It is another blow for homeless services and people in the Shoalhaven, whose plight was again highlighted this week, with the story of an ex-serviceman living out of the back of his van.

Mark Emerton, who organise the inaugural event last August, said he doubted there would be a sleep-out this year.

“Last year was a hard slog,” he said.

“We didn’t really get the support we needed to make the event a success.

“To make money, we need lots of people to come and businesses to commit to support it.

“I know things are tough at the moment and I appreciate the businesses and people who supported us but organising a sleep-out is away from what our core business is.

“Organising a big sports event like triathlons, fun runs or swims – that’s what we do.

“With an even more packed calendar of events we just can’t fit it in this year. 

“Perhaps we might have to make it a biannual event.

“I hate starting something and not finishing it and I will never say never but we are looking at organising a Mother’s Day fun run next year as a possible alternative.

“We have spoken to a local business which is keen to come on board as a major backer to stage a Mother’s Day Classic fun run.”

Last year’s sleep-out raised money for All Saints Community Care, John Purcell House and CareSouth Youth Accommodation.

Mr Emerton also questioned the timing of last year’s sleep-out.

“Perhaps we also have to look at a different, perhaps warmer time of year,” he said.