A Place at the Table 2026

On the evening of 15 May 2026, Parramatta Mission welcomed guests, partners, community leaders and friends to A Place at the Table, our annual fundraising dinner held in our Dining Hall in the heart of Western Sydney. Each year, the evening offers an opportunity to come together around a simple but important idea: that everyone deserves respect, connection and access to support when they need it most. 

What is A Place at the Table? 

A Place at the Table gives guests the chance to experience a meal just like those served daily through Parramatta Mission’s Meals Plus program. In fact, this year’s meal including main and dessert was the exact meal shared earlier that same day. The experience is intentionally simple. One meal, one table and a shared reminder that circumstances can change for anyone at any time. Since its beginning, the event has become an important gathering for Western Sydney, bringing together businesses, community organisations, government representatives and local supporters who believe in a more connected and compassionate community. 

An Evening Grounded in Community 

This year’s event reflected the strength of the relationships that continue to sustain and support Parramatta Mission’s work across Western Sydney. We were pleased to welcome Lord Mayor of Parramatta Martin Zaiter alongside several councillors who joined us on the evening. Their presence acknowledged the importance of community-based support services and the people working on the front line each day. We were also honoured to welcome Donna Davis MP, who announced two grants on behalf of the NSW Premier in support of Parramatta Mission’s work. Support like this has a tangible impact on the services we provide and the people who rely on them. 

Thank You to Our Partners 

A Place at the Table would not be possible without the organisations that continue to stand alongside Parramatta Mission year after year. Thank you to our presenting partner Wenty Leagues, whose support has been part of this event since its inception. Their ongoing commitment has helped A Place at the Table grow into one of Western Sydney’s most meaningful community fundraising events. Thank you also to our community partner RWC Western Sydney for their continued support and investment in the local community. 

Capturing the Evening 

One of the gifts of this year’s evening was having Orlando from Orlando Sydney Corporate Photography with us throughout the night. Orlando spent hours on site, moving quietly through the room and capturing every meaningful moment with care, professionalism and an eye for what really matters. The images he produced tell the story of the evening in a way that words simply cannot. If you are an organisation looking for a photographer who brings genuine heart to their work alongside outstanding professional quality, we cannot recommend Orlando highly enough.  

Thank You to Our In-Kind Supporters 

We also acknowledge the generous in-kind support provided by: Unito Property Group, the musicians from Sydney Conservatorium of Music courtesy of Funk’d, DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club, Le Vie Hotels & Resorts and Australian Turf Club. Their contributions helped create a welcoming and memorable evening for everyone in attendance. 

To Our Volunteers 

Behind every great evening is a team of people who give without being asked twice. To our wonderful volunteers who gave their time, energy and warmth to make everything run smoothly, thank you. You are the hands and feet of Parramatta Mission, and this evening was no different. None of it happens without you. 

There Will Always Be a Place at the Table 

As we reflect on a beautiful evening, we are reminded of why we continue to do this year after year. There are people in Western Sydney right now who are doing it tough. People who need a meal, a conversation, a referral to a service, or simply someone to acknowledge that they exist. At Parramatta Mission, that is what we show up for every single day. 

At Parramatta Mission, there will always be a place at the table. Thank you to everyone who helped us create that space in 2026. If you would like to support the ongoing work of Parramatta Mission, donate here or explore how you can get involved.