A group of cold water swimmers from Kingston Beach is diving into a different kind of challenge, signing up to sleep outdoors for the night to raise money for homelessness services in southern Tasmania.
Eight members of the Sea Hags swimming group are among the top fundraising teams for Sleep Rough 2026, Hobart City Mission’s biggest annual campaign.
Now in its fifth year, Sleep Rough brings together hundreds of Hobartians to raise funds and awareness before spending the night at the Princes Wharf 1 shed or forecourt on May 8.
All money raised stays in southern Tasmania, funding Hobart City Mission’s emergency relief and housing support services.
Sea Hags member Allison Jones said the cause was personal for her after going through a divorce.
“I thought I may never have my own home again,” she said.
“With family support I was able to, but I guess it felt very close that maybe that could be me on the streets.”
“It’s important to me to be here supporting others that are going through similar circumstances,” she said.
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon said there was still time for Tasmanians to get involved with less than a week to go.
“Our 2026 goal is $300,000,” he said.
“The community has raised just over a third of our target so far, and with the event coming up this Friday night at PW1, we’re inviting Tasmanians to help lift the total and make a real difference,” he said.
Lennon pointed to growing demand, with 5,408 applicants on the public housing register as of February – more than ever before.
“Funds raised through Sleep Rough go directly to our housing and food programs,” he said.
“We’re urgently calling on everyone with a few dollars to spare to donate and help people sleep safely.”
He said people who can’t attend in person can still donate at sleeprough.com.au, supporting teams like the Sea Hags or making individual contributions.
“If we reach this year’s fundraising target, the event’s total impact over five years will be more than $1 million,” he said.
“We’re so grateful to the community for their ongoing support.”
Registrations to take part in Sleep Rough or host a school sleep out close at 5pm on Wednesday May 6.
Donations stay open throughout May at sleeprough.com.au.
