Sleepbus makes a Byron pitstop

Pictured is Sleepbus founder Simon Rowe with James Wright. Simon has driven 4,500km from Melbourne to Mackay in QLD to offer assistance and deliver supplies for those affected by Cyclone Debbie. He stopped by Byron Bay on his return trip on Tuesday. Photo Jeff Dawson

A campaign is currently underway to raise funds for a sleepbus to operate within the Byron Shire.

Led by the Byron Chamber of Commerce and local business owners, the goal is to raise the $100,000 needed for it to be built, delivered and begin service.

Byron Shire mayor Simon Richardson has previously told The Echo he plans to use the upcoming Mayor’s Ball as the main fundraiser, with the hopes of raising the bulk of the money on the night.

Corporate sponsorship and community assistance will be sought for the ongoing costs to operate the service once operational.

Lockable pods

Sleepbus founder Simon Rowe, who drove 4,500km from Melbourne to Mackay in QLD to offer assistance and deliver supplies for those affected by Cyclone Debbie, stopped by Byron Bay on his return trip on Tuesday

Rowe says each sleepbus is fitted with 22 single-bed-sized lockable sleep pods, complete with climate control, USB charging, free-to-air TV and a channel displaying all the services available in the area to help with pathways out of homelessness.

‘There are two toilets on the bus and an overnight caretaker to ensure everyone is safe and cared for during the night. There are even pet pods underneath for people with companion animals; they have aircon and an intercom to their owner inside the bus. One sleepbus can provide 8,030 safe sleeps per year. The service is free for those who need it.’

The campaign link is at www.sleepbus.org/byronshire.

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