Famous Queenslanders are helping one of Brisbane’s oldest homeless support charities mark 50 years of service to the community.

Renowned author Trent Dalton joined hair king Stefan, World Champion boxer Jeff Horn, and Hon Sam O’Connor MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth, at a fundraising Anniversary Dinner for 3rd Space, held at The Calile Hotel, a strong supporter of 3rd Space.

The guests heard the charity has helped hundreds of thousands of people across the homeless community across its 50 years in operation.

Special guest, author and 3rd Space ambassador Trent Dalton, brought 1980s Brisbane to life with Boy Swallows Universe and charted the plight of the homeless in Lola In The Mirror.

Mr Dalton told the dinner guests that 3rd Space had been part of the Brisbane landscape for even longer.

“The fact is that 50 years since 3rd Space hosted the first conversation and cuppa with a person experiencing homeless, there is a greater than ever need for their services and that is why I am proud to be here tonight,” he said.

3rd Space Brisbane is a day-time drop-in centre for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing conversations, hot showers and a café-style meal to thousands of people every year.

The organisation also provides access to support workers, medical, mental health, law, tenancy, employment, financial support and other services.

3rd Space Chair Ian Kemish, AM, said 3rd Space focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness.

He said homelessness is a growing issue, not only for Brisbane, but across Queensland and Australia.

“We know that the greatest barrier of all for the homeless community is the lack of understanding —the stigma, the judgment, the belief that homelessness is a choice, or that it could never happen to me,” Mr Kemish said.

That’s why it’s so important that organisations like 3rd Space receive funding at an event like this dinner to help give some of our most vulnerable residents a brighter future.

“The dinner commemorated the people of 3rd Space and the incredible support and services they have delivered during the past 50 years,” Mr Kemish said.

More than $40,000 was raised at the 3rd Space Anniversary Dinner and these funds will ensure we can continue to provide essential support and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Main image: Trent Dalton, Ian Kemish AM (Chair, 3rd Space), Alison Wicks (CEO 3rd Space), Stefan Ackerie AM, Jeff Horn (National Ambassador, Bullyproof Australia)