The Freo Street Doctor is a non-judgemental, accessible, culturally safe, free high-quality health care for homeless, at risk and marginalised people in the greater Fremantle region. Freo Street Doctor is a vital service, filling a gap to support the health needs of the most vulnerable people in our community. This iconic mobile service provides over 3000 consultations per year in street-side locations making health care available to all who require it. Freo Street Doctor receives no government grant funding.
Proceeds from last years art auction supported Freo Street Doctor clinics to continue without interruption during the COVID environment, and additionally to start a new clinic. The new clinic has the highest number of female clients and an increasing number of family presentations. Proceeds supported emergency ambulance transport on two occasions for clients with acute health conditions, and enabled a range of other medical supports such as ultrasound, pathology and specialist costs.
Proceeds from last years art auction helped one client to access specialist care and treatment for a well progressed health condition that would have alternately resulted in permanent disability. Freo Street Doctor was able to provide initial antenatal care for an at-risk young woman, support her travel to antenatal clinics and ensure she had access to ongoing health care for her herself and her baby.
Multicultural Futures provides settlement, mental health and crisis-and-short-term accommodation support. Individuals and families are supported with issues such as pre-arrival trauma, family relationships, homelessness, education and training, financial management and adjustment to Australia. Last year’s art auction proceeds were gratefully used for an “Inspire me” project. The project enabled people to build skills and become more self-sufficient while gaining confidence and self-esteem. “Inspire Me” includes basic computer skills, seeking short-term entry level employment, education and training courses and career guidance. In the past two years 138 women have accessed the project with impressive outcomes in their educational pursuits and employment.
The Starlight Hotel Choir, who previously performed on the night of the auction at Fremantle Town Hall, is so-called for its reference to the night view of the homeless, and operates from St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in Fremantle. Members are homeless or at risk of being homeless and through music discover a sense of community and social inclusion.
All three beneficiaries of the auction provide an invaluable service to those in need medically and psychologically, who by a culmination of circumstances have found their lives devalued and their self-esteem lost.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer organisation for women in management and professions who seek to advance human rights. First founded in 1921 in California, its members are committed to supporting local, national and international communities. Globally, Soroptimist International has representatives in each of the cities in which the United Nations operates. Each year, representation in the form of a statement is presented on behalf of women everywhere to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York. The word Soroptimist is derived from the Latin word soror, meaning sister and optima meaning best, interpreted as the ‘best of women,’ or in a more recent interpretation, meaning ‘women at their best helping others to be their best.’
