Paul and Elizabeth from BED INN BUS

BED INN BUS - THE SUCCESS STORY

In 2021 Manning Homeless Action Group (MHAG) decided to help the Taree homeless needing emergency overnight
accommodation. We had to raise $100,000 for what was called a Sleepbus from a company in Melbourne,
which repurposed old vehicles. By 2023 we had raised over $35,000. Then Tanya Thompson, now the State MP for
Myall Lakes, whose brother had been homeless, secured a grant of $65,000. We had the $100,000 and a bit more besides to provide running costs. We paid the $100,000. At first, we were told we'd get the bus at the end of the year; then we were told it would arrive early in 2024.

Running the Bus was supposed to be in the hands of the charity attached to the Melbourne company, and commercial sponsorship would pay for it all. MHAG intended to give its extra money to the charity to help run the bus. 2024 came and went. Then in January 2025 the company announced it was packing company in at the end of June. If we wanted the Bus, we had to pay another $50,000. A generous benefactor stepped up with that sum.

Bob Nelson went to Melbourne. He was shown 'our bus' almost complete. Several of these converted second-hand buses were already functioning around the country. Then our bus disappeared perhaps to a group in Ballarat. We were told we'd get one which had gone to Coffs Harbour where the local group could not run it. It went somewhere else.

Finally, an unused bus from up north was delivered in August 2025. It had stood idle for nine months or more and was not in good external condition. It bore all the decals of the group which ordered it. MHAG people stripped that, and two local firms resprayed the bus and provided BED INN BUS signage for free. By April 2026 the bus was ready to be used.

We had money for running costs, and volunteers to drive, manage, and clean it. No-one in MHAG had any relevant experience. We'd been thrown in at the deep end. Despite that, the bus was operating three nights a week. A few homeless people began to stay on it. Then the batteries powering the facilities inside the sleep-pods were failing; they were old and neglected before we got the bus. Then they failed completely and a mechanical fault stopped the bus from being driven. A repair by the coach manufacturers has been organised. The battery manufacturer is providing a new set at cost.

The bus will be operational again soon. There have been some adverse comments about BED INN BUS as though it is a failure. Just look at the story. MHAG has overcome every problem it has encountered. We didn't drown in the deep end; we swam. That is SUCCESS. We need more volunteers; please contact us at:

mhagbedinnbus@gmail.com or 0482 032 171 and offer to help.

We need donations for running expenses; please donate.

The Bank Account details are:
BSB 932000 A/c No. 100582455 A/c Name Rotary Club of Wingham/MHAG

All our money is handled by Wingham Rotary Club. It is safe.

Help make people who have just lost their home and have nowhere safe to go. They are domestic violence victims, renters suddenly evicted, middle aged women made redundant or who spent their lives caring for aged parents or invalids, and can't pay the rent anymore, and many others. Please help!

‍Terry Stanton

Thursday 23rd July Club Dinner Meeting

A very enthusiastic attendance of members and guests enjoyed an evening of outstanding
delicious food prepared in generous quantity by club members.

Dinner was followed by inspirational speakers

Donna from Donna's Kitchen
Community Partnership Introduction

Donna's Kitchen Community Care Inc. is a grassroots community initiative based in the Manning Valley dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and families through practical care and compassion.

Founded by Donna Douglas, what began as simply cooking meals for people experiencing hardship has grown into a volunteer-driven community effort that now supports families escaping domestic violence, the elderly, the sick and those facing financial crisis.

Through the generosity of local businesses and community members, Donna's Kitchen provides home-cooked meals, emergency groceries, household essentials, and assistance setting up safe homes for families starting again after crisis.

Our mission is simple: to meet people where they are with dignity, kindness and practical support when they need it most.

We believe strong communities are built when local people and businesses come together to care for one another.

By partnering with Donna's Kitchen Community Care, your organisation becomes part of a network that is actively strengthening lives across our region.

Even small contributions such as meals, groceries, supplies, or sponsorship make a real and immediate difference for those doing it tough in our community.

Thank you for considering supporting Donna's Kitchen Community Care Inc.

Donna Douglas, Founder & Executive Director
Donna's Kitchen Community Care Inc.