Tessa O'Hagan

New South Wales 2026

One night isn't a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference

A couple of years ago, I went through something personally challenging. At that time, I felt the true weight mentally and emotionally and couldn't see a lighter world.
Getting through that personal challenge reminded me how any challenge could be the catalyst to someone's life changing forever, feeling like they had no other options to keep a roof over their head, and way too often, their children's heads too. I'm lucky to be able to provide for my children, to have a safe and happy home for them and myself, meaningful work, and good people around me who care.
That experience is a big part of why I'm participating in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Sydney next month. It's not just about spending one night sleeping outdoors, it's about raising awareness and funds for people who don't have the security of a roof over their heads, a safe place to sleep, or the support that many of us take for granted every day.
The reality is sobering. Across Australia, over 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness, including 17,000 children under 12 and a growing number of older women. Three in five of those people are women, and women over 55 are the fastest-growing group at risk. And behind every number is a person, a mum, a child, someone who never imagined they'd end up without a safe place to sleep.

These aren't distant statistics. They are people just like you and me, pushed to the edge by circumstances that can change in an instant, a relationship breakdown, a job loss, a mental health crisis, or a rent hike they simply couldn't absorb. It's also about giving time and support to help others doing it tough, especially at a time when living pressures are higher than ever and more people are being pushed into homelessness.
I want to use this opportunity to give back, show gratitude for what I have, and hopefully make even a small difference in someone's life. To help break the devastating cycle of homelessness, I need your support. Will you help me reach my target? Donating $100 can make a huge difference to the people who need it most.

So far this year I helped provide

17

Individual support programs

44

Beds

179

Meals

Latest Donations

$1,000

Anonymous

$900

Anonymous

$318.90

Chris Sadler

Good Luck Tes

$318.90

Andrew Coppin

Sleep well Tess !!

$300

Jenn And Leigh And Leigh

Hopefully this find your well and warm! We are very proud of you and wish you the best of luck! Xx

$250

Tessa O'hagan

$215

Matched Donation

Congratulations, you have received a matched donation thanks to The Dick and Pip Smith Foundation! Keep up all the great work!

$215

Garry & Linda

Proud of you Tess!

$215

Farmbot Monitoring Solutions

Good luck with this great endeavor Tess! best wishes from all the team at Farmbot!

$162.75

Anonymous

$159.15

Karen Wilshire

Go Tess! Your an inspiration to woman! Your amazing!

$127.34

Project

You are so inspirational x

$127.34

Tim Pharo

This is a great cause, your a cahmpion for doing this.

$106.12

Melli G

Wish I could give more to this amazing cause. So much admiration and love for you Tess 🙌🫶

$80.96

Charlie

$80.96

Amber Newton

Amazing my love! x

$80.96

St John Craner

$79.16

Alice

$75

Anna Bech

You are so inspiring person. . Amazing to give back to those in need through this gesture x

$75

Rochelle Poole

Go girl. You’re such an inspiration!

$75

Libby

$75

Tatum

Stay warm awesome work

$54.84

Karen Arkell

As I always knew.. you would come out the other side even stronger and happier!

$54.84

Max Kelly

$54.84

Pip Houghton

Nice one Tess! The team will be thinking of you!

$44.71

Patrick

$30

Ugc With Heidi

You never cease to amaze me with your grit. All the best for tonight.

$25

Steve Evans

Good night! 🤩

$23.50

Belinda Hay

You’re a beautiful human ❤️

$23.50

Amy Godsell

$23.50

Lindsay

Good on you, Tess! Wrap up warm. Every little bit helps, right?

$23.50

Von & Mark