A year ago, Campbelltown councillor Ash (Ashiqur) Rahman established a Macquarie Fields Mr Perfect – a free barbecue connecting men from the local area for two hours on the last Sunday of the month.
The second Mr Perfect in the Campbelltown local government area, it has been a resounding success, attracting a large number of men from the multicultural community.
“Some of them have become such good friends they have formed their own coffee club so than can catch up more often,’’ says Cr Rahman when we sit down to discuss Macquarie Fields Mr Perfect last Sunday – its first anniversary.
“They are from everywhere – we have men whose background is Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese, some are from the Middle East, others are from Pacific islands such as Samoa and Tonga, as well as some Indigenous men,’’ he says.
“Everyone is welcome to drop in, whatever your background and where you come from.
“Bring a mate and join us for a barbecue, a relaxed chat and great company.
“We are here on the last Sunday of the month, we provide a free barbecue to anyone who turns up, and help men connect with each other – that’s the message of Mr Perfect.’’
Along for the first anniversary celebrations was local federal MP David Moncrieff, who spoke about having just lost his grandfather and the importance of connection in our lives.
John Mooney, the CEO of Mr Perfect also attended the celebration, which attracted around 80 people to its usual venue, Macquarie Road Reserve, behind the Macquarie Fields leisure centre.
Sounds of Macarthur were also represented, providing the musical entertainment.
The name of this initiative – Mr Perfect – may not be music to everyone’s ears, but as far as connecting men goes there’s not many better.
“Ours is the same message as all the others: Get connected, be a friend,’’ says Cr Rahman, who organises the monthly event with a group of five volunteers, including co-host Md Shafiqul Alam.
“Local business has got behind us as well, including 7/11 Ingleburn,’’ he says.
“I want to also thank Campbelltown Council for providing the facilities here,’’ he said.
