Published Friday, 01 February, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Hope for Townsville’s needy and homeless
Police Minister Judy Spence today launched a new volunteer service for the needy and homeless people of Townsville.
Ms Spence unveiled a new van that will offer sandwiches, drinks and encouragement to those who have fallen on hard times.
"Access Street Vans is a Christian charity that has been operating on the streets of Brisbane for 14 years," Ms Spence said.
"It has grown over that time and now runs six vehicles and provides food, beverages, blankets and clothing to over 2000 homeless people each week.
"This organisation is legendary in my Brisbane electorate of Mt Gravatt for its work with the poor and underprivileged and I have gone out with the vans and seen first hand the great work being done.
"Now thanks to a generous donation, Access Street Vans is expanding outside of Brisbane for the first time and will operate a van in Townsville
"Calvary Church Townsville has made Access Vans their local community mission and already there are 20 volunteers ready to help out.
"The Unique Unicorns Childcare Centre has donated the van in memory of Ronda Rebgetz.
"While Townsville is enjoying strong economic growth there are still people struggling with homelessness.
"I encourage the people of Townsville to support the Access van in any way they can," Ms Spence said.
Pastor Russell Witham, who launched and runs the Brisbane operation, said the Townsville van will initially operate for two days a week.
"We will be increasing to five days and ultimately 7 days when we could be feeding up to 1,000 people a week," Paster Witham said.
"We will offer more than just food and beverages, we will offer a friendly ear and words of encouragement and just show people we care and that they are important,"
Trudy Lightfoot, the initiator of Street Vans in Townsville said.
Media Contact: 3239 6218
Ms Spence unveiled a new van that will offer sandwiches, drinks and encouragement to those who have fallen on hard times.
"Access Street Vans is a Christian charity that has been operating on the streets of Brisbane for 14 years," Ms Spence said.
"It has grown over that time and now runs six vehicles and provides food, beverages, blankets and clothing to over 2000 homeless people each week.
"This organisation is legendary in my Brisbane electorate of Mt Gravatt for its work with the poor and underprivileged and I have gone out with the vans and seen first hand the great work being done.
"Now thanks to a generous donation, Access Street Vans is expanding outside of Brisbane for the first time and will operate a van in Townsville
"Calvary Church Townsville has made Access Vans their local community mission and already there are 20 volunteers ready to help out.
"The Unique Unicorns Childcare Centre has donated the van in memory of Ronda Rebgetz.
"While Townsville is enjoying strong economic growth there are still people struggling with homelessness.
"I encourage the people of Townsville to support the Access van in any way they can," Ms Spence said.
Pastor Russell Witham, who launched and runs the Brisbane operation, said the Townsville van will initially operate for two days a week.
"We will be increasing to five days and ultimately 7 days when we could be feeding up to 1,000 people a week," Paster Witham said.
"We will offer more than just food and beverages, we will offer a friendly ear and words of encouragement and just show people we care and that they are important,"
Trudy Lightfoot, the initiator of Street Vans in Townsville said.
Media Contact: 3239 6218