More than 200 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday for the much-anticipated Parramatta Street Feast – a heartwarming event that brings together the community to support those facing homelessness and hardship.
The event is in response to Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor, and strives to build a more inclusive, welcoming and generous society.
Mary, who has been homeless for more than seven years and is now wheelchair-bound, said the experience of connection, friendship and solidarity, and being a member of the Sydney Street Choir – a group of individuals who have experienced homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and social disadvantage – has had a significant personal impact.
Members of the Sydney Street Choir entertaining the crowd at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“I’ve been to a Street Feast before, and it helps people that are homeless … there needs to be more support,” Mary said.
“This choir has kept me alive all these years.”
“I like to sing a lot because I have a lot of things going on in my life, and it’s the only thing I know that I can do still.”
Choir member Robin, also experiencing homelessness said, “It’s great to be here. If you’re feeling isolated [it’s important] to have contact.”
Another Choir member Richard, travelled all the way from Bondi Beach to the Western suburbs to be part of the event and perform with “the best choir in Sydney”.
Volunteers from St Merkorious Charity singing with the Sydney Street Choir at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Now in its fourth year, the 2024 Parramatta Street Feast was the largest to date, with more than a dozen supporting partners, volunteers from local schools, and generous food donations. The event featured a communal feast served by many volunteers, alongside a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, connecting attendees through shared meals and meaningful conversations.
The event, hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta, PAYCE Foundation, Paynter Dixon and St Merkorious Charity, is a key initiative aimed at fostering support for those in need. It has grown into a day of solidarity, where people from all walks of life come together to share food, music, and companionship.
St Merkorious Charity volunteers preparing the delicious lunch that was served at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
One of the highlights of the event was Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, who took the stage alongside the Sydney Street Choir, who performed uplifting songs that brought joy to those in attendance.
“No matter who we are … tall or short like me, black or white, rich or poor – we are all one. And we are only as strong as our weakest link,” he said.
“We want Australia, Western Sydney, everywhere to be a place of inclusivity and humanity.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta with a member of the Sydney Street Choir. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
“The Street Feast is a reminder to us that only by working together, working together for justice, for humanity, that we can obtain lasting peace and the triumph of human dignity.
“Thank you for your shared commitment to a more humane, a more people-centred, and therefore a better Western Sydney and a better Australia.”
Student volunteers from Catherine McAuley, Westmead serving up lunch prepared by Parramatta Street Feast partner, St Merkorious Charity. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Food, entertainment and more
The feast featured a variety of delicious food options, including sausages, kebabs, falafel, flatbread, fresh salads, desserts, and fruit, all cooked up by volunteer chefs. The Vinnies coffee van kept the crowd refreshed with hot beverages.
“It’s great to be here, it’s been flat out,” said Vinnies barista Steve.
The team from Thread Together were on site providing new clothing to those in need. There was even a big red fire truck on site as Fire and Rescue NSW 072 Station Merrylands crew handed out kids’ colouring books and giveaways to educate about fire safety and prevention.
Thread Together providing new clothing to those in need at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Deputy Captain Cameron Bennett said it was “great to be at the Street Feast today, being present with the community.”
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community and share our work,” Rachel Browning, a caseworker with The Salvation Army; a new partner in 2024.
“We’re proud to be part of an event that brings people together and shines a light on the challenges faced by many in our community.”
Susanne, a kitchen volunteer for St Merkorious Charity is helping for the second time, having volunteered at last year’s Street Feast. “We need help, everyone needs help, so it’s nice to help each other,” she said.
St Merkorious Charity volunteers serving lunch at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Student volunteers
Among the volunteers were students from three local Catholic high schools, who had lots to say about the event:
“It’s very lively, everyone’s coming together to enjoy their time. It’s nice to see everyone helping each other, especially with Christmas coming up,” Ella, a Year 10 student from Catherine McAuley.
“The experience of volunteering means you get paid more than anything for your physical body,“ Ishaat, Year 10 student from Parramatta Marist.
“It’s always good to make a change, especially when there’s no cost to it. Putting a time and effort really, really touches my heart,” Year 10 student from Parramatta Marist.
Some of our student volunteers from Parramatta Marist and Catherine McAuley, Westmead at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Supporting partners
The Parramatta Street Feast is also an important occasion for local charities and organisations to engage directly with the public on key issues.
Brooke McGilvray from Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains said, “This event provides a chance to learn more about the services we offer, but also to collaborate with other like-minded organisations to create new initiatives that can make a real difference.”
Jesuit Refugee Services staff with James Atanasious, Peace, Justice and Ecology Facilitator at the Diocese of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Josephine Rechichi from Jesuit Refugee Services shared similar sentiments, saying, “It’s great to be part of the Diocesan community. We’re all working towards the same goal of improving lives for those seeking asylum and those who are vulnerable in our society.”
Paula Nicolas from St Merkorious Charity said everyone deserves to be treated equally.
“We are all welcome to God’s banquet, and we are all we are all one in Christ,” she said.
Dominic Sullivan, CEO of PAYCE Foundation sharing a meal with participants at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Collective action is needed
Dominic Sullivan, Director of the PAYCE Foundation, emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling the issues facing the community.
“We are thrilled with the turnout this year. The Parramatta Street Feast is a true celebration of community spirit,” he said.
“The growing cost of living and the challenge of housing affordability are putting immense pressure on many families and individuals. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to share a meal, offer support, and stand in solidarity with those facing hardship.”
The event’s success is a testament to the power of community action and the deep impact that kindness, empathy, and connection can have on those in need. This year’s celebration was bolstered by new partners, additional stalls, and engaging activities, all contributing to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
(L-R) Dominic Sullivan, Director of PAYCE Foundation and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta joining in to sing with the Sydney Street Choir. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Special thanks to this year’s supporters: Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, St Merkorious Charity, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese, St Vincent De Paul, The Salvation Army, Thread Together, Sydney Street Choir, Cerdon College Merrylands, Catherine McAuley, Parramatta Marist, Jesuit Refugee Service, House of Welcome, Community Migrant Resource Centre, Parramatta Mission, Tamil Community Toongabbie, and Fire and Rescue NSW 072 Station Merrylands.
For more information about the Parramatta Street Feast, please visit the Diocese of Parramatta website.
View the full gallery of photos on our Flickr page or below.
