Braving the cold for Winter Sleepout

University of Queensland students and staff will sleep rough on one of the coldest nights of the year to raise awareness and funds for the more than 100,000 Australians who are currently homeless.

UQ’s School of Architecture is holding its annual Winter Sleepout tonight (14 August), with the aim of raising a record $25,000 for South-East Queensland women at risk of homelessness.

The funds will support a new initiative developed by the Second Chance Programme and Churches of Christ which helps young women transition from state care – allowing them to establish stable and secure homes.

UQ Architecture student Caroline Zhang said she wanted to help women and families who find it difficult to find a safe place to call home.

“As individuals who work in designing built environments, we are very aware of how many can’t afford a place to call home,” she said.

“Through this fundraising event, I’m hoping to not only raise awareness and support for women experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and domestic violence, but also to have a tangible impact in preventing homelessness in the future.”

The UQ Architecture Winter Sleepout has supported the Second Change Programme for five years and raised more than $19,000 for the charity last year. 

This project encapsulates the School’s commitment to social equity well beyond the money donated to the cause.

In 2018, Brisbane architectural practices Rothelowman, Archipelago, Cottee Parker, Conrad and Gargett, Deicke Richards, O’Neil Architects, and BVN are lending their support to the event.

Rothelowman Principal Duncan Betts said he was proud to take part this year.  

“As designers, we must now consider how we deliver dwellings and cities that better house and support people of all ages and struggle finding accommodation in our community,” he said.

“This is a core value at Rothelowman, and we’re proud to support UQ Architecture in this initiative.”

The group will be sleeping at Wandering Cooks, 1 Fish Lane, South Brisbane, from 6pm on Tuesday 14 August. 

To register your support, visit https://give.everydayhero.com/au/uq-architecture-winter-sleepout-2018-1

MEDIA: UQ School of Architecture, Dr Kelly Greenop, k.greenop1@uq.edu.au, 0412 807 184; UQ Communications, Paige Ashby, p.ashby@uq.edu.au, 0430 511 615.