Broking and lending executives have taken part in the 21st Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising funds to support the rising plight of the homeless in this country.
Senior figures from Australia’s mortgage and lending community have joined the 21st Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising tens of thousands of dollars as part of a national effort that has passed $10 million for the first time in the event’s history.
On 18 June 2026, leaders from brokerages, banks, and finance businesses joined 1,615 business, government, and community participants nationwide in spending a night without shelter to raise money and awareness for Australians experiencing homelessness.
The event has so far raised $10,147,375, surpassing the St Vincent de Paul Society’s $10 million goal, backed by more than 42,000 donors across the country.
Flint CEO highlights scale of homelessness
One of the most prominent participants from the broking community was Christian Stevens, CEO of national finance and mortgage‑broking firm Flint Group.
Stevens set an initial fundraising goal of $10,000, yet ultimately raised $15,415, with close to 100 supporters, including Flint co‑founder Redom Syed, the Broker Institute of Australia, LoanOptions.ai, GSC Finance partner and managing director Matt Turner, and many more making donations.
Asked why he chose to take part, Stevens said he wanted to use his position to give back and make a “small difference”.
“The reality is that more than 122,000 Australians experience homelessness every night. That includes around 17,000 children under the age of 12, families doing it tough, and a growing number of older women. Those numbers are difficult to comprehend and, honestly, they make me uncomfortable,” he said.
“In a country like Australia, it’s hard to accept that so many people don’t have access to something most of us take for granted – a safe place to sleep.”
Reflecting on the experience of spending a winter’s night outdoors, he said that the sleepout was all about gaining perspective.
“One night sleeping outside doesn’t compare to the reality many Australians face every day. It reminds you how fortunate most of us are and highlights the importance of supporting organisations like Vinnies that provide accommodation, meals and pathways back to stability,” he said.
Stevens said he was “genuinely humbled” by the response from across the broking and lending community.
“I think it says a lot about the broking profession. At its core, broking is a people business. We spend our days helping individuals, families and business owners build better futures, and that same desire to help extends beyond finance,” he said.
Oakwood Finance CEO emphasises awareness
The event also drew support from other brokerage owners, including Dominic Nguyen, director and CEO at DN Mortgage Brokering, who raised $2,841, and Matthew Bailey, founder and director at Oakwood Finance.
Bailey said the event provided a meaningful platform to raise understanding and resources.
“While spending one night sleeping outdoors doesn’t compare to the challenges faced by many Australians every day, it provides an opportunity to raise awareness, generate critical funding and encourage meaningful conversations about how we can make a difference,” Bailey said.
“It was inspiring to see so many business and community leaders come together in support of such an important cause.”
A number of senior executives from the lending industry also took part, including Vera Whitehead, managing director of commodities at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), who raised $38,000; St.George Bank broker and Queensland state lead Sally Hillman, who raised $4,483; and National Australia Bank (NAB) home loan executive Mitchell Beardow.
[Related: Senate probe reveals structural drivers of housing crisis]
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