State leaders get set to beat the big chill
Local
It may only be late March but already a record 73 South Australian business and community leaders have signed up for an annual winter battle against homelessness.
The 2026 CEO Sleepout run by Catholic charity Vinnies will see participants spend a chilly June night at Adelaide Zoo to raise awareness and funds for people experiencing homelessness.
And with a target of $800,000, organisers called for more potential participants at today’s sleepout launch held at the giant panda habitat at the CBD zoo.
Vinnies SA chief executive, Clinton Jury, said the experience – now in its 16th year – offers a small but powerful insight into a much larger issue.
“It’s quite humbling. You’re cold, you’re uncomfortable, you don’t sleep well, and you know it’s only for one night,” he said.
“But for many people, this is their reality. The point is to keep that conversation going.”
Mr Jury was an ambassador for the Sleepout for five years before joining Vinnies as CEO last year.
“I usually try to do a full day’s work the next day. It hits you hard when you realise that sleeping rough even just one night makes it very difficult to get through the day. Imagine doing that night after night and still being expected to function.”
Leaders: Vinnies’ Clinton Jury (left) and Zoos SA’s Dr Phil Ainsley at the appeal launch
Funds raised through the sleepout will support frontline services across SA, including crisis accommodation and Vinnies’ Fred’s Van meal service. Demand continues to grow however, with cost-of-living pressures and domestic violence pushing more people to the brink.
“We’re seeing increasing pressure,” Mr Jury said. “Our women’s shelters are always full. We’re supporting not just women but children and even pets — whole families.
“Each week we see more than 400 people on the verge of homelessness. Making sure critical help reaches them before they get to that point is vital. At the end of the day, behind these numbers is a human being.”
Among this year’s ambassadors is Fiona Endacott, CEO, South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services, who said her decision to take on the role was driven by a deep belief in Vinnies’ work.
“The CEO Sleepout is such an important way to raise awareness among people who might not otherwise see these issues up close,” Ms Endacott said.
“The work Vinnies does to support vulnerable South Australians is phenomenal and getting behind that was a no-brainer.”
After several years of participating the experience continues to shift perspectives she said.
“Spending a night sleeping rough, on cardboard, with your hips hurting and feeling cold through the night really puts things into perspective. It reminds you how lucky many of us are and why it’s so important to support others in our community.”
Fellow ambassador Paul Kitching said the experience changed how he understood the challenge homelessness poses.
“Sleeping out made me realise how vulnerable you feel. We’ve all slept out when we go camping, but this is different. The first time I did it, I was not just looking for a place but I was concerned about my safety. I barely slept,” he said.
“What struck me was that many people live like this every night and still have to get up and function the next day.”
Adelaide Zoo is supporting the sleepout for the fourth time and Zoos SA boss Dr Phil Ainsley said the unique setting adds to the impact of the experience.
“The zoo at night is an incredible experience. But it also puts into perspective the reality that more than 7,000 South Australians are sleeping rough each night. Even a short glimpse of that makes you realise how fortunate many of us are.”
Hearing first-hand stories from people supported by Vinnies brings the issue into sharp focus he said.
“It turns it from an issue into something very real.”
The 2026 sleepout, on Thursday June 18, is an opportunity for state leaders to step up and make a tangible difference Mr Jury said.
“We’re calling on more leaders to come forward because every person who takes part helps raise awareness and every dollar raised will go directly to people doing it tough in our community.”
Read how the Southern Cross’ Richard Evans fared when he slept out at the zoo in June 2025. https://thesoutherncross.org.au/opinion/2025/07/03/a-night-on-the-edge/
