Nearly 400 people – almost double the usual crowd – came together at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta on 19 November for the fifth annual Parramatta Street Feast. Bringing together refugees, people experiencing hardship and local families, the day-long event highlighted the significance of homelessness and financial hardship in our community.
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. The Diocese of Parramatta convened the event, bringing together more community and faith-based groups and volunteers than ever to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
Volunteers during the 2025 Parramatta Street Feast. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
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.
Friends gathered, laughed and chatted as they reacquainted themselves around shuffled tables and borrowed chairs. Amid the warmth and energy of the precinct, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, a Franciscan priest, former refugee and boat person, reflected on his deep connection with those living on the margins – and those who offer support.
“This is a celebration of humanity,” Bishop Vincent said.
“In encountering each other, we encounter the Creator God.”
Bishop Vincent embraces an attendee at the 2025 Parramatta Street Feast. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
In Greater Western Sydney, 12,353 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in the latest Census, with key areas including Cumberland (2,216) and Blacktown (1,604). Homelessness in Blacktown increased 4.6% since the 2016 Census.
Dominic Sullivan, Director of 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,” Dominic said.
“Many people struggle quietly, often unseen, and each one deserves our care, attention and compassion.”
A community of hope
A woman from Uganda was among those who attended, sharing that she heard about the Street Feast through Catholic Care’s refugee support, and it was her first time attending since recently arriving in Australia.
“I am very excited,” she said, with empty bags in hand. She was even more excited to learn about some of the stalls this year, including free clothing by Thread Together, fire safety information for vulnerable commuinities by Fire and Rescue NSW, and fresh takeaway barista coffee served by the Vinnies team.
An optometrist assists attendees during the 2025 Parramatta Street Feast. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
K*, a volunteer who shared a deeply personal story of his own struggles, said he wanted to help support those who he knew were suffering. He also wanted to clarify that homelessness is not what people often think it is.
“With homelessness, I think we have a very limited understanding, whereas I, but for the grace of God, am homeless – therefore I’m homeless or I’m at risk of homelessness.
“If we look around, a lot of our companions here may not be rough sleeping, but are all challenged by the concept of homelessness.
“We need to better understand homelessness… We’re not all sleeping under a tree in Prince Alfred Park.”
He added, “It’s about coming together as a community as well.”
Attendees at the 2025 Parramatta Street Feast. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Student volunteers
Year 9 students from Parramatta Marist High School were delighted to volunteer at this year’s Street Feast.
“It’s really nice to help people out, handing out the food and having conversations. It’s a really good opportunity,” Frederick said.
Student volunteers from Parramatta Marist High School Westmead. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“I think sometimes we get how fortunate we are, and there’s still people struggling, and the importance of actually helping them. I think the Street Feast helps people,” Nathan said.
“I’m really glad that I was able to experience this, to see what life is like for others, and see how I can help.” Michael shared.
Ten volunteer Year 12 students from St Andrews College, Marayong, also volunteered.
“It’s really nice meeting the community and getting to know a lot of different kinds of people, serving them, and just giving back to the community,” Rexina said.
“I really like helping others and talking to others, being able to communicate with them and see what they’ve been through, as well as telling my own story,” Sebastian said.
“It’s a really nice way to get to meet the community and help everyone,” Ethan said, to which Clariz added, “It brings me so much joy.”
Student volunteers from St Andrews Catholic College, Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
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, Baki, and students from Cerdon College, Merrylands, adding energy and celebration to the community event.
This initiative aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Mission, and objectives to be a Church that is inclusive and welcoming, reaches to the margins, and walks together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr.
