Mayor's Lights Out Sleepout

Preparing to sleep with a bunch of strangers

What a graphic thought! Still, its a stark reality for those who do not have the security and comfort of their own home.

As a writer I love getting in the details behind the stories. What are the circumstances that lead people to do what they do. As a Tabletop Roleplay gamer I love nothing better than sending out a character to experience events that are impossible for me.

So, I'm very grateful to the Mayor and CBCity for putting on such an event.

I can experience first hand some of what it feels like to go without the security of four walls and the comfort of a pillow topped mattress. I can go out and share an experience with others and still live to tell the tale.

Mayor's Lights Out Sleepout

The City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek is hosting a Mission Australia sleepout at Bankstown Airport to help raise funds and awareness of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

According to the latest census data, homelessness in our City has nearly doubled since 2011, and the main issues which contributed to the increase included a lack of affordable housing, drug and alcohol abuse and a rise in people seeking refuge from domestic and family violence.

The Mayor’s Sleepout, held during the National Homelessness Week (6-12 August 2023) is working together with Mission Australia and Bankstown Airport (Aeria Management Group) to raise much needed funds for vital support services for people and communities in need.

The Mayor is seeking support from community leaders and business CEOs to join him as we raise funds through Mission Australia.

This event hosted by the Mayor, encourages participants to raise a minimum donation of $500 for each team with a team representative to campout at Bankstown Airport on the night of 11 August 2023, from 7pm - 7am. The event includes dinner, supper and followed by a morning breakfast.

Create a team:

To create a team for your business or organisation on the Mission Australia Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout, you can create your own team here or contact Council's Events staff events@cbcity.nsw.gov.au to establish the team on your behalf. Once a team has been created you can share your link with family, friends and colleagues to contribute to your $500 target.

Contribute as an individual:

If you are a member of the community and wish to contribute a donation, simply select the 'donate' button on the right. You can also share the campaign page with your networks.

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible and includes a receipt.