Fundraising Events

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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SHPL-team-outside-Barn-scaled-1

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

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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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

Sunshine, outdoor games and some tasty pizza was a great recipe for our recent weekend catch-up for Riverland foster care families ☀️🍕😁 Our wonderful network of foster carers lead busy lives, but it was a joy to many see carers connecting while children explored the Berri Community Centre garden. Thank you Domino's Pizza Renmark for generously supporting this event for local foster carers 💙🧡 Do you want to know more about becoming a foster carer in the Riverland? Visit https://accare.org.au/services/foster-care/ and request a call with our friendly, knowledgeable team 😊 #accare #fostercare #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

Thank you Park Drycleaners for once again serving as a collection point for the Limestone Coast Blankets and Winter Warmer Appeal 🤩👏 Michele and the team are collecting donations at 157 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier. The basket full of winter warmer items pictured was dropped to ac.care today. This is a free service that is open to all residents, regardless of whether you are a customer 💙🧡 Donations of blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing and supplies are in demand as we work to support vulnerable people through the winter months. You can make a donation during business hours at your nearest ac.care site. Visit https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ to find us. This annual appeal is proudly supported by Triple M Limestone Coast and SAFM 96.1 Limestone Coast 🥰 #accare #homelessness #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

We can't wait to see the One Forty One Mount Gambier Pioneers take to the court this Friday in the ac.care blue! 💙🏀 The specially designed uniforms worn by the women's team will be auctioned off on the night, raising funds to increase our impact on local people in need. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our community partner OneFortyOne, as well as the Pioneers for highlighting our charity as part of Naming Rights Round 😊 Tip off is 6pm at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre - Mount Gambier. Let's go, Pioneers, let's go! 🙌 #accare #IncreaseOurImpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

“It is the community’s generosity through donations that helps give people comfort in their day to day while our dedicated team supports them through other challenges they are experiencing.” 🧥🧤🧦🧣🌂🥫 As wild, wintry weather moves through regional South Australia, ac.care homelessness and community services senior manager Trish Spark has encouraged the community to help increase the impact ac.care can have on vulnerable people. 💙🧡 Read more about ac.care's winter warmer appeal and how you can support local people in need this winter 👉 https://accare.org.au/winter-warmer-appeal-encourages-community-to-help-meet-demand/ #accare #homelessness #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 2 weeks ago

Thank you Berri Uniting Church craft group Refresh and Bloom for your donation of handmade blankets to help bring comfort to people in need this winter 💙🧡 Donations of blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing are gratefully being received at your nearest ac.care site to help keep vulnerable people warm during the cold conditions. Visit https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ to find your nearest ac.care site 🙏 Thank you for helping to #increaseourimpact #accare #homelessness #opportunitiesforcountrypeople

ac.care️ 3 weeks ago

When you donate to ac.care, you are doing more than giving - you are standing beside country South Australians doing it tough 💙🧡 As June 30 nears, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to ac.care and help increase our impact on vulnerable people living in the Limestone Coast, Riverland and Murraylands. Your gift helps us deliver vital, community-based services and fund extra initiatives that change lives 🫶 Donate today 👉 https://bit.ly/increaseourimpact2025 #accare #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 3 weeks ago

Can you help bring comfort to local people in need this winter? 💙🧡 Please consider donating blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing to your nearest ac.care site to help keep vulnerable people warm during the cold conditions. Visit https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ to find your nearest ac.care site 🙏 Thank you for helping to #increaseourimpact #accare #homelessness #opportunitiesforcountrypeople

ac.care️ 4 weeks ago

Park Drycleaners is once again supporting the Limestone Coast Blankets and Winter Warmer Appeal 💙🧡 Whether you are an existing customer or just looking for somewhere to donate your winter warmer items for local people in need, stop by and see Michele and the team at 157 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier. We need your help to meet local demand for blankets, winter clothing, beanies, gloves and other items to help vulnerable people cope with cold conditions. Please consider donating any new or good condition items at your nearest ac.care site 🫶 Find us here 📍 https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ #accare #homelessness #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 4 weeks ago

Do you want to help bring comfort to local people in need this winter? 🙌 ac.care is seeking donations of winter warmer items, such as blankets, sleeping bags, jumpers, pants, beanies, socks, gloves and more, to help bring comfort to vulnerable people during the cold conditions. Please consider donating items that are new or near-new condition to help ac.care meet demand in the coming months across the Limestone Coast, Murraylands and Riverland. Visit https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ to find your nearest ac.care site or to discuss your donation. Thank you 💙🧡 #accare #homelessness #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 1 month ago

Looking for a good wine that's also good for your community? 🍇🍷 The 2018 Homeless Grapes Project Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with surplus Coonawarra grapes that didn’t have a home, but 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 (currently on sale for $14 per bottle) are donated to ac.care to support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Limestone Coast. 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 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. #accare #Homelessness #increaseourimpact

ac.care️ 1 month ago

Millicent Community Centre has received donations of winter warmers to help vulnerable people keep comfortable during the cold conditions 💙🧡 Thank you South East Property Sales and Management for collecting these items and increasing the impact ac.care has on people in need 🫶 You can help bring comfort to local people this winter by donating blankets, warm clothing (jumpers, pants, gloves, socks, beanies, etc), sleeping bags, new bedding and other winter warmers to your nearest ac.care site. All donations are gratefully received and will be distributed to people seeking support. Visit https://accare.org.au/contact-us/ to find your nearest ac.care site 📍 #accare #homelessness #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

70-72 White Avenue 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

1 Helen Street (cnr Bay Road) Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Monday
9am to 5pm
Tuesday
10:30am to 5pm
Wednesday
9am to 5pm
Thursday
9am to 5pm
Later by appt
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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