OLD DUBBO GAOL TO HOST COMMUNITY SLEEP OUT
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) Mayor Mathew Dickerson and Councillors Shibli Chowdhury and Matthew Wright are among those who have signed up to sleep rough in cool temperatures as part of the Vinnies Community Sleep Out for 2023.
DRC CEO Murray Wood and Manager Old Dubbo Gaol Julie Webster have also put their hands up, with all money raised as part of the Dubbo event staying within the community.
With homelessness affecting hundreds across the Dubbo region and the escalating cost of living situation making it worse, the Vinnies Community Sleep Out aims to raise funds to assist those people who are needing help.
“The support and funds this event garners for the increasing issue of homelessness make it a crucial initiative for Council to back,” Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said.
“DRC collaborates with organisations such as Orana Support Services, Barnardos, Mission Australia, St Vincent De Paul and Uniting Care among several other support groups to contribute wherever possible.”
Modelled after the annual CEO sleep out that takes place in metropolitan cities, the Dubbo Community Sleep Out is open to all, with DRC partnering with the Dubbo St Vincent De Paul team to ensure funds raised stay local.
Vinnies Dubbo representative Ian Wray said across the Dubbo region there are hundreds of homeless people and the continually increasing cost of living makes the situation much worse.
“Every day St Vincent de Paul helps people through home, hospital and prison visitations. It also provides assistance for homeless men, women and families, migrant and refugee assistance and support for people living with mental illness,” Mr Wray said.
“We are committed to raising money and awareness of this issue through this sleep out.”
“We would like to invite any community member to be a part of the sleep out by registering. This will help our ultimate fundraising goal to assist our local Vinnies to provide support for those in the community who need it in trying times,” Mr Wray said.
The sleep out will be held on Friday, 25 August from 5pm at the Old Dubbo Gaol on Macquarie Street. Participants are encouraged to bring along a sleeping bag, pillow, water bottle, warm clothing and a blanket if you feel the cold.
For more information contact Ian Wray at ianwray1949@gmail.com or visit https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-community-sleepouts/2023-dubbo-community-sleepout for more information about how to donate.
You can also donate directly to the page for DRC Councillors at: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-community-sleepouts/drc-councillors?tab=donations.
Last Edited: 11 Aug 2023