The 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout was recently launched at Maroochy Surf Club, marking the start of vital fundraising for Queenslanders at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Now in its 13th year on the Sunshine Coast, the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has become a well-attended community event calling on local business leaders to sleep rough on the sand for one of the longest nights of the year.
The fundraising goal for 2026 is $230,000, building on last year’s record-breaking effort of almost $180,000.
This initiative is part of St Vincent de Paul Society’s broader campaign throughout Queensland, which collectively raised more than $2.5 million in 2025 to fund vital community housing projects.
To bring the scale of the local housing crisis to life, 34 cardboard houses were displayed at the launch, with each house representing 100 of the 3516 Coast residents currently on the state housing waiting list.
Sunshine Coast Vinnies CEO Sleepout committee chair Anthony Walsh says that amid a growing housing crisis, funds are needed more than ever.
“Every year, more of our neighbours find themselves without a safe place to call home,” he says.
“And the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is one of the most powerful ways our business community can join together in support.
“We’re incredibly proud of what this event has achieved over the past decade and are determined to make 2026 our biggest year yet.”
On the sand at this year’s launch was 88-year-old retired auctioneer and real estate agent Les Pontin, returning for his fourth consecutive Sleepout.
Joining him were ambassadors Alex Harris, managing director of Noosa4Sale, who brings her own lived experience of homelessness to the cause, and owner of Bin Boss Noosa David Greenwood.
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout takes place nationally on Thursday, June 18.
St Vincent de Paul Society is encouraging business and community leaders to register at ceosleepout.org.au.
