19/06/2026
EXCLUSIVE
Australian-First Safety Suit Unveiled to Protect People Experiencing Rough Sleeping
An Australian-first safety suit designed specifically for people experiencing rough sleeping has been unveiled, offering a groundbreaking new way to provide safety, warmth and dignity for rough sleepers.
The innovative suit, years in development, could transform support for vulnerable Australians by addressing the daily risks of sleeping rough with practical, purpose-built features.
Today, I became the first member of the public to see and wear the suit; a powerful reminder of how innovation and compassion can come together to change lives.
The project has been three years in the making and began with a simple question:
How can we give back to rough sleepers and help keep them safer?
The idea emerged from a conversation between Roxanne Shaerrell and Owen Farmer, who met at the CEO Sleepout on 8 October 2014. United by a passion for supporting rough sleepers, they set out to create a practical solution that could make a real difference.
Together with Roxanne’s husband, Chris Shaerrell, they turned that vision into reality.
The result is a first-of-its-kind Australian-made safety suit created to provide safety, warmth and dignity for people sleeping rough.
At first glance, it may look simple.
But it represents hope in a practical form.
The suit is thermal, water resistant, padded, lightweight and fire resistant, offering protection from the elements while remaining comfortable to wear.
Thoughtful features are built throughout, including leg pockets that allow wearers to securely store valuables and personal items close to their body.
One of its most innovative features is a front and back opening system that allows the wearer to use the toilet without removing the suit. Designed with the wearer’s safety in mind, it reduces vulnerability while preserving privacy and dignity.
For many rough sleepers, safety is not guaranteed.
The risks of theft, violence and assault are daily realities.
This suit acknowledges those challenges by providing greater security and comfort to those who need it most.
As someone involved in community outreach, wearing the suit was emotional.
I thought immediately of the people I’ve met sleeping rough in Rockingham to those sheltering in tents, cars, parks and makeshift camps, simply trying to make it through another night.
Too often, solutions address only immediate needs.
This suit represents something more: innovation driven by compassion, born from listening and focused on solving a real problem.
Roxanne, Owen and Chris have personally funded the design and manufacture of the prototype, investing around $5,000 of their own money.
Now, they are asking the community to help take the next step.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched with a goal of $10,000 to fund bulk production of the suits and distribute them through not-for-profit organisations supporting rough sleepers.
The initiative is backed by the Owen Farmer and Safer LYFE Limited, with hopes of supporting rough sleepers in Rockingham and beyond.
To support the project, you can donate through the GoFundMe campaign, sponsor the purchase of a suit, or learn more at Safer LYFE Limited.
Every contribution helps provide safety, warmth and dignity to rough sleepers.
Sometimes the most important innovations aren’t the ones that make life easier for people who already have everything. They’re the ones that offer hope, protection and dignity to those who need it most.
And today, I was honoured to wear that hope first.
Exclusive story by:
Jen Jen Pollard
Edge Radio Australia
