Mayor to sleep out

By Helena Adeloju
FROCKS and suits can stay in mothballs this year, with the annual Shire of the Yarra Ranges Mayoral Ball making way for the ‘Sleep out for Homelessness’ fundraiser instead.
The sleep out will take place at Melba Park from 4.30pm on Saturday 11 October with entertainment, music, food, and information about homelessness provided.
Security will also be present to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“We want people of all ages to join us under the stars as we experience first-hand the conditions many people face on an ongoing basis,” mayor Tim Heenan said.
He said that although homelessness is often considered to be an issue confronting people living closer to the city, it is an issue that is significantly affecting the local community.
“Sadly the Yarra Ranges has a large number of people, who through a range of circumstance have found themselves homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless,” Cr Heenan said.
The Shire’s Anchor homeless support and the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service will combine to host next month’s event in partnership with the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
Anita Burman from Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service said, “There are people from our community who live in their cars or in the forest and they don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”
Anchor chief executive officer John Devine said he hoped the community would show its support by attending the ‘Sleep out for homelessness’ event.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register with a tax deductible donation starting from $10.