PREMIER of South Australia Peter Malinauskas will visit Mount Gambier next month as the guest speaker for the Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon.
The business networking and fundraising event at The Barn Palais on Friday, July 28, will raise funds for ac.care’s work supporting people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in country South Australia.
“As always, I’m looking forward to being in Mount Gambier – a city with so much to contribute to our state’s economic future and I look forward to catching up with the business sector and the broader community at the luncheon,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“We know we’re in the grip of a national housing crisis and my government is doing all it can to boost the supply of safe affordable homes, but as a community, there is more we can do and I know this event has a proven track record of making a real difference.”
The event traditionally sells out and attracts around 500 people to a unique gala afternoon featuring auctions and fundraising activities, along with presentations and videos focused on raising awareness of homelessness in the Limestone Coast and how businesses can help support vulnerable people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Securing a guest speaker of the calibre of the premier is a real coup for the 2023 event - to have Peter Malinauskas in the room with the Limestone Coast business community is an opportunity that does not take place often,” event ambassador Barry Stafford said.
“It will be great for the premier to see how special our community spirit is and hopefully help drive more beneficial economic outcomes for the region, as well as much-needed funds for ac.care on the day to support vulnerable country people.
“We can all make a difference in ensuring vulnerable people are supported and the news of the premier as our guest speaker will ensure the luncheon is once again a sell-out.”
The region's premiere business networking luncheon had to be postponed in 2020, despite being sold out, due to COVID-19, which caused numerous delays and finally the cancellation in 2022 ahead of its return this year.
ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks explained the organisation had effectively lost $250,000 in fundraising potential as the 2018 event raised $125,000 and two subsequent cycles of the luncheon, held every two years, had not been able to proceed in 2020 and 2022.
“We are grateful for the support we receive from businesses and the broader community both at the luncheon and throughout the year, thrilled the event is returning in 2023 and excited to be welcoming the premier as our guest speaker,” he said.
“Sadly the increasing cost of living and lack of affordable housing in the Limestone Coast is leading to more people than ever seeking ac.care’s support and this event is pivotal in delivering a significant fundraising boost to help meet growing demand and connect our organisation with local businesses to explore further collaboration and partnerships to increase our impact.”
Ticket bookings can be made at www.bit.ly/SHPL2023