SHARING TALENT: Friend of ac.care Damien was inspired by Fringe performer Mat E Tricks to share some of his own juggling and circus skills. Picture: TIM ROSENTHAL
CLIENTS of ac.care’s Limestone Coast Homelessness Service shared in the colour and festivities of Fringe Mount Gambier 2022.
Street circus performer Mat E Tricks took his startling stunts to the grounds of the Mount Gambier Community Centre, entertaining clients of ac.care’s homelessness service and other programs.
“It was really wonderful to host a top Fringe performer at our site and for clients to have the opportunity to enjoy the show in a space where they feel supported, comfortable and welcome alongside staff and friends they have made at the centre,” Limestone Coast Homelessness Service spokesperson Bec Hogg said.
“A huge highlight was when our client Damien joined in with Mat-E-Tricks to showcase some stunts of his own to help entertain everyone at the centre, demonstrating his skill and confidence.”
The visit was part of the FringeOUT initiative, extending Fringe performances into community spaces, also including aged care homes and schools, as part of an outreach program to take entertainment beyond usual venues as part of the festival.
FIRING UP FRINGE: Street circus performer Mat E Tricks lights up ac.care’s Mount Gambier Community Centre with entertainment for visitors, clients and staff. Picture: TIM ROSENTHAL
“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide entertainment to visitors to the centre, which we are sure provided a welcome diversion for some people from hardships they may be experiencing and are working to address through our support,” Bec said.
“It’s been a very challenging time for many people with the lack of affordable housing in Mount Gambier and isolation resulting from COVID-19, so to bring people together to socialise safely and enjoy the show, as well as learn about our services and support, was really wonderful.”
A highly experienced street performer, Mat E Tricks began his career over a decade ago and has refined his talents on the streets of his home-country New Zealand, Australia and England, where he lived for several years touring throughout Europe and the United States of America, including at the renowned Glastonbury festival.
He was a co-founder of children’s circus company BamBam Circus, has appeared on X Factor and Australia’s Got Talent and can regularly be seen in tourist hot-spots entertaining the masses on the streets with his multitude of mini hoops, seven-foot unicycle and “Hoop of Doom
Other events ac.care has been involved in:
https://www.accare.org.au/christmas-and-social-events-bring-foster-carers-together/
Mount Gambier Recycled Runway fashion showcase raises vital funds.
Clients, staff and volunteers unite to bring colour to Mount Gambier
