On the 5th of August, over 140 business leaders and community members took part in Coast Shelter’s 30th Anniversary Sleepout by sleeping under the stars at Central Coast Stadium. The annual event aims to increase awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness, poverty, and domestic and family violence. 

The night was the culmination of record breaking fundraising efforts by the Central Coast community – a whopping $182,172 was raised for Coast Shelter’s frontline services. This far exceeded expectations, doubling the amount of funds raised the previous year. 

On the night, Coast Shelter CEO Michael Starr announced the funds will be put towards specialist in-house clinical services and counselling for Coasties experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence. 

Justin Coombes Pearce from Triple M was the MC for the night, Asha from The Voice and The Mixed Tape Duo were the musical acts, Mitre 10 donated gas heaters and camping chairs and Central Coast Leagues Club cooked up a BBQ for breakfast. Coast Shelter clients shared their stories and The Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC sent through a personal message to participants and even wished Coast Shelter a happy 30th birthday! 

Coast Shelter would like to thank our not only the wider community who donated but also their fantastic sponsors this year. Special thanks to the Major Sponsor Central Coast Leagues Club. Also, Mars Food Australia, Mitre 10, Erina Fair, Central Coast Stadium, Sticky Green Frog, Kwik Kopy Gosford, Wolfewise Creative and of course our media partner Triple M and SCA radio network.  

Michael Starr, Coast Shelter CEO stated “I am absolutely blown away by the support we have received from the Central Coast community. Every day of the week we have people doing it tough calling us, messaging us, and dropping in to our Community Centre at Gosford looking for help and guidance with a variety of personal issues including homelessness, health concerns and support to leave a violent relationship. Without the generosity of our community in times like these, we would not be able to provide the diverse range of practical and personal support services to so many people in need across the Coast.”  

Central Coast Leagues Club CEO Ed Camilleri said, “Central Coast Leagues Club was honoured to be the Major Sponsor of the Coast Shelter Sleepout, along with 4 staff from CCLC and myself getting to experience a night of sleeping rough for a great cause. I was also privileged to have listened to one of Coast Shelter’s clients and her struggles through life to get to where she is today with the help of Coast Shelter. I am grateful to have joined many others and help raise over $180,000 for such a cause that is desperately needed”.

Andrew Borg, Supply Chain Director at Mars Food Australia states, “Mars Food has been involved with Coast Shelter for quite some time, and we regularly donate food to the Coast Community Centre and Kitchen to help feed those in need in our community. 

“We like to be closely involved with our partners and support their core purpose and taking part in this year’s Sleepout has been a fantastic experience. We got to hear first-hand from community members who have been through Coast Shelter’s services, and gained a better understanding of homelessness, and domestic and family violence. We look forward to continuing this important work with Coast Shelter.” 

A special thanks to our top five fundraising teams!

1. The Doctors for Coast Shelter (below left) $25,871
2. The VM’s (below right) $17,450
3. Erina Fair $11,064
4. Eve Group Security & Electrical $10,249
5. Muimui Cochrane’s Team $7,100

Our next big event is our 30th anniversary Celebrate the Coast lunch. Purchase tickets here: www.coastshelterluncheon.com.au