One five minute pitch, two years of fundraising at the Bay's Biggest Sleep Out and the Sunshine Van is a reality!

We were proud to partner with a number of local organisations to get this great idea off the ground.

This caravan has a shower and laundry facilities and was handed to We Care 2 to provide dignity for those experiencing homeless.

HBNC CEO, Tanya Stevenson, welcomed the Sunshine Van to the Hervey Bay community, and thanked the Red Tape Shredders and all the local businesses and organisations that supported the Bay’s Biggest Sleep Out fundraising events to bring dignity to those experiencing homelessness.

"The Wide Bay region is experiencing a surge in homelessness. This is affecting the whole community, including young people, women over 50 and families being exited from tenancies due to rent increases. It’s predicted the situation will continue to escalate unless multiple strategies are put in place," Tanya said.

"The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre and other local services have developed the Strategic Housing paper for the Wide Bay which has recently been updated.

"This paper identifies the local needs for housing, what is currently being delivered, and potential short, medium and long-term strategies to address the complex issues of housing in our region."

The Sunshine Van was initially presented as an idea at one of our Community Ideas Pitch Nights.

If you have a great idea to support our community, the next Pitch Night is on the 8th of November at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre.