Community digs deep to fight homelessness

LIMESTONE Coast businesses have banded together to raise $135,000 to increase the impact of country agency ac.care in supporting people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The major fundraising tally was achieved at the 2025 Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon with business, civic, and community leaders among over 400 guests at The Barn Palais on Friday, August 8.

Billed as the region’s largest business networking event, the luncheon – traditionally held every two years – was fittingly held during National Homelessness Week.

“This event aligns strongly with the purpose of National Homelessness Week as – aside from the important fundraising that occurs – the luncheon raises awareness about the hardships faced by local people and the complex challenges that increase their vulnerability,” ac.care chief executive Shane Maddocks said.

“A key part of the event is sharing insights into the experience of homelessness, as we know when we work together as a community through shared purpose and responsibility, we can truly make inroads into these big challenges.”

Mr Maddocks thanked the broad range of contributors towards the event’s success, including The Barn, Coopers, Barry Maney Group, DiGiorgio Family Wines, auctioneers Darren Maney and Matthew Treglown, event emcee Barry Stafford, and guest speaker Melanie Cooper AM.

“The Limestone Coast community once again showed its generosity with strong business and personal support through sponsorships, donations, providing items for the raffle and auction, as well as buying tickets to be part of this special event,” Mr Maddocks said.

Mr Maddocks also thanked the local people who bravely shared their own deeply personal experiences with homelessness and how they were supported by ac.care.

“People put a lot of trust in us when we help them, often at their most vulnerable, so it is humbling to hear their stories and how ac.care positively influenced their lives,” Mr Maddocks said.

Event emcee Barry Stafford paid tribute to event co-founder Barry Maney OAM, following the 10th anniversary of his passing, reflecting on his legacy and how it continues to influence the region’s business sector.

“This event continues to generate community spirit across the business sector with businesses that would otherwise be competitors coming together to work together for a great cause,” Mr Stafford said.

Guest speaker Melanie Cooper AM shared the story of her family’s business – iconic South Australian business Coopers Brewery – including its triumphs, challenges, and how it has given back through philanthropic and community-minded ventures.

Contributions to ac.care made by local businesses OneFortyOne and O’Brien Electrical Mount Gambier were also highlighted during the luncheon, while the event has also inspired new partnerships that will increase the agency’s impact in other ways.

A major charity auction at the event, featuring 26 items, raised more than $40,000, while South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven took to the stage to announce a $20,000 contribution from the State Government.

Raffles and other activities were also held on the day with broad support from regional businesses helping boost the fundraising result.