Hundreds of Territorians gather in Darwin CBD for annual Couch Surfing event on April 16
Hundreds of Territorians gathered at Civic Park on Wednesday for the annual Couch Surfing event – a program that coincides with national Youth Homelessness Matters Day. See the photos.
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Move aside, Formula 1, there’s a new race on the circuit – and it’s far from what you’re used to.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Territorians gathered at Civic Park for Anglicare Northern Territory and City of Darwin’s annual Couch Surfing event – a program that coincides with national Youth Homelessness Matters Day.
Teams of young people competed in fast-paced couch race heats, with some teams travelling from as far as Katherine and Nhulunbuy to compete.
No couch was left untouched, with each team decorating their couch with artwork and important messages for a chance to win the best-decorated award.
Beyond the racetrack; more than 25 local organisations set up stalls to provide information and advice to young people, with free food, drinks and prizes also on offer.
The event aims to raise awareness about youth homelessness and highlight the realities of children and young people who are doing it tough.
More than 3000 young people aged 12-25 years are homeless on any given night in the Northern Territory – almost 12 times the national average.
Madeline Rowe, the mother of a baby girl, said events like these were crucial to raising awareness.
“Youth homelessness is real, and it’s happening,” she said.
“It’s a really important message that needs to come out.
“But it shouldn’t be; there should be more support.”
Ms Rowe said there was plenty to take away from the event and she hoped to see people back in the future.
Earlier in the event, punters heard from Minister for Children and Families Robyn Cahill, who said she hoped one day we would not need to talk about couch surfing.
“We should have processes in place … that look after our young people,” she said.
“The one message I’d like to send out today is: Together we can actually make a difference and together we can actually create an environment where young people can feel safe and accommodated everywhere, not just occasionally.”
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Originally published as Hundreds of Territorians gather in Darwin CBD for annual Couch Surfing event on April 16
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