Charity secretly feeding homeless

A CHARITY group is feeding homeless people by stealth after a standoff with Gold Coast City Council over an appropriate drop-in centre.

St John volunteers have ditched their familiar shirts and van so they can help about 30 people at Cascade Gardens at Broadbeach.

The charity was forced to leave its shelter at the Surfers Paradise Anglican Crisis Centre about two months ago after asbestos was found. It should be removed in the new year.

Reverend Jon Brook said council had offered them Neddy Harper William Duncan Park north of the Cascade Gardens but there was “inadequate shading ... and it’s close to a children’s park. It’s totally inappropriate”.

“What we’ve been doing is serving without (our logo), driving up in our own cars ... no ID.”

Reverend Brook said St John had tried to find an appropriate place to feed the homeless after the temporary closure of the crisis centre, but few commercial properties were willing to help.

“We tried to negotiate staying at Cascade Gardens, (council) got back to us and it’s not on,” he said.

Allowing St John to be based at Cascade Gardens encouraged homelessness at the park, the charity said it was told.

Homelessness had been a problem at the park before.

“Council to their credit haven’t pushed it,” Reverend Brook said.

“We found a place, people backed out of it. It saddens me but I’m not surprised.

“People don’t give a flying fig, especially in Surfers. It’s a tourist place.”

Reverend Brook said it was a shame to see so much commercial space in the area being underused when it could be used for ”so much good.”

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman said the park it offered was “suitable” and “actually closer to the church which is more convenient for their client base”.

“Council officers will be speaking with St John management about the allegation they are still utilising Cascade Gardens.”

Last year, St John helped to feed 1849 people in difficult circumstances across 176 nights.

About 400 people a week are estimated to sleep on the streets on the Gold Coast.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING IS SERVING WITHOUT (OUR LOGO), DRIVING UP IN OUR OWN CARS ... NO ID