Sydney Life

Every night 105 000 Australians fall asleep homeless. On August 20th 2009, that number was bumped to around 105 100, as I joined other young people to participate in the very first Generation Y Winter Sleepout at the University of Sydney.

“I went home in the morning and realised the irony as I “caught up” on sleep in my own private bedroom. I almost cried when I realised I was one of the lucky few with my own private bathroom.”

After 7 months of relentless planning, the Vinnies Winter Sleepout was a phenomenal success!
The event was opened by the Hon. Linda Burney (State Minister for Community Services).
Speeches and food-for-thought was provided by Sue Cripps (CEO of Homelessness NSW) and Peter Figg (SVdP youth Co-ordinator).

“Entertainment” was provided by ‘Milkcrates’, a homeless theatre company, Artes Christi with ‘Oliver the Musical’ and the ultimate in indie chic, “Fasi Moe Afi”, a polynesian soft-rock outfit who can be found performing nightly outside St. Mary's Cathedral for their "street brothers and sisters".

Food was served from the Night Patrol Van (Vinnies Homeless van) as a modest evening meal of lettuce and cheese sandwiches. Pumpkin soup was extremely delicious at 9pm in freezing weather.
Bedding was cardboard sheets ( strictly No air mattresses allowed).

Despite the Sleeping Bag Sumo competition and multiple rounds of Uno, the event was by no means just fun and games. Temperatures fell sharply during the night and campers were beset by a chill that even a Sydney Uni hoodie could not counteract. Despite this, sleepers woke with the sun and a dawn service was conducted to encourage sleepers to reflect on their experience sleeping rough and to pray for all the growing number of homeless people in Australia.

Breakfast was served by the Young Vinnies Brekkie Van team (a new service endorsed by City of Sydney Council serving a hot breakfast to the Redfern and Surry Hills homeless and housing commission community). Whilst breakfast was being served a beautiful photo art display was on show, taken by Vinnies beneficiaries themselves on life from their perspective.

“I simply can’t go to night patrol and see the people’s faces in the same light. It has been easy to just volunteer but to walk in another’s shoes for one night is really a heart changing experience.”