The scheduled and much anticipated Clean Up for Homeless at the Community Village land in Tewantin was a big success and a compliment to the generosity and spirit of the 30 strong community of volunteers. Faced with the daunting task of cleaning up such a large area and up-cycling damaged buildings into a useful community village for the homeless, it became quickly apparent that more time and more resources may be needed. But such is the selfless determination of volunteers supporting Qld Homelessness Working Group, the clean up got started quickly following the mandatory site induction. The photos below show the state of destruction that awaited the volunteers.
Sovereign Kabi Kabi Elders arrived together at the Clean Up for Homeless and pitched in alongside other volunteers from as far away as Maleny, Gympie and Nambour. The chance to clean up the land and buildings and support the project, on sacred ceremonial land, shows much about their connection to country and love of community. An extraordinary connection was formed between all volunteers during the clean up and an amazing effort was made by all who donated their time to help out on the day. Not even a staged performance after arrival, by a local MP could dampen enthusiasm for the community project and eagerness of the people to get started.
There were a number of goals that were read out before work started, and although some were more of a challenge, volunteers were congratulated for achieving the goals listed below:
| Goal | Achieved? |
| Come together as a community with intent to benefit the lives of others less fortunate | Yes |
| Take responsibility for the role we can play in the community by engaging constructively with this project. | Yes |
| Experience first-hand the neglect upon land, buildings and community that has occurred since 2014. | Yes |
| Be mindful of your limitations, avoid injury and damage to land, self or others | Yes |
| Clean up the debris around the site and buildings to improve access and appearance | Yes |
| Clean up and clear leaf litter from all driveway and parking areas | Yes |
| Clean or remove graffiti from metal surfaces of seats and signage if possible | No |
| Tidy and weed gardens, trim trees and pull weeds from rock gardens and driveways | Yes |
| Clean up debris, assess and record the condition of the internal of building C | No |
The Results of a Community Effort
The total cost of the Clean Up was probably best measured in smiles, because there were few costs thanks to the generous support from several local businesses in the Tewantin area. Community volunteers were grateful to enjoy a well earned sausage sizzle with chilled water. Three trailer loads of rubbish were removed from the village which incurred the only expense in the form of tip fees. Such a productive outcome could not have been possible without assistance from Qld Government and Qld Police Service ensuring access to the site was not impeded for the clean up event, and volunteers paying for the cost of fuel, clean up bags, gloves and incidentals out of their own pocket.
The Next Clean Up for Homeless Day
The next clean up for homeless day, will occur in the coming weeks and will be posted on this website once determined. We look forward to seeing you there.