One Night Outside: Central Highlands Winter Sleepout

30 incredible people chose to spend One Night Outside, with another 20 people joining us for the evening program to stand in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness in our community.

It was a cold night, reaching almost -1°C with a "feels like" temperature of -3°C. While one night outside can never replicate the reality of homelessness, it gave us an opportunity to pause, listen, learn and reflect.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly our Fireside Chat. A heartfelt thank you to the people with lived experience of homelessness who joined us, and especially to those who courageously shared their stories. Your honesty, vulnerability and generosity challenged assumptions, opened hearts, and reminded us why this work matters so deeply. We are incredibly grateful.

Thank you also to Mayor Tracey Hargreaves and Michaela Settle MP for joining us during the evening and showing your support for this important conversation.

A huge thank you to the wonderful volunteers from the Rotary Club of Ballarat, who kept everyone well-fed, and to Craig Schepis for bringing the Soup Bus along to serve delicious hot soup and fresh bread on such a cold night.

And finally, thank you to every person who attended, donated, fundraised, volunteered, or slept outside with us. Your willingness to be part of the conversation, to show up, and to stand alongside people experiencing homelessness is what made One Night Outside such a meaningful success.

Together, we are building a community that chooses compassion, understanding and action.

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