Thursday, 8 February 2024

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (10:05): I rise to pay tribute to all the volunteers and local organisations that help our community out with food relief. Every Thursday the Hope Cafe at St Mark’s in Fawkner hosts a free three-course meal with live music and food hampers to take home. At the same time the incredible Orange Sky volunteers rock up with their laundry van and wash and dry clothes for free, so at the end of the meal people not only have a full tummy but also the dignity of freshly washed and dried laundry. Whilst many food relief organisations shut down over January, the Hope Cafe kept operating, and during this time, when the availability of volunteers can be a bit thin, my husband, the kids and I had the honour of helping for a few weeks, which was a lot of fun and a lot of dishes. It was also fabulous to join the Christmas celebration with the Moreland Salvation Army band and a visit from a very special person in red.

I thank local resident Hassan Gul for sourcing the gifts and SecondBite, OzHarvest and the West Street bakery for supplying the food week after week. A huge thanks to the parishioners and nonnas that come together every Thursday to cook delicious food, and the biggest shout-out to the volunteers that bring it all together every Thursday, including coordinator Krystene and her kids, Luch, Sandra, Anna, Val, Bev, Katheryn, Lauren, Maxine, Rob, Fil, Luke, Meri, Lewis, Ken, Marlene, Dylan, Vergina, Marie, Rodney, Mary and Anagie, and of course Father Colin for his support.