A City Sleep Out for Change
SleepOut for Homeless Youth is being held at Centennial Park on 10 April, with the industry’s emerging leaders spending a night under the stars in support of the 43,000 young Australians who don’t have a safe home to go to.
Dean Christian, BESIX Watpac, is co-chair of the Property Industry Foundation’s Future Leaders Committee (FLC) who organise the sleepout event each year. This year, they’ve set a fundraising goal of $100,000 and expect 150+ people will take part.
"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.”
Dean Christian, Future Leaders Committee
“The event has evolved significantly since its inception in 2022,” says Dean. “It began with a clear goal: to raise awareness, celebrate the work of the Property Industry Foundation and connect with our industry partners and their emerging leaders. Since then, the team has successfully curated the largest event for future leaders in the property and construction industry in NSW. We have a variety of activities planned this year, including lawn games, an outdoor cinema experience, and light meals and refreshments included in the ticket price.”
The timing of this year’s event on 10 April is significant. “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,” says Dean. “This date change allows us to maximise awareness during the month of April.”
A night which truly makes a difference, SleepOut for Homeless Youth will offer participants greater understanding of the challenges marginalised youth face in completing their education, securing employment and long-term private rentals. The Centennial Parklands setting after dark is a stark reminder of the reality of couch surfing, sleeping rough and in cars for desperate young people who have no choices.
Funds raised directly support the Property Industry Foundation's Haven House Project which includes Haven House South Dowling, a flagship 19-bedroom development in Darlinghurst which will provide over 346,000 safe nights of sleep for young people over the next 50 years.
Dean and the Future Leaders Committee encourage anyone wanting to connect with a good cause to sign up for a night they won’t forget. “I will be attending with the BESIX Watpac team and look forward to seeing a good cross-section of the industry there for a worthy cause,” says Dean. “Everyone can participate. If you work in the property, construction, or related industries, this is a fantastic event to get involved in. Every young Australian deserves a safe home.”
Register now for SleepOut for Homeless Youth and empower young people to transform their lives and stop the cycle of homelessness.
