On Friday 24 July, 30 students from the Red Bend Catholic College High School Conference gave up their Friday evening to deepen their understanding of homelessness in Australia through the 2026 Winter Stay In.
Hosted by Jess Easthope, Schools, Youth and Member Engagement Officer, in partnership with Janice Little, Teacher Librarian at Red Bend Catholic College, the evening was supported by Youth Representative Volunteer Helen Smith and West Regional Director Kelly Morgan. The group was also delighted by a surprise visit from Fr Harry Phillips from St Laurence O’Toole Parish, Forbes, who spent time encouraging the students and acknowledging their commitment to serving others.
What made the evening particularly special was that it was student-led. A dedicated planning committee worked alongside The Society in the lead-up to the event, helping shape the activities and taking ownership of the evening itself. Their enthusiasm and leadership created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere, with every student participating wholeheartedly.
Throughout the evening, students explored the realities of homelessness in Australia through interactive activities, discussion, and reflection. The highlight was the Shelter Building Challenge, where teams were given a designated area and challenged to build a makeshift shelter using only materials they could find around them. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, while also prompting students to consider the daily challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.
The Winter Stay In was an opportunity for students to connect their faith with action and to better understand the impact of the Society's work. They reflected on how their fundraising and service make a real difference to people experiencing hardship, both within their local community and across New South Wales.
The evening also celebrated the incredible generosity already shown by the Red Bend Catholic College community. Students have contributed $1,000 to the Vinnies Winter Appeal and collected, sorted, and donated 110 bags of clothing to local Vinnies shops. Such an outstanding demonstration of their Vincentian spirit in action.
The Winter Stay In was a wonderful example of young people living out the values of compassion, service, and solidarity. It was an evening filled with learning, laughter, thoughtful conversations, and a genuine desire to make a difference, leaving everyone inspired by the passion and generosity of the next generation of Vincentians in Wilcannia Forbes.
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