{"id":363355,"date":"2025-08-06T15:41:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T05:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=363355"},"modified":"2025-08-06T16:10:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T06:10:14","slug":"practical-help-locked-in-for-homeless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2025\/08\/06\/practical-help-locked-in-for-homeless\/","title":{"rendered":"Practical Help Locked In For Homeless"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Major Michelle Myles, from the South Burnett Region Corps, with South Burnett Support Alliance secretary Marietta Wetzig and the new lockers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 6, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Salvation Army’s South Burnett Corps is marking Homelessness Week with the unveiling of eight special lockers in Kingaroy.<\/p>\n

Major Michelle Myles said the free lockers would provide a safe place for people to leave their belongings.<\/p>\n

The lockers, which come with their own individual padlocks, can be used for a month at a time.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Secretary Marietta Wetzig said people attending appointments needed a safe place to leave their belongings where they won’t be stolen.<\/p>\n

Major Myles said there were also people who are working but are homeless and needed a secure locker.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

The padlocks were donated by Bunnings.<\/p>\n

Major Myles said a similar locker scheme on the Sunshine Coast had been really successful.<\/p>\n

“It provides dignity and safety,” she said.<\/p>\n

Major Myles also praised the South Burnett community for their generosity during the recent Red Shield Appeal which raised about $9700.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“We blew it out of the water, and the money raised stays here!” she said.<\/p>\n

“I really want to thank the community and the generosity of Aldi and IGA for allowing us to sit there.”<\/p>\n

The Salvation Army’s Family Store is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Homelessness Week (August 4-10) is an annual campaign co-ordinated by Homelessness Australia, the national peak body for homelessness in Australia.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It aims to drive awareness about homelessness, who it affects and how we can work together to end homelessness in Australia.<\/p>\n

The theme for 2025 is \u201cHomelessness Action Now\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in Australia.<\/p>\n

They work with about 8000 people experiencing homelessness every month.<\/p>\n

Sadly, more than 5000 children under 14 have sought support so far this year across Australia.<\/p>\n