Hinterland homelessness surges as Salvation Army sounds the alarm
By Sonia Isaacs
The Nambour Salvation Army is seeing a sharp increase in homelessness across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with rising numbers of vulnerable residents—particularly elderly women—seeking urgent support as winter looms.
Major Louise Walker told GC&M News the charity is facing unprecedented demand.
“We usually see between 15 to 20 people per week presenting with homelessness issues,” she said. “Now, it’s becoming a daily challenge.”
Covering communities from Nambour through Mapleton, Montville, Flaxton and the Blackall Range, the local Salvos branch has become a crucial safety net for many local residents.
Each Tuesday and Thursday, volunteers serve up to 70 meals, and around 100 people receive support weekly through the OzHarvest food rescue program. An additional 20 emergency food parcels are distributed to those in crisis.
The situation on the ground is dire.
“We have a gentleman sleeping on our premises every night,” Major Walker said. “He’s in his late 30s or 40s, sleeping on cardboard with plastic to keep dry—there’s simply nowhere affordable for him to go.”
Major Walker said homelessness is taking on a new face, with a noticeable rise in older women seeking help.
“Many are on the aged pension and simply can’t afford rising rents,” she said. “Even when they find housing, it’s often beyond their means.”
With colder weather approaching, the Major is calling for urgent intervention.
“We don’t need huge houses—just homes that meet basic standards. That’s something every Australian should expect,” she said.
She’s urging governments to fund more case workers to help people navigate increasingly complex support systems.
“People need time, trust, and someone who won’t let them down again,” she said.
New research released by the Salvation Army last month paints a grim picture of growing need across Queensland.
Among the 715 Queenslanders surveyed, 60% reported skipping meals due to financial hardship. Nearly half (49%) couldn’t afford prescription medication, and 25% were eating expired or spoiled food. Shockingly, 7% said they were eating from dumpsters.
Families are among the hardest hit. Of those surveyed nationally, 70% of parents reported going hungry so their children could eat. Some 43% couldn’t afford baby formula or nappies, and over a third (35%) struggled to buy basic medications like paracetamol.
To read more or to support the Red Shield Appeal, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au.
