Whyalla Unites for First-Ever Homelessness Sleepout and Fundraiser
For the first time, Whyalla City Council, in collaboration with Mission Australia, local businesses, and community agencies, hosted the Homelessness Sleepout and Fundraiser, bringing the community together to raise awareness and essential funds to combat homelessness in Whyalla.
This community-driven event saw local businesses, groups, and individuals unite in solidarity, with participants braving the elements for a night to better understand the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Council initially set a fundraising goal of $500, but was thrilled to double that, raising $1,000. The overall target for the sleepout was $10,000, and Whyalla's generous community far exceeded expectations, raising over $26,000 in total.
All funds raised will go toward supporting initiatives to address the specific needs of local community members facing homelessness, an issue which disproportionately affects some of Australia’s most socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Participants also engaged in a reflective activity called "Hope Cards," writing messages of kindness, encouragement, and positivity. These cards will be included in care packages distributed to people seeking assistance from Mission Australia.
Local businesses and agencies participated, including council, Mission Australia, Centacare SA, Centacare Domestic Violence and Homelessness, GFG Alliance, headspace, Life Unlimited Church, and the Wellness Centre, with many representatives spending the night outdoors.
Council’s Manager City Activation Gail Rostig reflected on the experience, stating that it was heartening to see such strong support for young people within Whyalla experiencing homelessness.
“For us all personally, it was one cold, uncomfortable night—something we don’t experience every night,” Ms Rostig said.
“Just understanding what this is like is eye-opening and enabled us to really understand and be empathetic to the cause. Thank you to the tireless committee who have been working on this initiative for many months now. Next year, we hope more participants will roll out their sleeping bag and take part!”
Key Statistics:
- 17,600 children under the age of 12 are without a safe home tonight.
- Over 122,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness.
- Every 7 minutes, someone seeks help from a homelessness service due to domestic and family violence.
- Around 37% of people accessing homelessness services were fleeing domestic family violence.
Special thanks go to the event’s sponsors: Tilt Renewables, Wohling, Carve 'n' Cut Whyalla, Coates, Steel City Tyres, Woolworths, SCM Studio Café, Able Packaging, Headroom, Pizza Hut, Jenkins Friendly Grocer, and Bakers Delight.
