Public support rescues homeless BBQ

ORGANISERS of a homeless barbecue in Clewley Park have been left “gob smacked” by the outpouring of public support in the wake of the food licence debacle.

Last week, The Chronicle detailed how volunteers of the Wilsonton Progress Association, the group behind the free Street Eats barbecue, had to pay hundreds of dollars to get a food licence after a chance visit from council.

Now the group has been inundated with offers of monetary support and food donations, the fundraising page on Facebook overstepping its target of $600 to cover the first food licence fee.

“The response was wonderful, it’s the input from the community that keeps us running,” facilitator Anthony Hurle said.

“I had a few private calls, and the fundraising page had a boost on Saturday afternoon, raising more than $700.

“$423 of that will go to the volunteer who paid for the licence and we will keep the rest for the second permit, to be paid for in August.”

Director of Precinct Urban Planning Andrew Bullen was one resident who pledged to contribute.

“We were touched by what the Wilsonton Progress Association were doing, providing this community service.

“While we understand that council must do their job, we thought there was an opportunity for us to help a good cause, so they could direct the funds to help feed the homeless.

“We know these groups aren’t typically looking for a hand-out, there are a lot of volunteers who help and it’s an essential service.”

Mr Bullen said his company was interested in setting up a sponsorship agreement to cover the food licensing fees indefinitely and provide a donation for necessities.

Council representatives conducted a walk through of the Clewley Park facility on Tuesday afternoon. Mr Hurle said as they paid the licensing fee, the facility needed council upgrades to protect the volunteers.

“We would like to see the addition of a hand washing station, new flooring, ventilation and maybe a roller door for the safety of our volunteers,” Mr Hurle said.

“Hopefully they will let us know what they are planning to do.”

He added that because of popularity and public support the group was looking to host barbecues in other at risk suburbs in Toowoomba.