South Australian leaders rally to Vinnies CEO Sleepout as cost-of-living bites
Some of the state’s best-known business and community figures are supporting those facing extreme hardship
The push to tackle homelessness in South Australia is gathering pace as cost-of-living pressures increase across South Australia.
One area this is evident is at the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, where more than 90 business and community leaders have already committed to braving the cold at Adelaide Zoo on Thursday, June 18.
Following a successful launch event at the zoo, the mood among participants is one of determined optimism, with registration numbers climbing and South Aussie leaders demonstrating their commitment to help those facing extreme hardship.
A mission that impacts well beyond one night in the cold
While much of the attention might be on leaders, cardboard and sleeping bags, the core purpose of the CEO Sleepout is to provide a vital lifeline for the thousands of South Australians currently, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness.
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This year, Vinnies SA has set an ambitious fundraising target of $800,000. Funds that will be used to sustain and, where possible, expand essential services including:
- The Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre which provides a safe refuge for women, children and pets in crisis.
- The Vinnies Men’s Crisis Centre, which supports men who need accommodation and other support to rebuild their lives.
- Fred’s Van Food Service, which delivers hot meals and human connection across the state.
- Localised support through Vinnies SA’s network of society members who directly assist people struggling, with emergency financial and material aid to counter the rising cost-of-living pressures.
Vinnies SA CEO Clinton Jury, who is leading the charge alongside a dedicated group of Sleepout Ambassadors, said the response from the business community showed a tremendous amount of compassion among South Australian leaders.
“We are seeing a remarkable level of engagement this year,” Jury said. “We all know the cost-of-living crisis is hard, and with rising fuel prices it’s only been getting tougher.
“It’s really heartening for us to see South Australian leaders choosing to step up and lead the way by fundraising to support our critical support services.”
Jury was keen to remind the South Australian community that the Sleepout is about more than just a single night and participants understand their “sleeping rough” is a symbolic act to show empathy and compassion, not a true experience of homelessness.
“While a lot of attention gets focused on the ‘rough sleeping’ aspect, it is the funds that are raised through this event that are the true purpose for everyone participating,” he said.
“Every leader who signs up is helping us ensure that, when people hit rock bottom, there is a hand there to catch them.
“The public face of the event shows South Aussie leaders sleeping out at the zoo, but many of these leaders also quietly make significant financial contributions from their own pockets.
“That makes it an act of service, an act of fundraising and also an act of direct financial support for people doing it tough.”
How to get involved
With the event just two months away, Jury is calling for more South Australian leaders to sign up, as every dollar raised makes a difference.
“We’re calling for people to sign up, or to support a participant if you can’t participate yourself,” he said. “If you’re thinking about it for the first time, please take the plunge and, if you’ve done it before, we’d love to see you back.
“Every cent raised stays in South Australia, and we want local business and community leaders to commit and help us reach that $800,000 goal.”
You can sign up for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on June 18 – or see who has already signed up at ceosleepout.org.au
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