Students Take A Stand Against Homelessness In The Burdekin

Homelessness isn’t just a big-city problem. It’s happening right here in the Burdekin, and Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) leaders, together with the Shire Youth Council, are stepping up to help support those most affected.

They’re doing so through the inaugural Stand Up, Sleep Out—Youth Against Homelessness event, to be held on Friday, 8 August 2025, during National Homelessness Week. The event will see students and community members sleep rough for a night in solidarity with those without secure housing. Inspired by the well-known Vinnies CEO Sleepout, participants will swap comfort for cardboard, raising funds and awareness for the Burdekin Community Association (BCA).

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Youth Leading The Charge

The Stand Up, Sleep Out initiative was conceptualised when Year 12 BCHS leaders Harrison Lammon, Drea Piotto, Nicholas Pengelly and Piper Grogan were tasked with identifying local issues during their leadership interviews. After zeroing in on homelessness and receiving strong encouragement from Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, they brought the idea to fruition.

“We thought, ‘we always see the CEO Sleepouts in Brisbane and everything, but why are we not seeing it in our small towns?’ We saw that gap and thought something needed to be done,” said Piotto.

The students emphasised that homelessness is a largely hidden but serious issue in the Burdekin. “There’s a lot of it in the Burdekin that not everyone sees,” said Grogan.

Lammon and Pengelly echoed this, noting the surprising scale locally and the need to raise awareness.

“I didn’t realise how big it is here. You think just the bigger cities have it, but here we’ve got hundreds of people suffering,” added Lammon.

“This is why we’re doing it—it’s about raising awareness, because not a lot of people know it’s happening,” explained Pengelly.

The process of planning the sleep-out has served as an eye-opener for the student leaders.

“Obviously, we've had to sacrifice a lot of our time to plan this,” Piotto said. “But you're always reminded that there's someone out there who's suffering worse than you. This is just a small sacrifice.”

The Burdekin Community Association’s recent report shows 538 people experienced homelessness locally last year, with hundreds more at risk. Women escaping domestic violence make up the largest group.

“Homelessness is never a choice,” said Grogan. “A lot of people see homeless people and are very judgmental… but it’s not really [the homeless person’s] fault.”

The Stand Up Sleep Out is expected to draw around 200 participants, with activities including budgeting challenges, a soup kitchen-style meal, crocheting items to donate, and a reflective walk. Funds raised will go directly to the BCA to purchase tents and essential supplies for those without safe housing.

Burdekin Shire Youth Mayor Nicole Cervoni said the event is a crucial opportunity for the region to face the reality of housing insecurity in rural communities.

“Homelessness in rural communities is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed,” she said. “Rural homelessness is real, and it needs our attention.”

Community members can support the event by registering to sleep out, donating non-perishable food, toiletries, blankets or making a financial contribution. To get involved, contact BCHS on (07) 4783 2366, Burdekin Shire Council’s Community Development Team on (07) 4783 9800 or reach out via Burdekin Shire Youth Council’s Facebook Page.

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BCHS school leaders addressing the audience at the most recent industry breakfast.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort has voiced her full support of the BCHS Stand Up, Sleep Out initiative.

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