The Mayor has joined forces with not-for-profit organisations: Mission Australia, Maronites on Mission and Brothers in Need – three charities making a real difference – for his annual Mayor’s Lights Out Sleepout on Friday 8 August. 

Now in its third year, the Sleepout aims to raise more than $30,000 with all funds going to vulnerable people across our City.

Mayor El-Hayek is calling on business leaders, school communities, faith groups and residents to get involved by either registering and joining him for the sleep out, or by donating to the cause.

“There are men, women and children sleeping rough every night through no fault of their own,” said Mayor El-Hayek.

“That’s why we must come together as a community to raise awareness, show compassion and contribute directly to some of the organisations who are doing the critical work on the ground.”

According to the latest statistics, there are over 128,000 Australians sleeping on our streets every night, and alarmingly, there has been a 10 per cent rise in homelessness in Canterbury-Bankstown alone between 2021 and 2023. 

Stephanie Wait, who has experienced homelessness, has taken part in the Sleepout for the past two years to raise funds for Mission Australia, and for her the event is deeply personal.

“It will not only grow your respect for the resiliency and resourcefulness of people facing homelessness, but also remind you why shelter is our number one need, above even food or water,” she said.

Volunteer Ziad Jawad, who took part in last year’s Sleepout to raise money for Brothers in Need said, “We see homelessness all the time but until we put ourselves in that position, we don’t really know what it’s like.”

The event will feature opportunities to hear from frontline service providers and people with lived experience of homelessness.

"You might think you can’t change the world, but every action you take is a step toward making it better, said Fadi Kotob, Volunteer and Board Member for Maronites on Mission.

“It was a privilege to be part of a group so committed to helping others,” he said.

Mayor El-Hayek is hopeful that we will reach our target and is encouraging everyone to join him on Friday 8 August to Saturday 9 August at Belmore Sports Ground, home of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs who are getting behind the event.

“Even if you can’t sleepout this year, a donation, or simply spreading the word will make a huge difference” said Mayor El-Hayek. 

To register, donate or find out more, visit cb.city/MayorsSleepout2025