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The concrete floor of The Gabba in Brisbane can be very unforgiving.
Last week, six of executives and senior leaders from Southern Cross Care Queensland swapped the comforts of home for sleeping bags under the stars, joining hundreds of business and community leaders at the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
It was a night of sleeping on cold concrete and being reminded of what it’s like for thousands of Australians who don’t have a place to call home.
SCC Queensland staff Michael Wild, Mark Botsford, Sandra Glaister, Tanya Minton, and Aiden Ashby joined Head of ICT, Scott Norton, who participated remotely from the frosty streets of Broken Hill.
Homelessness is a silent crisis. Each year, more than 122,000 Australians find themselves without a home. And of those, approximately 8,200 are forced to ‘sleep rough’ outdoors or in improvised shelters.
Throughout the night, the team listened to deeply moving stories from people affected by homelessness, reinforcing the urgent need for support and action.
“As leaders in aged care, we see firsthand the impact that safe, stable housing can have on a person’s wellbeing,” said SCC Chief Operating Officer, Michael Wild. “Sleeping out for one night is nothing compared to the reality many face daily, but it’s one small way we can stand in solidarity and drive change.”
In the lead up to the event, the broader SCC community rallied behind the cause. SCC Queensland sites hosted bake sales and pyjamas day fundraisers, while residents knitted colourful beanies to donate to people in need. A fundraising raffle raised nearly $2,800.
Overall, SCC Queensland raised over $17,000 for the cause – funds that St Vincent de Paul will use directly towards emergency accommodation, warm meals and vital services for people experiencing homelessness.
“What stands out the most at Southern Cross Care is the spirit of unity ‒ everyone contributing anyway they can to a good cause,” Michael added.
“This collective effort has helped bring hope and dignity to people experiencing homelessness and poverty through this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.”
