QCS Board to participate in CEO Sleepout

The Queensland Corrective Services Board of Management will become the first Government group to participate in the St Vinnies CEO Sleepout when they camp out at Suncorp Stadium tonight. 

Corrective Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller congratulated the QCS Board on their commitment to shining a light on the more than 20,000 Queenslanders facing homelessness – including many within the prison system. 

“All seven members of the QCS governing body unanimously decided to participate in this year’s event to raise awareness for St Vincent De Paul which provides services to Queensland’s most vulnerable,” Minister Miller said. 

“The seven come from a range of backgrounds, but they all have a common purpose. They want to help make a difference to the lives of those faced by homelessness. Sadly, many of the people in our prisons know what it’s like to be homeless.” 

Department of Justice and Attorney-General Deputy Director-General and QCS Board Member Dr Mark Rallings said there were many prisoners who had experienced homelessness at one time or another. 

“For those of us fortunate enough to have a place to call home, we do not have to face the uncertainty, lack of safety and loss of dignity that homeless Queenslanders face each day,” Dr Rallings said. 

“We are well aware that stable housing provides significant emotional, social and economic benefits to most Queenslanders. 

“While most CEOs will huddle in their sleeping bags, we will use swags made by Woodford Correctional Centre prisoners for the non-profit organisation Street Swags. This venture provides valuable employment skills for our prisoners, engages them in meaningful activity and contributes to a product that creates a social impact within our community.” 

The QCS Board of Management team, which has raised over $7000, includes Mark Rallings, Kerrith McDermott, Tom Humphreys, Alan Butler, Samay Zhouand, Samantha Newman and John Forster.

More than 240 Queensland CEOs will sleep under the stars in both Brisbane and Townsville from 6pm tonight until 9am tomorrow.

To support Vinnies and donate to the CEO Sleepout QCS Board of Management team go to http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/ 

 Media contact: John Gardiner (Minister Miller’s Office): 0408 623 467