Concert supports soup kitchen for homeless
Brisbane, Queensland
Kristina Malarek

“It’s Time You Asked” was a concert benefit for homeless people held on 14 October, at the Brisbane City Hall. Over 500 people attended the concert which was held in support of Vital Connection, a welfare service agency of the South Queensland Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.


More than 500 people turned up at the concert benefit to raise funds for the homeless

Peter Butler, a Seventh-day Adventist musician and songwriter, organised the concert. The concert title was taken from the chorus of Mr. Butler’s song “Life in the River City” which asks the question “what are you willing to do for what’s happening?”

Independent musicians and a drama group donated their time and money to perform in the concert.

“I attempted to pull natural gifts together because as a group we can achieve more than as individuals,” says Mr. Butler.

The event was registered on the Anti-Poverty website as an official activity of the week and the group has received a formal “thank you” from the National Anti-Poverty Agenda. Money raised has allowed the organisation to expand into suburbs and commence new projects.

Vital Connection is a non-profit volunteer/community based organisation that has been operating since 1995. It has grown from a handful of volunteers to three teams of dedicated individuals who provide hot vegetarian meals three nights (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) a week to “streeties” of inner city Brisbane.

L-R Peter Butler, Brian Beadnell (rear), Francis de Roia (front), Hayden Scotter

The organisation hopes to benefit more people with a longer term emphasis. Vital Connection aims to provide programs that not only combat social ills but also prevents them. Plans are already underway for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation community centre based near Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The “Therapeutic Community” will provide counseling services including adventure therapy programs. The programs will target young adults between 18 to 35 years.

“They are less set in their own ways and need support,” says Brian Beadnell, founder of Vital Connection and member of South Brisbane Adventist Church. He believes that young people are the leader of our society’s future yet are also most vulnerable to alcohol and drug addiction.

Many private enterprise companies have supported Vital Connection.

“It is very encouraging to be able to come together to support those in need,” says Mr. Beadnell.

Vital Connection volunteers

Some of Vital Connection’s sponsors include: Sanitarium Health Food Company, Barter Card Queensland, Get It Happening, Baker’s Delight, Paul’s Milk and Dairy Products, Rocklea Markets, MPM Marketing, Food Bank Queensland.

Vital connection is affiliated with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia which means that all donations over $2 are tax deductible upon request.