Sunshine Coast business leaders have raised more than $240,000 through the 2026 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, helping fund vital services for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across the region.
Among the strongest fundraising efforts was the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) team which, combined with SCBC member Sunshine Coast Airport, raised more than $55,000, exceeding its fundraising target by $5,000.
The SCBC team included representatives from Sunshine Coast Airport, Walker Corporation, Stockland, GHD, Regional Development Australia, Argon Law and Fresh PR & Marketing.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said the result demonstrated the Sunshine Coast business community’s commitment to supporting vulnerable people and addressing one of the region’s most pressing challenges.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated, donated and supported this year’s CEO Sleepout,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“That level of support reflects a business community that genuinely cares about the challenges facing our region and is willing to step up and make a difference.
“To exceed our fundraising target and contribute more than $55,000 to such an important cause is a fantastic outcome, but more importantly it helps fund practical support for people in our community who are doing it tough.
“The reality is that housing stress and homelessness continue to affect a growing number of Sunshine Coast residents, including working families, older Australians, young people and women escaping domestic violence.
“While one night sleeping on the beach is only a small glimpse into the challenges faced by people without secure housing, it is a powerful reminder of why this issue deserves ongoing attention and action.”
47 local leaders registered to sleep out on Maroochydore Beach last night for the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout, as part of a nationwide drive across 13 locations.
Among those taking part was Stockland Development Director Josh Sondergeld, who said the experience reinforced the importance of working together to find solutions to the housing crisis.
“Spending a night outdoors certainly puts things into perspective and reminds us that for too many people, housing insecurity is not a one-night experience but an ongoing reality,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“The housing challenges facing our region are complex and there is no single solution. It will take collaboration between government, industry, community organisations and the private sector to increase housing supply and improve outcomes for people who are struggling to find a safe and affordable place to live.
“The CEO Sleepout is a great example of what can be achieved when people come together behind a common cause, and I am proud to stand alongside so many Sunshine Coast business leaders in supporting the work of Vinnies.”
The Sunshine Coast Business Council has supported the Vinnies CEO Sleepout since 2014, with more than 110 members participating over that time and helping raise awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity across the region.
In the past financial year alone, Vinnies Queensland supported more than 238,000 vulnerable Queenslanders, including more than 18,000 people across the Sunshine Coast region.
Funds raised through the CEO Sleepout help support Vinnies’ frontline services, including emergency accommodation, food assistance, housing support and programs that help people rebuild their lives.
Donations can still be made to this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout at https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/sunshinecoastbusinesscouncil2026
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About the Sunshine Coast Business Council
Sunshine Coast Business Council remains the peak business advocacy body on the Sunshine Coast, with membership spanning key national and regional industry groups and major private-sector employers across tourism, property, construction, retail, finance, telecommunications and professional services. Through this network the Sunshine Coast Business Council touches approximately 10,000 businesses.
