Turning 50 is usually cause for a big birthday bash, but for homelessness agency St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pats), it’s a bittersweet moment.
The not-for-profit has rapidly expanded in recent years to accommodate a growing number of people struggling to find a place to call home, including two-income families who’re finding themselves locked out of Perth’s too-hot rental market.
“Of course, we’re proud of all the work we’ve done and how far we’ve come but it’s hard when you realise how many people still have nowhere safe to live,” St Pat’s chief executive Michael Piu said.
“For most organisations, growth is a mark of success, but in a way, the goal of places like St Pat’s is to become obsolete.”
Since 1972, St Pat’s has supported thousands of people out of its Community Centre in Fremantle and it’s those strong ties to community which Mr Piu credits for the organisation’s longevity.
Volunteers, Photo: Roel Loopers
“Without the support of local people and businesses we would never have lasted this long, or helped as many people as we have,” he said.
One of St Pat’s biggest supporters is Karl Bullers, owner of The National Hotel and The Old Courthouse. A homelessness charity and hotelier might seem strange bedfellows, but their shared love of Freo and desire to build a strong, thriving community led them to a unique partnership.
In 2016, they launched the Fremantle Long Table Dinner, a relaxed evening to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and raise funds to support St Pat’s in providing meals, showers and other basic necessities to vulnerable people.
Six years on, and the event has raised more than $500,000 for people experiencing homelessness and grown into one of the biggest nights out on Fremantle’s social calendar.
Mr Bullers never imagined the event would become such a success but said it wasn’t a surprise.
“Once Fremantle decides to embrace something they put all their energy into making sure it’s a success,” he said.
Photo:Roel Loopers
“The Long Table Dinner may have started as a chance for local business owners to put their feet up but, like St Pat’s, it’s grown to become a part of the fabric of Freo and a celebration of this wonderfully vibrant, creative and diverse place we call home.”
Mr Bullers says the generosity of West Australian businesses is the key to the events’ success and has allowed ticket prices to remain cheaper than other, big-ticket events. From fresh produce to vintage wines and boutique beers, everything is donated, including the time and expertise of top chefs Peter Manifis, Amanda Yong and Simon Reid, who will prepare a three-course meal on the night supported by an army of volunteers.
The event also provides a platform for Fremantle’s community of artists to showcase their creativity, Mr Piu said, from donated auction items to live entertainment by Oats Supply, Phil Walleystack and Circus WA.
“For St Pat’s, the Long Table is more than a fundraiser,” Mr Piu said.
“It’s a chance for us to give something back to the Freo community in thanks for the love and support they’ve shown us for 50 years.”
Tickets to the Fremantle Long Table Dinner are on sale now – visit fremantlelongtable.com.au.
