Maleny’s ‘Big Sleepout’ shines a light on homelessness
MALENY High Interact Club held its inaugural Big Sleepout at the Maleny Showgrounds last Saturday (August 23), drawing community attention to the issue of homelessness.
Despite warm clothes and sleeping bags, participants endured cold concrete floors as temperatures fell to eight degrees, gaining an insight into the nightly struggle faced by thousands of Australians. The 2021 Census showed more than 122,000 Australians were homeless, including 17,646 children under 12.
The student-led event, supported by Maleny Rotary, the Maleny Show Society, the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, and Sunshine Coast Council, aimed to highlight homelessness as an issue affecting every community.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston officially launched the sleepout, commending students for their initiative.
“It is wonderful to see our young people leading the way on such an important issue,” Cr Johnston said.
“By starting the conversation about homelessness here in Maleny, these students are showing leadership and compassion, and I encourage the whole community to support their efforts.”
More than $1,000 was raised on the night, with funds going towards Interact’s homelessness project. Organisers said the sleepout had sparked important conversations locally about how to support those in need. They hope the initiative will continue to grow, uniting the community to raise awareness, raise funds, and work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to sleep.
The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre’s co-ordinator, Madonna Hampson, said the event showed the value of collective action.
“We are very pleased to see our local community being inspired by the next generation to make a difference, and reminding us that real change requires everyone’s participation,” Ms Hampson said.
“Nothing will change around the issue of homelessness without a whole community approach, and we applaud our local students’ efforts to raise awareness.”
Plans are already in place for the next Big Sleepout, scheduled for August 2026, with organisers encouraging wider community involvement.