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South Aussie leaders step up for 2026 CEO Sleepout at Adelaide Zoo

Vinnies SA

The Vinnies SA CEO Sleepout launched at Adelaide Zoo today, with 73 participants already signed up for the 2026 event on Thursday 18 June.

SA CEO Clinton Jury, and Zoos SA CEO Dr Phil Ainsley gathered at the zoo’s panda habitat for the official launch.

This year’s CEO Sleepout SA fundraising target is $800,000, which will be used to support services across the state, including Vinnies SA’s Women’s Crisis Centre, Men’s Crisis Centre, Fred’s Van food service and localised, tailored support for individuals and families.

The CEO Sleepout takes place in locations across Australia each year and raises millions of dollars to support Vinnies services for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. It is taking place at Adelaide Zoo for the fourth time.

Vinnies SA CEO Clinton Jury, flanked by five local CEO Sleepout Ambassadors, said the event had a huge impact for people doing it tough in South Australia.

He said it was more relevant than ever with the ongoing cost of living and housing crisis affecting thousands of vulnerable South Australians.

“The CEO Sleepout is such an important opportunity for Vinnies SA to raise vital funds to help vulnerable people in our community,” said Mr Jury.

“I’m really excited to be at Adelaide Zoo today alongside Zoos SA’s CEO Dr Phil Ainsley and our CEO Sleepout Ambassadors.

“We’re putting out the call today for compassionate leaders in the South Australian community to sign up for the CEO Sleepout and help us provide support to South Australians doing it tough,” he said.

“As a former CEO Sleepout Ambassador who is now the CEO of Vinnies, I really understand the impact of the event from both sides of the fence. Every person who participates, every dollar donated allows us to show that our community cares about those facing the struggles of homelessness.

“If you’re thinking about sign up, I can promise you that it is a personally rewarding experience that supports our Vinnies safety net of services for people across our state.

Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley, who is taking part in the Sleepout for a second year, said the experience is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many South Australians.

“Spending a night out in the cold is a small glimpse into the reality for people experiencing homelessness, and it’s something that stays with you long after the event,” he said.

“At Zoos SA, we’re committed to creating a better future – not just for wildlife, but for our community too – and we’re proud to once again support Vinnies and host the Sleepout at Adelaide Zoo.”

If you’d like to donate to the CEO Sleepout, or sign up to participate, find out how here.

 

About us:

The St Vincent de Paul Society has been an integral part of the South Australian community for more than 140 years, since 1884. Providing assistance throughout metropolitan and regional SA, Vinnies is committed to assisting people experiencing disadvantage with a hand up through a focus on food, clothing, shelter and capacity building.

Services include:
•    Vinnies Assistance Visit program which supports more than 55,000 South Australians each year with food, clothing, furniture and emergency financial assistance.
•    Vinnies Men’s Crisis Centre, accommodating almost 300 men each year
•    Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre, accommodating almost 700 women and children and more than 100 pets each year
•    Vinnies Refugee & Asylum Seeker Service
•    Fred’s Van meal service – serving 40,000 meals across 10 locations in SA

Along with practical support, Vinnies offers a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to supporting people in need, and we advocate on behalf of those who do not have a voice on issues such as the need for more affordable housing; the inadequacy of social security payments; refugee and asylum seeker policy and more.

 

Contact details:

Grant Smyth, Communications Manager, Vinnies SA: 0419 940 721 or [email protected]