August 6, 2025
The Salvation Army’s South Burnett Corps is marking Homelessness Week with the unveiling of eight special lockers in Kingaroy.
Major Michelle Myles said the free lockers would provide a safe place for people to leave their belongings.
The lockers, which come with their own individual padlocks, can be used for a month at a time.
They are located in a private area behind the Salvation Army hall and store in Kingaroy Street with security lighting and cameras to keep the area safe.
The lockers have been funded by a successful grant sought by the South Burnett Support Alliance (the group which organises the free, weekly community meals at the Salvation Army Hall) from Powerlink.
Secretary Marietta Wetzig said people attending appointments needed a safe place to leave their belongings where they won’t be stolen.
Major Myles said there were also people who are working but are homeless and needed a secure locker.
“People just have to come into the shop and sign that you are responsible for it, and you will be given a key,” she said.
The padlocks were donated by Bunnings.
Major Myles said a similar locker scheme on the Sunshine Coast had been really successful.
“It provides dignity and safety,” she said.
Major Myles also praised the South Burnett community for their generosity during the recent Red Shield Appeal which raised about $9700.
“We blew it out of the water, and the money raised stays here!” she said.
“I really want to thank the community and the generosity of Aldi and IGA for allowing us to sit there.”
The Salvation Army’s Family Store is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
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Homelessness Week (August 4-10) is an annual campaign co-ordinated by Homelessness Australia, the national peak body for homelessness in Australia.
It aims to drive awareness about homelessness, who it affects and how we can work together to end homelessness in Australia.
The theme for 2025 is “Homelessness Action Now”.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia.
They work with about 8000 people experiencing homelessness every month.
Sadly, more than 5000 children under 14 have sought support so far this year across Australia.
- External link: Homelessness Australia
I was reading an article in the Guardian last week where a group of women, homeless because they were escaping domestic violence, were sleeping rough in Sydney. Their meagre possessions were taken and destroyed by the Council, and I thought how awful for them.
An idea like this would have allowed them to lock what they had away safely.
I think this is a great idea. I remember lockers from my school days and I would like to see many more lockers installed so homeless people have one thing less to worry about.