The mobile food van is the brainchild of Bathurst Men’s Shed secretary manager David Buckby who has been rallying corporate and community support for the project.

He initially thought he would have to raise around $30,000 to buy a second hand van and had reached $19,000 thanks to the generosity of local supporters.

And now Clancy Motors principal Greg Brimble has ensured the project will come to fruition by offering use of a Mitsubishi Express for the first 12 months.

“Clancy Motors have given us a van and we’re very grateful,” Mr Buckby said.

“They just rang me up and said they had a second hand and asked would I want it.

“They’ve given it to us for 12 months along with all the servicing and we’ll renegotiate after that.”

The van is currently being refitted by GH Sheet Metal on the Vale Road who will install a stainless steel servery that slides out the back of the van.

Mr Buckby said volunteers from Rotary would prepare the hot food in the Men’s Shed kitchen before the van hits the streets each night.

While they are still looking for corporate supporters, Mr Buckby said he would also like to hear from anyone able to donate food.

“We’re going to be cooking soup and a stew each night so we’ll need soup vegies, stock and some meat and vegetables for the stew,” he said.

“We’re yet to work out a route for the van but the first stop will be down by the old Denison Bridge because people are sleeping there every night.

“Another stop will be in Kelso but we need to speak with police about finding a safe place there.

“And because we’ll be doing all this on public land I’ll have to have a meeting with the council to find out what it’s requirements are.”

* Anyone able to help the Bathurst Tucker Van project with donations of cash or food, or anyone wanting to volunteer their time, can contact Mr Buckby on 0414 768 160.

Major supporters will be offered signage on the van in acknowledgment of their help.