Wills and Estates Partner and Accredited Aged Care Professional Debbie Sage slept outside for a night for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, more than doubling her fundraising goal and gaining new insight into the realities of homelessness in Australia.
Debbie Sage took part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina on June 18, joining business and community leaders from across the Gold Coast to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.
It was Debbie’s first time participating in the Sleepout, and she more than doubled her fundraising goal of $3,000, reaching a total of $6,765.
Debbie was part of the 12-member “Night of Compassion” group, which together raised over $58,000 – enough to fund 185 individual support programs, 486 beds, and nearly 2,000 meals.
Vinnies estimates that more than 122,000 people across Australia are currently experiencing homelessness. That figure includes families affected by cost-of-living pressures, around 17,000 children under the age of 12, and a growing number of older women.
Nationally, this year’s CEO Sleepout raised $10.3 million, with 1,614 CEOs and business leaders taking part to help provide accommodation, meals, emergency assistance and long-term support for people experiencing homelessness.
Here, Debbie reflects on the experience: what the night was like, what it brought into focus for her, and why homelessness in Australia is a far more complex issue than most people realise.
Q: What was the biggest moment that stood out for you throughout the night?
Debbie: Once I settled in for the night, the reality of the experience really hit me. It was extremely cold and uncomfortable. The ground was hard, the wind was whipping past the cardboard box covering my head, and every time I thought I might drift off to sleep, I was reminded just how exposed I was from the wind gusts that would come through the area.
The moment that stood out most for me was lying there in the early hours of the morning, shivering uncontrollably. Chills would start in my rib cage and travel up through my back, chest and neck, making it impossible to get comfortable. In the end, I think I managed about an hour of sleep.
It gave me a small glimpse into challenges faced by people who don’t have a warm bed, a safe home or somewhere secure to spend the night.
Q: How did you go meeting other like-minded professionals? And did any conversations stick with you?
Debbie: One of the highlights of the night was the formal part of the evening where we had people being interviewed on stage. One of them was the Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel and the Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor. It was inspiring to hear them not only talk about what they are doing to help combat the increase of homelessness on the Gold Coast, but they also spent the night sleeping out alongside the rest of us.
What really stuck with me was learning how much impact the fundraising is doing locally. I did not realise that Vinnies had purchased a block of land in Nerang and all funds raised go straight back into our local community, including toward the development of 60 social and affordable housing units on the block of land in Nerang.
I came away having learnt so much more about the challenges of homelessness and the incredible work done by Vinnies and the CEO Sleepout to address it. It left me feeling even more passionate about raising funds and supporting such a worthwhile cause again.
Q: Having now experienced even a small fraction of what people facing homelessness go through, has it shifted your perspective at all – professionally or personally?
Debbie: Absolutely. While one night can never truly replicate the experience of homelessness, it did give me a greater appreciation of how much we can take for granted. Something as simple as having a warm bed, a safe place to sleep and the security of knowing where you’ll be tomorrow suddenly feels far less ordinary.
Professionally, I spend a lot of time helping people plan for their future. The experience reinforced how important it is to have support systems, security and access to resources, particularly as people become more vulnerable later in life. It was a reminder that circumstances can change quickly and that many people facing hardship need practical support, compassion and dignity rather than judgement.
Personally, it left me feeling incredibly grateful for what I have but also motivated me to do more. Learning about the work that is being done in our local community and seeing firsthand the commitment of the people involved has strengthened my desire to continue supporting initiatives that help those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Q: What would you say to someone considering taking part next year?
Debbie: I would say DO IT. Come and join me next year!
Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. And yes, you’ll probably be very tired the next day. But that’s exactly the point. Spending one night outside gives you a small glimpse into the reality that far too many people face every day.
What surprised me the most was how much I learnt. I came away with a better understanding of homelessness in our community, where the funds raised specifically go, and the real impact they have on people’s lives. I also had the opportunity to meet passionate community leaders, business owners and professionals (and their teams) who all share a genuine desire to make a difference.
If you’re considering taking part next year, I’d encourage you to sign up and join our Night of Compassion team. Not only will you challenge yourself, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds that directly support people in our local community who need it most.
