Fundraising Events

Limestone Coast business luncheon raises $135,000 to address homelessness

Aug 11, 2025

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 … Continued

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Coopers foundation and brewery chair Melanie Cooper AM to speak at Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon

Jul 1, 2025

A STATE leader in business and philanthropy will visit Mount Gambier to speak at the Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon next month. Coopers Foundation and Coopers Brewery chair Melanie Cooper AM will provide the keynote address at the event. The Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon will return to The Barn Palais on August … Continued

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BROAD SUPPORT: Close to 430 people attended the charity luncheon at The Barn Palais.

SAVE THE DATE – Major Limestone Coast homelessness fundraiser back in 2025

Dec 2, 2024

SAVE THE DATE! One of the Limestone Coast’s biggest fundraising events will be back in 2025 to support the work of ac.care in supporting vulnerable people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon will return to The Barn Palais on August 8, 2025. “This event traditionally sells out and … Continued

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Kelly’s story: Uncertainty the hardest part of homelessness

Oct 26, 2023

KELLY says the “unknown” is the hardest part of homelessness. “I had never been in that situation before, so it’s pretty hard,” she explains. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly and her then-partner had well-paid jobs and structured lives. Yet a series of setbacks saw them camping on the beach at Robe with their children … Continued

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Jason, Peter and Shane at the Homelessness luncheon

Homelessness fundraiser raises close to $130,000 in a day

Aug 9, 2023

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS: Pictured above are 2023 Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon coordinator Jason Wallace, Premier Peter Malinauskas and ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks celebrate the success of the luncheon, which raised close to $130,000 to support vulnerable people.

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Two weeks until major Limestone Coast charity luncheon

Jul 14, 2023

We have a fantastic afternoon planned with Premier Peter Malinauskas visiting as our guest speaker and capacity for 500 people to enjoy a long lunch while learning about ac.care

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Premier Peter Malinauskas to address Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon

Jun 29, 2023

PREMIER of South Australia Peter Malinauskas will visit Mount Gambier next month as the guest speaker for the Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon.

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Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon returns

May 22, 2023

ONE of the Limestone Coast’s biggest fundraising events is back to support the work of ac.care in supporting vulnerable people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

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Study shows vulnerable people priced out of housing

Apr 27, 2022
Vulnerable priced out of housing About ac.care's homelessness services Snapshot Methodology Findings in detail Policy Implications Vulnerable priced out of housingVulnerable priced out of housingA STUDY of properties available in southern country South Australia has found the private rental market is failing people on low incomes."Some people may have shelter or accommodation, but for many … Continued
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April date set for Support Homeless People Luncheon

Dec 20, 2021

REOPENING of state borders has prompted scheduling of Friday 8 April for the Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon at the Barn Palais. The announcement follows several COVID-19 induced postponements of the sold-out event. Everything that makes the luncheon special will remain the same, including keynote speaker Melanie Cooper OAM, emcee Rupert McCall AM and … Continued

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Donation Appeals

Donation Stories

Community makes homelessness its business through strong winter appeal support

Sep 17, 2025

DONATIONS of blankets, bedding, warm clothing, food and pantry items have helped increase the impact of ac.care on vulnerable country South Australians during winter. Generous contributions from community groups, businesses, schools, and local people were crucial in meeting demand as people experiencing hardship received support from ac.care sites across the Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland. … Continued

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Limestone Coast business luncheon raises $135,000 to address homelessness

Aug 11, 2025

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 … Continued

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Winter warmer appeal encourages community to help meet demand

Jun 18, 2025

COUNTRY agency ac.care is calling for community support to help meet strong demand for blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing to keep vulnerable people comfortable this winter. The arrival of cold, wintry conditions has led people experiencing hardship to seek help at ac.care’s sites across the Limestone Coast, Riverland and Murraylands, with community support crucial … Continued

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Prison community gives back at Christmas

Jan 15, 2025

A LARGE donation of non-perishable food items was made by the Mount Gambier Prison community to support local people in need over Christmas. Staff and prisoners continued an ongoing tradition of generously donating a variety of food items to ac.care, which was distributed to people seeking support over the festive period. The donation formed part … Continued

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Christmas cheer shared with country people seeking support

Jan 5, 2025

FESTIVE cheer was shared among hundreds of country South Australians last month thanks to generous community support. Food, toys, vouchers and other goods were distributed to people in need across the Riverland, Murraylands and Limestone Coast, delivering welcomed relief during the holiday period. Broad support was once again received by the Riverland Christmas Appeal, which … Continued

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Winter warmer appeal calls on community to help bring comfort

Jun 3, 2024

DONATIONS of blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing and supplies are in demand by country agency ac.care as it works to support vulnerable people through the winter months. A pattern of icy cold weather is impacting people experiencing hardship across the Limestone Coast, Riverland and Murraylands, many of whom are already facing significant challenges due … Continued

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Trampoline donation brings joy to young girls in care

Sep 21, 2021

A GROUP of young girls in residential care were thrilled to receive a Vuly Ultra medium-sized trampoline recently when Vuly Play decided to donate one of the products to an ac.care therapeutic strength-based care home. The homes are staffed 24/7 by ac.care to care for and support children who are unable to live with their … Continued

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Broad community support spreads Christmas cheer

Sep 21, 2021

WE saw the generosity of regional communities at the end of a challenging 2020, with strong support for our Christmas appeals. Diverse donors, from church groups to service clubs, businesses, schools and individuals across our regions contributed, allowing us to spread some Christmas cheer to hundreds of vulnerable country South Australians. More than 200 children … Continued

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Food supplies help ease budget pressure

Sep 21, 2021

FOOD relief became increasingly important for vulnerable clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, with our sites offering free supplies of fresh produce, baked goods and other groceries. An ongoing partnership with national non-profit organisation SecondBite continued to result in significant weekly supplies to the Mount Gambier Community Centre. Meanwhile, connections with businesses across the regions, including … Continued

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Blanket drive delivers winter warmth

Sep 21, 2021

MORE than 120 blankets and other winter warmers were donated to ac.care to support vulnerable people coping with cold conditions thanks to the TripleM and SAFM 96.1FM Limestone Coast 2021 blanket appeal. Community members and businesses dropped off items at the Mount Gambier and Millicent community centres, while the campaign also led to donations in … Continued

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Christmas cheer spread across the Murraylands

Sep 21, 2021

YOUNG people shared the festive spirit by taking part in the Communities for Children Murraylands Christmas tree decorating challenge facilitated by ac.care. Students from schools and kindergartens decorated white Christmas trees with themes of their choice, celebrating the festive season while being encouraged to practice team work, creativity and planning. “The ac.care Communities for Children … Continued

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acTIVE.care

 

Step up and make a difference

We need your help

ac.care is facing unprecedented demand for homelessness and emergency relief services in 2023.
A shortage of affordable housing, the rising cost of living and summer flooding in the Murraylands and Riverland has led to a growing number of people turning to ac.care’s services for support.

You can support people in country South Australia by committing to an acTIVE.care challenge.

Whether you choose to walk with family or friends, go to the gym or run a marathon, you can get active and challenge yourself while raising money for this important cause.

How do I get involved?

  1. Sign up here.
  2. Fill in the “my story” section with your details about why you are raising money for ac.care and what challenge you have set yourself
  3. Nominate your fundraising target
  4. Share your fundraiser via social media and online to encourage your friends to contribute and help you reach your goal.

Or you can donate to a participant to help them reach their challenge goal!

Donations will allow ac.care to direct funds to the greatest needs for the vulnerable people they work with in regional South Australia.

Your contribution will make a difference!

 

The Homeless Grapes Project

 

Love a good story with a glass of red wine?

The 2018 Homeless Grapes Project Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with surplus Coonawarra grapes that didn’t have a home, but online retailer Vinomofo worked with vignerons, wineries and the community to use the fruit to make a unique drop to raise funds for ac.care.

Staff from our homelessness team volunteered their time to pick the grapes, Coonawarra wineries pitched in with the wine making process and now all proceeds from sales of the wine ($25 per bottle) are donated to ac.care to support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in country South Australia.

Order yours today and share the story next time you enjoy a glass with a friend.

https://www.vinomofo.com/wines/red-wine/homeless-grapes-project-cabernet-sauvignon-2018/

Thanks to Vinomofo, Redman Wines, Brand & Sons Coonawarra, Hollick Estates, Patrick of Coonawarra, Raidis Estate and Penley Estate for their support in producing a great cabernet sauvignon and Torresan Estate, CCL Label, Visy and Orora for their contributions to the project.

Donations will allow ac.care to direct funds to the greatest needs for the vulnerable people they work with in regional South Australia.

Your contribution will make a difference!

ac.care️ 1 week ago

Let's bring some Christmas cheer to winter! 🎄❄️ On Friday, July 24, gather your team, pull on your favourite festive jumper, colours or Christmas accessories, and join the fun for Christmas in July. Your $5 donation will go towards the Mayor's Christmas Appeal, which supports the Christmas Cheer program, helping local children, individuals and families access food, gifts and practical support during the festive season. So, get in the festive spirit early, share a few laughs in your workplace, school or community group, and help make Christmas a little brighter for people across our community 🎅💙 #accare #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

Tonight, the Mount Gambier Pioneers will take the court in ac.care-branded uniforms as part of One Forty One's Naming Rights Round 🎉🏀 We're grateful to OneFortyOne and the Pioneers for their ongoing support, helping create opportunities for local children, young people and families to connect, belong and thrive. Come along to Wulanda tonight to celebrate the power of working and walking together. Community is stronger when we show up for each other 💙🧡 #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

As the colder weather continues, items like shelter bags, sleeping bags and mats can provide warmth and comfort for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge for donating 10 shelterbags, and to Robert Roylance MP Member for Hammond for donating sleeping bags, mats and other winter essentials 👏 These items are available at no cost through the ac.care Murraylands Centre, 29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge. We're grateful for the support of community members and organisations who continue to show care through actions that help people access the resources they need during winter 💙🧡 Donations of winter essentials and non-perishable food items are always welcome at the centre. #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care️ 3 weeks ago

A shout out to Park Drycleaners for getting behind the 2026 Limestone Coast Blanket & Winter Warmer Appeal and helping collect donations in our community 👏 Thanks to the amazing generosity of local people, we've now received more than 300 blankets and counting! 💙🧡 There's still time to donate blankets and other winter essentials in new or near-new condition. Find your nearest drop-off point in the comments 🏠 #accare #increaseourimpact #homelessness SAFM 96.1 Limestone Coast Triple M Limestone Coast

ac.care️ 3 weeks ago

Your generosity strengthens our impact supporting country people 💙🧡 Thank you to everyone who has stood with ac.care throughout the year - donating, volunteering, advocating and helping share our mission across country communities. Today is the final day of the financial year, and your support can make a tax‑deductible difference before midnight. Every contribution helps create stronger, safer and more connected communities across the Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland. Donate today to make a difference 🤝 accare.org.au/donate #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care️ 3 weeks ago

Tomorrow is the last day of the financial year, and your support today can make a real difference for country South Australians 💙🧡 By donating to ac.care, you become a Partner of Impact - helping create stronger, safer and more connected communities across the Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland. Every contribution over $2 is tax deductible and directly supports local people when they need it most. Partners of Impact come in many forms. Whether you give, volunteer your time and skills, or simply speak positively about our work in your community, your actions help build understanding and lasting change ✨ If you’re able to donate today or tomorrow, your generosity will go straight toward supporting country people. Become a Partner of Impact 🤝 accare.org.au/donate #accare #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 4 weeks ago

The 2026 Limestone Coast Blanket & Winter Warmer Appeal is well underway, and your kindness is already creating warmth and comfort across our region 💙🧡 We’re continuing to welcome blankets and other winter essentials in new or near‑new condition throughout the Limestone Coast. Every item shared helps strengthen the sense of care and connection within our community. Find your nearest drop‑off point or access support at accare.org.au 🏠 SAFM 96.1 Limestone Coast Triple M Limestone Coast Park Drycleaners #accare #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 1 month ago

We’re proud to once again be part of the One Forty One Naming Rights Round with our local Mount Gambier Pioneers 💚🖤🏀 Thanks to the generosity of our community partner OneFortyOne, this special round shines a light on the work we do together to support people across the Limestone Coast. The Pioneers will take the court in specially designed blue uniforms, with player jerseys auctioned after the game to raise funds for ac.care and the vital services we provide throughout the region. Get courtside tonight and join in this celebration of the partnerships, volunteers and community members who help increase our impact every day. Let’s go, Pioneers, let’s go! 🙌 #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care️ 1 month ago

We need your help! Our Mount Gambier Community Centre is currently supporting a growing number of locals doing it tough, and your generosity makes a real difference 🫶 We are currently collecting blankets, sleeping bags, tents, non-perishable food, and pantry and household essentials. You can also support local people with gift cards, vouchers, and monetary donations. To keep everyone safe, all food and household items must be unopened and within their usable date range ✅ At this time, we’re unable to accept general donations such as clothing, toys, furniture, or kitchenware. This helps us focus our space and volunteers on the items most urgently needed. Visit www.accare.org.au/donate to donate or learn more. Thank you for supporting our community - every contribution helps to increase our impact 💙🧡 #accare #increaseourimpact Mount Gambier Community Centre noticeboard - ac.care

ac.care️ 1 month ago

A huge thank you to everyone who rallied together for last month's Limestone Coast Blanket Run. Your donations are already making a real difference for locals facing hardship this winter 💙🧡 Thank you to organiser Scallywags SMC for uniting our caring community and supporting local people in need😊 #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care Locations

ac.care is a dynamic organisation servicing the South Australian communities the Limestone Coast, Murraylands, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.

Our mission is for all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships.

Please find our service locations here or use our contact form to request a service.

Mount Gambier
Head office and Foster Care

5 Percy Street Mount Gambier, SA 5290
PO Box 1842 Mount Gambier SA 5290
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Mount Gambier
Community Centre

22-24 Ferrers Street Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Mount Gambier
Family Relationship Centre

5 Percy Street Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Berri Community Centre
Servicing the Riverland

5 Kealley Street, Berri, SA 5343
PO Box 1345 Berri, SA 5343
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Murraylands Centre
Servicing the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula

29 Bridge Street, Murray Bridge, SA 5253
PO Box 2090 Murray Bridge, SA 5253
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Millicent
Community Centre

57-59 George Street Millicent, SA 5280
PO Box 378 Millicent, SA 5280
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
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