Sydney’s SleepOut for Homeless Youth was held at Centennial Park on 10 April, with over 150 emerging leaders spending a night under the stars in support of the 46,000 young Australians who don’t have a safe home to go to.
The hugely successful event, organised by the Foundation’s dynamic Future Leaders Committee, doubled its initial fundraising goal; raising $200,000 to go towards the Property Industry Foundation’s Haven House Project which includes Haven House South Dowling, a flagship 19-bedroom homeless youth development in Darlinghurst to be operated by The Salvation Army.
“SleepOut for Homeless Youth brings our industry together for a great cause and raises awareness of the work the Foundation does to provide stable housing and support for at-risk and vulnerable youth,” says Dean Christian, Future Leaders Committee. “We adjusted the timing of this year’s sleepout to align with Youth Homelessness Matters Day on 16 April – a national day to raise awareness, address stereotypes, and advocate for greater support for homeless youth.”
The evening featured speakers from frontline youth homelessness charities – Emilie Yates from Oasis Youth Services (The Salvation Army), and Simon Byrnes from YFoundations. Their compelling insights gave more understanding of the challenges disadvantaged young people face in completing their education, securing employment and private rentals.
Cadie Doorley was proud to represent Richard Crookes Constructions, the event’s Principal Partner. “As Sydney faces a housing crisis, we were keen to support the Foundation through fundraising and partnership of the Sydney SleepOut. Funds raised support Haven House South Dowling – a new project providing over 346,000 safe nights of sleep for young people over the next 50 years.”
After a BBQ dinner, outdoor cinema screening of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and illuminating firepit chats, campers became all too aware of the dropping temperatures and their basic sleeping arrangements for the night. Sleeping out, even for one night, is a stark reminder of the thousands of desperate young people who have no choices and are forced to sleep rough, couch surf or stay in unsafe or overcrowded accommodation.
Olivier Gaussen, Global Acoustics Leader, Director at Stantec slept out under the stars with four of his colleagues. “The evening was beautiful with a very comfortable temperature,” he says. “When it was time to get ready for the night the reality really set in. The temperature dropped very quickly, the humidity also increased significantly, and our sleeping bags and clothes were wet. For those like me who live under a roof with a comfortable bed, we take this for granted. The night left me with a lot to think about.”
Participants might have had a night of broken sleep but they were bonded by a desire to improve the lives of homeless young people. “The Sydney SleepOut unites emerging leaders and teams from across the property and construction industry for a powerful night of connection and purpose. It’s a chance to learn more about youth homelessness while connecting with like-minded changemakers —all set against one of Sydney’s most iconic backdrops. Together, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re changing lives,” says Penny Kaleta, NSW State Manager at the Property Industry Foundation.
A heartfelt thank you to our top fundraising individual, Adrian Sanasi from Richard Crookes Construction, our top fundraising team A W Edwards, and our amazing sponsors for making this event possible.
Thank you to our Event Partners:
- Principal Partner – Richard Crookes Constructions
- Sleep Partner – Sekisui House Australia
- Cinema Partner – MPA
- Digital Media Partner – The Urban Developer
- Advertising Partner – oOh!
Thank you to our Pro Bono Partners:
- Lighting Partner – Coates
- Venue Partner – Centennial Parklands
- Cinema Partner – BIG Screen HIRE
Tell us about your Sydney SleepOut
We’d love to hear about your experience at the 2025 Sydney SleepOut! Your feedback helps us understand what worked well and how we can continue to make the SleepOut an even more impactful, meaningful, and memorable night for everyone involved. Every insight brings us closer to building the best night out for real change for homeless youth.
