Hop-on house on four wheels

PLENTY of tour buses travel up the Hume and Pacific highways, but few are destined to become temporary housing.

Alfredton Rotary Club members have driven to Lismore in northern New South Wales in an old bus which is being repurposed for emergency accommodation by Wendouree’s BDC Global Group.

Six people who have lost their homes in the floods will be able to sleep on-board the vehicle which will have bunk beds, a kitchen, shower, and toilet once converted.

Incoming Rotary District governor Kathy Rivett said the bus was packed full of donations which she and her fellow Rotarians offloaded at the Lismore district distribution centre in Evans Head.

“We dropped off 80 computers donated by Warrnambool accountancy firm Sinclair Wilson, refurbished bikes from the YMCA, beds, household goods, thousands of dollars’ worth of pet supplies, and then went onto Lismore where the bus is becoming temporary housing for residents,” she said.

“On the way up, we even met up with Kathryn in Glenrowan from the Rotary e-club of District 9790 to collect a pet food donation from her. It’s a fantastic example of Rotarians in action.

“We encourage people, and corporates, to get behind those affected by the floods. This is ongoing; it’s been three months, and people are still sleeping in the cold in their cars, and in tents on wet ground, with their pets.”

For three days, the Alfredton Rotarians were “hands-on” in Lismore, assisting the community in any way they needed.

The local Rotary District is also running a tax-deductible appeal to put those who have lost their homes in tiny temporary pod houses. Visit donations.rawcs.com.au/65-2021-22 to contribute.

Alfredton Rotary Club continues to accept donations of pet food and blankets.