Community Connections
OUT IN THE COLD: DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR JOINS VINNIE’S CEO SLEEPOUT
Canberrans are only too quick to complain about the ACT’s freezing winter mornings when temperatures drop to below zero. Imagine being homeless on the longest, coldest, darkest night of the year? In the ACT alone, more than 1,590 Canberrans are homeless.
That’s why University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Academic), Professor Geoffrey Crisp is preparing to step outside his comfort zone to take part in the Vinnie’s CEO Sleep Out.
Geoffrey concedes he can’t change the world, but is passionate about making a difference to people around him and those in which he has an influence in their lives. He will take part in the Vinnie’s CEO Sleep Out on 20 June, to support Canberrans who can’t afford the basics such as food, utilities and a place to call home.
The date hasn’t been chosen at random. It’s traditionally selected to coincide with the longest and coldest night of the year as community leaders spend the night sleeping rough to bring home the realities of homelessness.
Geoffrey says he witnessed first-hand how the disadvantaged are treated with dignity, during a trip earlier this year to India. He describes the experience as an eye-opener and a catalyst for his participation in the CEO Sleep Out.
Growing up in Sydney in a defence family as one of three children, he was the first in his family to go to University. He graduated, and has dedicated his life to seeking to improve the lives of others through education. He now wants to expand the scope of his influence beyond education.
I don’t know what it’s like to be homeless. The CEO Sleep Out is only one night, but it’s a demonstrable way to gain a greater understanding. The experience will give me greater empathy with our own students going through tough times as sometimes – through a change in circumstances – a few of our students struggle to find suitable accommodation.
Geoffrey has already started to visualise how he can make a difference beyond the Sleep Out. In the first instance he is keen to assist in changing the narrative around homelessness and disadvantaged people.
“None of those ending up in this situation choose to do so. It is not about feeling sorry for them; it is about continuing to respect them as individuals. Just because you are homeless, doesn’t make you a lesser person.”
It also presents an opportunity to reflect on a life lived thus far, as the father of six children with wife Genevieve, Geoffrey says he has been one of the lucky ones.
“I’ve had a fortunate life; a privileged life. I can’t change the world but I can make a difference to the people around me. I see this as a responsibility.”
As Geoffrey prepares to step outside his comfort zone, it would appear as though the University as a community will be beneficiaries. His ability to look beyond himself and recognise the importance of all others in our society, regardless of their situation, can only make for a more inclusive and respectful place to live and work.
And you too can support his efforts. Follow this link and donate to support Professor Crisp’s Sleep Out.