- Surviror of domestic violence and homelessness - Founder of DC Ceremics Studio - Tireless Vinnies advocate After decades of marriage, Diana saved her kids and fled from an abusive husband with nothing but hope to keep her going. Suddenly jobless and alone in a foreign country, Diana only had a car for her and her son to sleep in while he was in the midst of year 12 exams. Diana sat down to talk to us about not only how she survived the experience with the help of St Vinnie's, but how she's gone on to start her own business, become an outspoken advocate for domestic violence survivors as well as St Vincent De Pauls, and how she always managed to stay positive. As we approach another freezing winter and Chris get's ready to take part in his 6th CEO sleepout, it's people like Diana who we can really help, and genuinely turn lives around. Help us fight homelessness: support Chris' Vinnies CEO Sleepout at: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/ Or get in contact with Diana at: DC Ceramics Studio https://www.dcceramicsstudio.com.au/ Or on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dc_ceramics_studio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= 0:00 Intro 0:39 How we first met 1:56 My story 7:06 How I survived 8:49 Chris’ Story 11:13 Getting back on my feet, and giving back 13:15 Finding peace in driving 15:14 Finding St Vinnie’s 18:39 From homelessness, to founding a business. 21:56 The importance of caring 22:37 Why Diana’s donation meant the world to Chris 23:20 The power of resilience 25:29 Diana’s gift 26:30 Quick Fire Questions

I was honoured to be asked to share my story at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout 2021 - online broadcast. My story is last on the online broadcast. How I become homeless is all to common. I believe the first hurdle to overcome the stigma related to homelessness, is the power of speaking out, shearing my story. A story that can happen to anyone. I hope my story inspires others to make positive changes to help those who aren't as fortunate. Vinnies Victoria's annual flagship fundraiser, Vinnies CEO Sleepout, was held on Thursday 17 June 2021. The event saw business and community leaders sleep rough on one of the longest nights of the year to raise awareness and much needed funds to help change the lives of Victorians experiencing homelessness. This year’s theme is Remove the Risk – as homelessness in Victoria is expected to rise by 13% due to the pandemic, according to the Equity Economics report – Vinnies believes that one sector alone can't ‘solve’ the issue of homelessness but, through working together as a community, real changes can be made. For the second year, due to Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions, Vinnies hosted an online event featuring powerful stories of people who have experienced homelessness and have been assisted by Vinnies Victoria. Australia’s much loved actor and producer, David Wenham, generously donated his time to MC the two hour broadcast and share his own personal connection with Vinnies. To view the full broadcast head to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnCcwrtI4VY&t=3859s Fundraising for 2022 event - which goes directly to Vinnies homelessness services https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/