Bundaberg’s community services sector is joining forces this month to support residents experiencing hardship through a free community event held in support of Homelessness Week.
On Thursday 13 August, Doing It Tough will bring local organisations, volunteers and support providers into one welcoming space.
It will deliver practical help, connection and care through free food, clothing, haircuts, pet care, legal advice, financial counselling and other essential support services.
The event is coordinated by representatives from local community service organisations.
We spoke with one of the event coordinators, Service Integration Coordinator for the Wide Bay Mental Health Service, Jade Law to find out what Doing It Tough aims to achieve and how local services have collaborated to make it happen.
What is the purpose of Doing It Tough and how is the event supporting community needs?
2026 is a Census year and during the week 10 – 16 August, ABS Census workers will be aiming to support the rough sleeper count for our region.
The Doing It Tough event is a great way to support vulnerable people in our community to understand the importance of the Census and to ensure we can accurately reflect the homeless population within our district.
So many people are doing it tough lately and this event can offer a little support by way of free food, free clothing, pet care, a free haircut and to socialise and talk to other people – with help being offered if needed.
How have the local services collaborated to deliver Doing It Tough?
The Bundaberg community has wonderful community services who all work collaboratively together to support each other and our community.
Local services have been working hard seeking donations to make this event amazing for those attending.
What do you hope people gain from the event?
Anyone attending the event will gain connection, support and opportunities to help themselves to the many wonderful donations we will have on offer.
It always feels nice having a hair cut and knowing that your pet has had a vet check.
Thread Together have also donated some clothes to give away at the event so people can choose a new outfit.
Are there any parts of the event you feel are especially meaningful or important to highlight for the community?
Change begins with increased awareness and a willingness to challenge stigma and discrimination.
Practical actions such as the Doing It Tough event contribute to direct and meaningful impact within our local community.
Collective action at a community level can support both immediate relief and promote long-term change.
Doing It Tough
When: Thursday 13 August 2026, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Buss Park, 194 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg Central
Cost: Free
- This free community event will ensure people doing it tough can access:
- A sausage sizzle and dessert
- Haircuts provided by Zest Hair Bundaberg
- Pet care services
- Bundaberg Street Law
- Financial counselling
- Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) support services and resources
- Homelessness support service
- Youth and general support services
- Census support
- Information, advice and community support
- and more.
Doing It Tough supports the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places project by delivering an event which is creating a safe, welcoming environment where vulnerable community members can connect with multiple services, build confidence and increase awareness of support pathways.
