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2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout

2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout

Changemakers unite for homelessness raising $1.3+ million and exceeding target

The coldest and longest night of the year – 22 June 2023 – saw 212 CEOs, executives and business and community leaders respond to the call of the Victorian 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout #ChangeNeedsYou by sleeping on a sheet of cardboard to spend a windy, wet night on the concrete floor at Port Melbourne's The Timber Yard.

The event opened with a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by respected Elder David Tournier, reminding everyone to reflect on their connection with the land. This moving ceremony set a tone of compassion, understanding, and shared commitment to addressing homelessness as a community.

This year’s event was hosted by George Halkias, co-founder of The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program and coach of the Australian National soccer team for the Homelessness World Cup, who reminded the audience about the pressing and alarming issue of homelessness, and about the fact that, here in Victoria, the numbers have increased by a staggering 24% since the last census, with the fastest-growing cohort being women – single or with children.

Mr Halkias also facilitated a panel discussion with lived-experience panellists ‘Bill’ and ‘John’, who were joined by Marie Murfet, the manager of the Hume Community Hub in Shepparton.

Bill and John bravely shared their personal experiences of homelessness and the vital support they received from the hub. Their stories highlighted the importance of ‘wrap-around’ support, such as physical and mental health care, accommodation, education, and employment opportunities in rebuilding lives.

The impact of the night extended beyond the panel discussion, with additional elements leaving a lasting impression:

  • An emotive video showcased the journey of a young woman fleeing domestic violence and finding wrap-around care through the Northern Community Hub.
  • A car activation, curated with the assistance of ‘Diana’, who shared her own experience of escaping domestic violence, provided insight into the challenges faced by people living in cars.
  • Furthermore, two thought-provoking soundscapes and accompanying video footage by Melbourne Projection Artist, Eben Greaves, depicted the disrupted sleeping patterns experienced by people sleeping rough.

The outcome was remarkable: the participants and their supporters surpassed the fundraising target for 2023, amassing $1.3+ million in donations by the end of July.

The funds raised will support the expansion of Vinnies' existing volunteer-run programs, ensuring that every Victorian has access to accommodation, meals, and emergency assistance, with a special focus on the most vulnerable, including people affected by domestic violence, migrants and refugees, families, and children.

Additionally, the reach of homelessness and crisis accommodation services will be extended, including extended stays at Ozanam and Quin Houses, and wrap-around support services at women's refuges like Olive's Place and Hume Community Hub.

This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment and generosity of everyone involved in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, making a tangible difference in transforming the lives of inpiduals supported by St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and VincentCare.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, John Piccolo, CEO of Woodards Real Estate, and his team were awarded the annual Vinnies Good Business Award by Paul Turton, Interim Group CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria at the time of the event.

Congratulations also to Chris Cristofi, CEO of Reverton, who this year received the award for Victoria’s the highest fundraiser. 

We extend our thanks to our corporate supporters and 50+ dedicated volunteers who made this event possible.

Registration for the 2024 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, scheduled for Thursday 20 June, is now open. To learn more about the event and how to participate, visit ceosleepout.org.au.

2024 REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Thursday 20 June 2024

CEOSLEEPOUT.ORG.AU