tailored to the Mackay region’s specific needs.

In response to the broader housing crisis, the Crisafulli Government’s 2025–26 State Budget has allocated $592 million in additional funding for homelessness support and frontline services. This includes $380 million to expand crisis accommodation initiatives and $208.9 million to extend a 20% funding uplift to specialist homelessness services statewide.

Local services set to benefit include CASA, Kalyan Youth Service, Lowanna House, and the St Vincent de Paul Society. The funding aims to bolster support for individuals and families in crisis, however, systemic challenges remain.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton acknowledged homelessness stems from ‘a multitude of reasons.’

“What we need to do is make sure they’re catered for as best as we possibly can whilst they’re homeless – and then progress them into housing when it’s possible.”

Dalton says he’s been a vocal supporter of the Sleepbus initiative since its inception.

“I was very much in favour of the Sleepbus when it was first mooted… I could see real need for it for several groups of people.

He described the buses as “temporary, short-term accommodation” that “needs to be well managed,” but recognised their greater value.

“I’d like to see no need for a Sleepbus… but I know there is. And I hope it’s well used – only because I know there are plenty of people who need it.”

As Mackay waits for an official operational date, the arrival of Sleepbus is a significant step forward in the fight against homelessness. While it may be a short-term solution, it’s a critical safety net for those living on the margins.

From riverbanks to parked cars, couch surfing to domestic violence shelters, homelessness in Mackay takes many forms — some visible, many not. In a region where too many sleep in the shadows, these final buses arrive as a quiet answer for those still waiting in the margins for a place to rest.

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Many of Mackay’s homeless community find refuge by riverbanks, in cars, or in tents quietly settled around town.

Three Sleepbuses have arrived, with two to serve Mackay and one dedicated to Sarina. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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