On the invitation to his birthday party at the Tathra Country Club on December 16, he asked each of his guests not to bring a gift for him, but a rough sleeper in Melbourne.

“In big cities, homeless people become just another number so I wanted to share some of our small town community spirit with them,” Mr Niemeier said.

“I don’t have the money to help out these people, but I do have a lot of amazing friends.”

Birthday guests brought presents including sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries and feminine products. 

Mr Niemeier and his wife Myra lost their house to a fire six years ago. He said the experience made him understand the importance of having a place to call home and community support in a time of crisis. 

“It was our close-knit community that helped us get back on our feet and rebuild our home,” he said. 

“We want to make sure people can access that kind of support wherever they live.”

Presents were collected under the giving tree at the Tathra Country Club that acted as a backdrop for the  party entertainment provided by a lineup of musicians, including Mr Niemeier’s son Terry.

The presents were distributed to Melbourne’s rough sleepers through musician and the Niemeiers’ good friend Greg Dodd and Holy Fools, an independent charity based in the Yarra Ranges that supports the homeless.