Civic Park in Darwin came alive with colour, courage and community on Wednesday as I joined hundreds of Territorians for the annual Couch Surfing event — part of Youth Homelessness Matters Day, led by Anglicare NT and the City of Darwin. It was more than a community gathering. It was a wake-up call.

Decorated couches lined the park, each one a powerful statement from the youth who created them. Some were painted with hope, others with heartbreak — all of them offering a reminder that homelessness doesn't always look like what we expect.

Couch surfing, overcrowding, and unsafe environments are the reality for far too many young people. As Anglicare NT's Jem Wood shared, nearly a third of young people presenting to homelessness services have already been couch surfing. Many more never make it that far — choosing silence over systems that don't always feel safe.

The NT has the highest youth homelessness rate in the country — almost twelve times the national average. Every night, over 3,000 young people aged 12 to 25 are without a safe place to call home. In Katherine alone, 70 young people a day seek support for housing. These are not just numbers — these are our sons, daughters, siblings, students, and friends.

The day itself was vibrant and filled with energy — couch viewing and voting, live music, community stalls, and of course, the highly anticipated couch races, with teams travelling from as far as Katherine and Nhulunbuy to compete. Beneath the excitement, though, was a strong call to action. We need more targeted investment, increased support for crisis services, and a shift in how we understand and respond to youth homelessness.

For me, as a First Nations woman, the urgency is even greater. Indigenous young people are overrepresented in homelessness statistics, and that reality must shape the solutions we build. The answers are not one-size-fits-all. They must be culturally grounded, community-led, and place-based — drawing on the strength, knowledge, and leadership already within our communities.

One thing that stood out during the event was the sense of connection. There were more than 25 local organisations present, each offering advice, resources, and genuine care in a non-judgemental space. It reminded me that events like Couch Surfing do more than raise awareness — they offer hope, healing, and a chance for our young people to be heard.

Anglicare NT chief executive Craig Kelly put it best: "Far too many children and young people live in unsafe or overcrowded environments, couch surf or sleep rough. We need all levels of government to work with local organisations, businesses, and communities to ensure young people have the best start in life."

As I walked away from Civic Park, I felt proud, heavy-hearted, and determined. Proud of our young people for speaking out. Heavy-hearted that we're still fighting this battle. And determined to keep pushing for change.

Because every young person deserves more than a roof over their head — they deserve security, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

More information about Anglicare NT's work is available online.