Roughtober Sleepout

The Roughtober Sleepout was held on Friday 20 to Saturday 21 October. While some got more sleep than others, it was an extremely successful fundraiser, raising over $45 000 (a huge thank you to all who financially contributed to this) and awareness raising initiative. I would like to thank the 85 Year 11 students who set a fine example of compassion, care and leadership, as well as the staff who gave up their time so willingly to attend. The sleepout could not have happened, nor been such a wonderful success without both the staff and students. I would like to say a particular thank you to Ms Nicola Kidston, Ms Nicole Styles and Mr Tom Mitton who joined me in sleeping rough for the night. A further thank you must also go to the following staff who joined us on a walk through our local community on the Friday evening, accompanying students to help them learn from the stories and experiences of people who have, or currently do, live rough: Ms Laura Connolly, Ms Carol Bloomfield, Ms Michele Storrie, Ms Allison Harrigan, Mr Brett Blinman and Ms Eddie Goodfellow.

As we moved to each of the six stations around Darlinghurst, we encountered people whose lives have been affected by experiences such as homelessness, social isolation and living rough. As you will read in the reflections from some of the students and staff who attended, these stories will sit with us, forever changing how we see and understand our own community.

Reflections

I had always thought of homelessness as being an economic issue – no money equals no home. During our street walk in Roughtober I learnt that the common factor was homelessness through childhood trauma, fracturing of families and home not being a safe space anymore. I was also shocked at the ripple effect of being homeless – the ongoing stress manifests itself in physical ailments and poor mental health, the economic disadvantage that can translate into prostitution and time in jail and the destructive coping mechanisms including drugs and alcohol. I have a new gratitude for the privilege of growing up in a safe home and a renewed empathy and compassion of all in our community who face the daily challenge of homelessness.

Ms Allison Harrigan

As we move into our last year as a cohort, it is these times that I will cherish forever. The atmosphere between teachers and students was unmatched, it truly felt like we were a strong knit family who could laugh and chat all night, until we had to finally close our eyes at 12am for Saturday morning sport. This night held so much meaning, not just as a social night but a time where we could learn, listen, and take in all of these impactful stories from people who have slept rough, and those who continue to sleep rough. This was such a wonderful exposure to a side of life that we have never experienced. Speaking on behalf of all the girls who went, this night will stick with us forever, touching hearts and minds, making us strive for a better community and society.

Madeleine Tudehope and Hannah Marchant-Williams
Year 11

The Dalai Lama said, “If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion”

The Roughtober sleepout illustrated this so well and so beautifully: the strength of community.

Dynielle Whitney
Head of Religious Education & Social Justice Coordinator