Fifty Sunshine Coast business leaders slept on the sand in Maroochydore at the 2025 CEO Sleepout on Thursday 19 June, raising a record $170,000 to help those experiencing homelessness.
The total fundraising across Queensland reached more than $2.4 million, which is a new record for the event.
Sunshine Coast CEO Sleepout Committee Chair Anthony Walsh said, “We’re here at the 2025 Sunshine Coast CEO Sleepout, and it’s incredible to see our local community step up in such a big way.”
“Around 50 participants have already raised over $165,000 for local homelessness support — exceeding our goal and setting a new record for the Sunshine Coast.
“The 2021 Census showed that the number of Sunshine Coast residents experiencing homelessness grew by 54 per cent in just five years. And this was before the current housing crisis really hit our area. This highlights the urgency of addressing homelessness, and tonight’s event is an important step in making that happen.
“In addition to events like tonight’s CEO Sleepout, Vinnies is also working towards long-term solutions to homelessness. Our Vinnies QLD 500 Homes project is a key part of this, with construction starting on new social and affordable housing developments across Queensland.”
Construction contracts have now been awarded for a 60-unit development in Bundaberg, and 27-unit development in Newtown, Toowoomba — the second and third projects to move into the build phase following the successful sod-turning at Nerang earlier this month.
Vinnies Queensland’s subsidiary, community housing provider Vinnies Housing, has appointed Hutchinson Builders for the Newtown development, and Bryant Building Contractors to deliver the Bundaberg project. Works are expected to start soon on both sites.
The projects in Nerang, Newtown, and Bundaberg are delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, with funding from the Queensland Government, Vinnies Queensland, and from community-driven efforts such as the annual Vinnies QLD CEO Sleepout.
This growing pipeline of projects reflects a long-term commitment to tackling homelessness and housing stress through practical, place-based solutions.
The Vinnies Queensland 500 Homes project is the organisation’s direct and ambitious response to the state’s ongoing housing crisis and reflects a housing-first approach to tackling homelessness across the state, aiming to provide safe, stable and supportive homes for those most in need.
This year’s event is particularly timely, as the Queensland State Government recently announced nearly $600 million in funding for homelessness support, which will be included in Tuesday’s State Budget.
