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Tasman Council take part in the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout
Members of the Tasman Council team are encouraging other rural and regional councils and community groups to get involved in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout, even if they are unable to attend one of the main events in Launceston and Hobart.
On 19 June, business and community leaders across Australia will spend a night sleeping rough to raise funds for those experiencing homelessness.
The Tasman Council will be joining the night remotely from their council chambers in Nubeena, where they will be sleeping in the rear carpark.
The space is open to the elements, including the cold wind off Parsons Bay, and has no shelter from the rain.
“It is great to get people involved and raise money for something so beneficial to the community,” Tasman Council General Manager Blake Repine said.
“Just like many other communities across Tasmania, we are seeing issues of homelessness in the Tasman area. It is incredibly unfortunate, and we want to help those disadvantaged in any way that we can.”
This event has a personal impact on Mr Repine, who has experienced the discomfort of experiencing homelessness himself.
“The reason I am taking part in this is because for a short time, around 20 years ago I experienced homelessness, and it is something I don’t think anyone should ever go through,” he said.
“One night sleeping out in the cold is not the equivalent of what those experiencing homelessness are going through, but we are eager to help raise funds and awareness.”
“Vinnies plays an incredibly important part in helping those that are disadvantaged, and we are thrilled to help out.
“We encourage other councils and organisations to take part in this year’s sleepout, and participating remotely is a great way to help out.”
Whilst the Tasman Council group are trying to stay warm in Nubeena, business and community leaders will be coming together in Hobart to sleep in the harsh winter elements outside the MyState Bank Arena, while that same night will find another group also braving the cold and icy conditions at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society deeply appreciates the Tasman Council’s energy and innovation in hosting their own remote sleepout. We encourage any community or business leaders that are unable to get to our Hobart and Launceston events to host their own sleepouts wherever they can. That could be on the steps of the council chambers, in carparks, behind buildings or in alleyways,” St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania CEO Heather Kent said.
“It is a cold night, it is an uncomfortable night, and as our participants try and face off against the harsh bite of Tasmanian winter air, it draws attention to the fact that many are unable to afford heating in their homes and often go to bed wondering if they will be able to maintain a roof over their heads.
“The cost-of-living crisis has led to a spike in people approaching Vinnies for support, and the CEO Sleepout is an important chance for us to raise money that will be used to help those in need.”
To participate or nominate someone for the CEO Sleepout, visit the Vinnies CEO Sleepout website through the link below.
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