EARLY in 2025, the community faced a challenge when Sleepbus—the incredible charity that brought the life-changing safe-sleep bus to Hervey Bay in April 2023—announced it was closing its doors.

But where some saw an end, a passionate group of volunteers saw a fresh beginning.

Determined to keep this vital service running, a dedicated team of local volunteers rallied together to save the bus and continue providing safe, peaceful sleep to those in need right here in Hervey Bay. 

They knew that to do this, the bus needed a new home—and fast!

Enter the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City, who jumped in wholeheartedly to support this important cause. 

A wonderful partnership blossomed, and with the Rotary Club’s guidance, eight regular volunteers formed a new committee and satellite club to take ownership and operate the bus locally.

With the Sleepbus charity closing, the team gave the bus a fresh new identity: the ZBus—named for those all-important “Zzzzzz” peaceful, safe sleeps it offers every night.

Now fully managed right here in Hervey Bay, all decisions about the ZBus are made locally, with ongoing communication with the community.

Every dollar raised goes directly to keeping the bus running for those who need it most.

The ZBus features eight private sleeping pods, each equipped with its own toilet, charging port, and air conditioning—offering comfort and privacy for anyone seeking refuge. 

Starting mid-July, the ZBus will be operating Friday through Sunday nights at Apex Park, with boarding from 8pm. The only rule is simple: everyone deserves a safe, quiet sleep.

The ZBus Satellite Club was officially Chartered at the recent Rotary Hervey Bay City Changeover Dinner, with Kelly Anne Thumath, the passionate instigator behind keeping the bus alive, stepping up as President. 

Kelly and the team of volunteers are now proudly running this life-changing service.

A huge thank you goes out to the wonderful sponsors who have joined the ZBus journey from the very start, including Community Bank Hervey Bay, RPM Mechanical & Mobile Roadworthy Certificates, The Barfly Club Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast Anglican College, Helloworld Travel Hervey Bay, Freemasons Daylight Lodge Hervey Bay, Wide Bay Transit, Kindness Works, JR Marketing Group and GLB Excavation Services.

Together, Hervey Bay is proving that when a community comes together, it can keep the lights on—and the doors open—for those who need it most.