100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

IN PHOTOS: Community leaders sleep rough to highlight homelessness issue

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Builder ordered to pay clients who backed out of contract

An award-winning builder who brought his clients before a tribunal after they pulled out of a contract has been ordered to pay them a More

Party pledges to provide free school meals for kids

A federal election candidate on the Sunshine Coast says free school meals would help ease the strain on many local families. The Greens have pledged More

Ashley Robinson: a sign of the times

I usually write a heartfelt column about the Easter holidays and what it has meant to me – as a child, all the way More

Photo of the day: sky light

Helen Browne captured this image of the morning sunshine at Mooloolaba Beach. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must More

Carjacking, shooting accused to remain behind bars

A man accused of carjackings, a fatal crash and shooting a good Samaritan in a 30-minute spree will remain behind bars. Bradley Donald Towle, 41, More

Shopping centre expansion well underway

A shopping complex expansion in a booming suburb is expected to be completed later this year. Construction is ongoing at the Peregian Springs Shopping Centre, More

More than 60 Sunshine Coast business, community and government leaders spent the night sleeping rough on Maroochydore beach last week for the 2023 Sunshine Coast Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

With more and more Coast residents experiencing severe housing stress, this year’s event raised almost $200,000 to support a variety of services, including crisis accommodation, support in housing applications, food, clothes and essential items.

Vinnies Sunshine Coast diocesan president Beryl Rowan said the CEO Sleepout was crucial in helping the growing number of locals experiencing homelessness, especially as the state-wide rental crisis and rising cost-of-living continues to contribute to an increased number of households experiencing financial strain.

“The CEO Sleepout has a tangible impact on the lives of individuals facing housing and financial insecurity. The efforts of Sunshine Coast businesses and leaders enables Vinnies to provide critical resources, support programs and pathways to help prevent and break the cycle of homelessness,” she said.

“While it’s just for one night, the annual event is a powerful catalyst for change. It sparks conversations, fosters empathy and drives government and industry bodies to work together with us, to find solutions to address homelessness in our community.”

Related story: Charity effort ‘worth one cold and uncomfortable night’

Eleven Sunshine Coast Business Council members raised more than $51,000, to support the estimated 1650 people experiencing homelessness on the Sunshine Coast each night.

SCBC chair and Sleepout participant Sandy Zubrinich said she was delighted that the Sunshine Coast business community had once again come together to spend a night with nothing more than a sleeping bag and piece of cardboard to raise funds and awareness for the cause.

“We are very proud to have our SCBC members participate in last night’s event who collectively contributed more than $51,000 towards the event’s $179,835 total, with every dollar helping to keep individuals and families in our Sunshine Coast community off the streets,” she said.

Sunshine Coast Council representatives joined the cause, with CEO Emma Thomas, Councillor Maria Suarez and group executives Greg Laverty, Debra Robinson and Scott Taylor experiencing the cold winter’s night.

“This is the second time I’ve participated in this event, which is growing with more and more support each year,” Ms Thomas said.

“Whilst we will experience one night, we are mindful of people who face uncertainty more often.

“Council is also preparing a Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, which will outline actions to help address housing and homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.

“Our Sunshine Coast Council Sleepout Team raised more than $9360 and joined business, government and community leaders across Australia in sleeping out outdoors to support the many Australians who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.”

To donate to the cause visit ceosleepout.org.au.

If you are experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence you can call the Housing Service Centre on 5352 7333, Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 or DVConnect on 1800 811 811.

Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.