A popular sight each Tuesday at Town Beach, the bus and its volunteers provide support and empowerment to young people.

The bus is a joint community effort involving the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Youth For Christ, REAP Harvest Port Macquarie, volunteers and corporate and local sponsors.

Along with organiser Ian Rosendahl, Youth For Christ regional director Daryl Carter said the bus provided a valuable outlet.

The concept for the bus is to provide a safe place for young people to drop in and socialise and perhaps seek assistance.

“This is about reaching out to young people who aren’t necessarily going to come into a church,” Mr Carter said.

“Ian was already doing a great job in the community working with youth and we offered to partner with them and connect with kids.

“Our role is to reach kids and to empower them.”

By providing access and information on youth services in a neutral space, The Big Red Bus can also help people who may be doing it tough.

Mr Carter said the area is a place to feel supported and cared for in a practical sense.​

“We’ve got the barbeque going and can sometimes offer support in form or another for up to 100 people.

“While we are a christian organisation, we want to provide a safe place where services are available and access to support is readily given.”

The Big Red Bus will resume on August 2 from around 2.30pm until 5.30pm.