vinnies ceo sleeout 2026

fundraising morning tea signifies start of campaign

Wests Illawarra and The Flagstaff Group are proud to once again be raising vital funds for homelessness services by participating in the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Homelessness continues to rise across Australia, with the Illawarra region seeing increasing demand for crisis accommodation, emergency relief and support services as more individuals and families face housing stress. Rising rental costs, limited housing availability and ongoing cost-of-living pressures have left many in our local community at risk of homelessness.

To help respond to this growing issue, the CEOs of Wests Illawarra and The Flagstaff Group will take part in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout on one of the coldest nights of the year; this year, Thursday 18th June.

Funds raised through the CEO Sleepout go directly toward essential Vinnies services including emergency accommodation, food relief, outreach support, and other critical assistance for those at risk of homelessness.

Wests Illawarra CEO Daniel Munk said:

“The situation gets more difficult each year for many people in our community… At Wests Illawarra, we firmly believe it is our responsibility as active members of the community to support those doing it tough. Having a secure and safe place to sleep should never be a privilege – it is a basic human need.”

The Flagstaff Group CEO Rodney Von Clark said:

“It’s easy to think homelessness could never happen to us. But the truth is, sometimes it’s just one event, one moment, and everything changes. That’s why I feel so strongly about the CEO Sleepout: when we help someone rebuild their life, we protect the heart of our community right here in Illawarra.”

As part of the fundraising efforts, individuals are invited to attend our fundraising morning tea at The Craft Café on Tuesday May 5th at 10am. Proceeds from coffee and cake sales will go directly to the fundraising campaign.

Wests Illawarra and The Flagstaff Group are also accepting donations of winter clothing as part of this initiative, including beanies, scarves, jumpers and other warm essentials. Donations can be dropped off at both reception areas.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a real difference.