Sleeping Rough is a powerful community experience that offers a small glimpse into the challenges faced by those living with significant hardship — including domestic violence, homelessness, and financial insecurity.
Now in its 12th year, this flagship fundraising event invites participants to spend one night sleeping rough in a Riverwood car park to raise awareness, empathy, and vital funds for vulnerable families in our local community.
This year we are excited to launch “Sleeping Rough Family Zone”
Join us in the Club Rivers Car Park for a carnival type atmosphere, in which families will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, featuring games, food, and interactive activities designed to raise awareness about vulnerable families and their challenges, in a safe, and engaging way. Family Zone is a ticketed event and does not involve sleeping out overnight, making it accessible to everyone!
What to Expect
“This year’s Sleeping Rough event will surely show the solidarity of our community and our shared commitment to making change happen,” says Life Care CEO, Karen Power. “With the addition of a new family-inspired component, children of all ages will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations around homelessness, financial hardship, and domestic violence. With each passing year, the event goes from strength to strength — growing in impact and community support.”
🔹 Fundraising Dinner at Club Rivers – 630pm onwards – Open to corporate partners and supporters, the evening features inspiring speakers, live auctions, and light entertainment.
🔹 “Sleeping Rough” Family Zone 630pm-800pm (1.5 hours) – Directly across the road in the Riverwood carpark between 6.30pm – 8.00pm is our new addition to Sleeping Rough – Family Zone. Family Zone is a ticketed event and does not involve sleeping out overnight, making it accessible to everyone!
🔹 Immersive “Sleep Out” Experience 830pm – OVERNIGHT – Held in the Riverwood car park, participants will experience Sleeping Rough — a night doing it tough with other rough sleepers in the cold carpark, finished off with a bbq breakfast.
How does THE SLEEP OUT work ?
The core of Sleeping Rough is the overnight Sleep Out experience — a powerful act of empathy and solidarity.
For one night, participants choose to step into the shoes of those who have no choice. Sleeping in the cold of a Riverwood car park, surrounded by others committed to change, becomes a moving reminder of the hardship faced daily by many in our community.
It’s more than symbolic — it’s an invitation to reflect, connect, and raise vital funds for those doing it tough.
Because when we sleep rough for one night, we can help others find security for a lifetime.
FUNDRAISE
Reach out to your network, spread the word about Sleeping Rough, and let everyone know you need their support.
SLEEP ROUGH
Join others at the car park on 28 June, and help us put an end to family violence
Our annual Sleeping Rough fundraising event, proudly hosted by CLUB RIVERS, will take place on Friday 27 June.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a school, workplace, or group of friends, you can support by launching your own crowdfunding campaign and sleeping rough with us. Every dollar raised goes directly toward helping families in crisis across our community.
How your support will help…
Amy* was referred to us by a Domestic Violence support service following a traumatic DV event.
She was left stranded with her children with no transport or money. She had many overdue bills and was stressed and trying to manage large debts.
Life Care was able to provide her with financial assistance and connected her in with our friends at Moneycare. Moneycare helped her to eliminate some of her debt and made repayment arrangements with her utilities providers.
We also advocated for her with other groups that were wrongfully requesting money from her, while providing her with emotional support and encouragement. Amy is still struggling but, with our help, has been pointed in a better direction. We continue to work with and support her in whatever way we can.
How it all started
Once upon a time, a group of friends gathered for Sunday afternoon drinks, discussing the challenges facing their community — and how they might be part of the solution. The conversation turned to domestic and family violence, a heartbreaking reality affecting far too many.
From that simple but powerful conversation, an idea was born. Local resident Greg Inglis approached Club Rivers with a vision: a Sleep Out event to raise both awareness and funds to support those affected by domestic violence in the local area.
That idea became Sleeping Rough — and the charity it set out to support was Georges River Life Care.
Over the years, with the incredible support of Rotary, Club Rivers, and many valued community partners, Sleeping Rough has grown into the transformative, grassroots event it is today.
From serving humble “trash can soup” to offering a full three-course fundraising dinner…
From 30 participants to now over 100 each year…
And from a small start to over $250,000 raised — all supporting local victims of domestic and family violence.
It began with a conversation. And thanks to this community, it has become a movement.
GEORGES RIVER LIFE CARE
Georges River Life Centre
23 Stanley St, Peakhurst 2210
CONTACT
p. 02 9153 6300
e. [email protected]