A RENOWNED South Australian business leader and internationally recognised poet will feature at the upcoming biennial Support Homeless People Luncheon.
The event has become a key feature on the region’s social calendar as the Limestone Coast’s preeminent charity business luncheon, raising more than $335,000 since 2012 to support regional agency ac.care’s work.
Next year’s event will likely sell-out quickly with prominent speakers and the opportunity to network with businesspeople from across the region, Adelaide and interstate.
Melanie Cooper will be the luncheon’s first female keynote speaker, joined by the event’s first interstate emcee – Rupert McCall OAM.
Ms Cooper became the first female director in the history of Coopers in 2009.
She has been Coopers Brewery Foundation governor since its inception in 2006 and replaced Dr Tim Cooper as chair in 2011.
She has held many board positions, including with Burnside Hospital Foundation and the Neurosurgical Research Foundation.
“Coopers Brewery has been supporting the luncheon since its inception in 2012,” Ms Cooper said.
“I look forward to sharing my experiences in businesses and foundations that support communities.
“At Coopers Brewery we work with passion, respect, responsibility, consistency and service and I look forward to meeting like-minded business professionals in the Limestone Coast who share these values that drive their business’ success.”
Meanwhile, Mr McCall has built a reputation internationally, delivering tributes at Ground Zero for the New York Fire Department on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, on the shores of Gallipoli and as an orator in honour of legends such as Roger Federer, Rod Laver, Don Bradman, Dawn Fraser and Greg Norman.
Mr McCall has hosted and spoken at various high-profile functions, including Allan Border Medal and AFL Hall of Fame dinners, Olympic receptions, racing occasions from Flemington to Birdsville and Test Match Rugby functions to deliver touching and compelling tributes, with a passion for sport as a commentator and poet.
“I have done some work with people experiencing homelessness in Brisbane in recent years …. so I have a great appreciation for the difference the Limestone Coast business community has been making with the Support Homeless People Luncheon,” he said.
“My intention is always to deliver a message that inspires and leaves people feeling good about themselves and I look forward to doing this for the generous business community of Mount Gambier.”
Founded in Mount Gambier in the 1980s, ac.care has grown into a diverse agency with various areas of service delivery, from homelessness programs to foster care and adult education, with a focus on country people helping country people.
“The funds raised through the luncheon have remained in our community, supporting the work of ac.care to help more than 1147 local people, including children, with a focus on preventing homelessness and helping people secure safe and stable accommodation,” Support Homeless People Luncheon chairman Barry Stafford said.
“However, the event is not just important as a fundraiser, but to raise awareness of how people can become homeless, highlight support services that are available give local business people the opportunity to get involved and make a difference.”
Mr Stafford said the event also provided an opportunity for people in business to learn and be inspired through high-profile speakers.
“The event regularly sells out and I know people look forward to the opportunity to take part in the luncheon, connect with other business people and contribute to this important cause, which was initiated by the late Barry Maney and continues his legacy,” Mr Stafford said.
The event will be held at the Barn Palais on April 3, 2020.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting Barry Stafford at Barry Maney Group on 8721 3400.
