Fremantle Dockers Players kick-start new homelessness hub

Fremantle Docker’s players have donated $20,000 from their charitable giving fund to kick-off St Pat’s fundraising campaign to fit-out a new, one-stop-shop for people experiencing homelessness.

Alex Pearce and Michael Piu

Fremantle Captain Alex Pearce made the generous gift during a visit by the player and coaching groups to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre (St Pat’s) last week, volunteering their time to hand out refreshments and help people doing it tough beat the heat.

“It’s always good to have moments like this where we step away from the training track and acknowledge we do have a bigger role in society and within the Freo community,” Alex said.

The Freo Skipper was the driver behind the visit and donation, which comes from the Fremantle Players’ Community Charitable Fund. Founded in 2018 with support from the Fremantle Foundation, it was the first player-backed fund established by a sporting team in Australia.

“This charitable fund was set up largely on the back of David Mundy’s support, and to be able to continue that on, help build a legacy and set an example to allow players to think beyond our four walls – I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to do.,” the Freo Captain said.

“Hopefully this donation is a small step in a larger goal St Pat’s have, and that will help to provide greater services for people, and (aim) to end homelessness.”

Work on St Pat’s new facility is already underway, thanks to support from the WA Government, Lotterywest and other major donors. The not-for-profit is now seeking to raise $750,000 to help fit-out its new home, so it can provide the best support possible to people experiencing homelessness.

Set to open at the end of 2025, St Pat’s Engagement Hub will provide a safe, welcoming space for people for individuals and families to access assistance such as meals, showers, health and dental care and more.

Michael Pui, St Pat’s

“St Pat’s is honoured that the Fremantle Dockers players have chosen to support us through their Fremantle Players Community Charitable Fund,” St Pat’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Piu, said.

“It’s amazing to have the support of great leaders in our Fremantle community and the Dockers are a really important part of the fabric of this community,” he said.

“We want our new Engagement Hub to offer the best services possible, and this donation is a wonderful way to kick-start our campaign and show people experiencing homelessness that their community cares.”

In short, St Pat’s Redevelopment is the transformation of its owned and managed properties in Fremantle into a purpose-built Engagement Hub, 28 self-contained apartments for people experiencing homelessness and facilities for service delivery.

Phase One of the Redevelopment is the construction of the Engagement Hub, which is set to open at the end of 2025.

Phase Two is the construction of the 28 apartments and the sensitive transformation of St Pat’s existing heritage premises into a new base for delivery of its support services. This will commence following the completion of Phase One.

The total build-cost of the project is $22 million, which St Pat’s successfully raised via a Capital Appeal Campaign last year. A full list of donors and supporters is available here.

St Pat’s are seeking to raise the remaining funds to fit-out and future proof our new and refurbished buildings, starting with a $750,000 appeal for specialty equipment for the new Beach Street Engagement Hub.

Donations to St Pat’s Engagement Hub Appeal can be made right here.

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