The fifth annual Parramatta Street Feast brought together refugees, people experiencing hardship and local families for a day-long event that highlighted the human face of poverty and homelessness. Source: Parramatta Diocese.
Nearly 400 people – almost double the usual crowd – came together at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta on November 19 for the event.
Under this year’s theme, ‘A Festival of Welcome’, the Street Feast featured its most expansive program yet, with workshops and activities including friendship bracelet-making, face painting, and creative arts, alongside the traditional community lunch and live performances.
Parramatta Diocese convened the event, bringing together more community and faith-based groups and volunteers than ever to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
The Parramatta Street Feast was inspired by Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor, created to honour those experiencing hardship and to foster connection and understanding within the community. It also coincided with the global Jubilee of Hope, a year encouraging people to reach out to others.
Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv – a Franciscan priest, boat person, and former refugee – said he feels a deep connection with people on the margins.
“This is a celebration of humanity,” Bishop Long said. “In encountering each other, we encounter the Creator God.”
Dominic Sullivan, director of the Sydney-based charity the PAYCE Foundation, said this year’s Street Feast highlighted the growing impact of poverty and homelessness in Western Sydney, showing that hardship isn’t always visible.
“These rising numbers remind us of the deep challenges poverty and homelessness bring to our community,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Many people struggle quietly, often unseen, and each one deserves our care, attention and compassion.”
The Diocese of Parramatta convened this year’s Street Feast with 14 partner organisations, including 10 new groups, and received support from the PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon and Anbaalayam Australia.
Musical performances featured the Sydney Street Choir and students from Cerdon College High School, Merrylands, adding energy and celebration to the community event.
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Parramatta Street Feast draws record attendance (Parramatta Diocese)
