Open House
Every Thursday evening we offer a sit down 3 course meal in our dining room.
While we still offer a takeaway 2 course meal (a service we offered during covid), we are pleased to be able to open our dining room in the hall once again.
The Open House Meal has moved to Thursday evenings, from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden continues to evolve and presents new shapes and colours depending on the seasons. One thing that remains steady are the volunteers who enjoy the opportunity to commune with nature, develop skills and share experiences and knowledge.
As with all the programs, due to the pandemic we have had to alter the way things are being done, including restricting the plant sales and the times we are allowed to open.
Also, by setting up a sanitising station in the garden and keep numbers of participants limited we are able to meet government safety guidelines.
Men’s Group
Our inclusive weekly support group for men is held from 3pm to 5pm each Tuesday, and helps those who join in to create social connections while also providing guidance with mental health wellbeing.
Ben from First Step (pictured), and those who assist, have ensured the program continues to grow, despite the recent restrictions of Covid-19.
Quilting
Our quilting group is growing in popularity as local people recognise the therapeutic value and joy to be had in designing and making a patchwork quilt. Along the way, they’ve learned new sewing skills and made new friends.
The quilting group meets fortnightly, includes both beginners and experienced quilters and there is a $10 charge to cover cost of materials and equipment. Newcomers welcome - call us for more information.
Garden Nomads
Garden Nomads continues to recruit and provide volunteers to work with elderly, frail or disabled local residents who are unable to care for their garden alone. A very popular program which continues also to be of great social benefit and value to all those involved.
This program has continued to operate during the pandemic, with volunteers taking extra precaution when visiting residents. Staying outside, wearing masks and gloves, using hand sanitiser, sanitised gardening equipment and maintaining 1.5m social distance.
Emergency Support
The number of people needing assistance from our Emergency Support program has been significantly increasing as more people have found themselves out of work due to Covid-19. This has led to us extending our opening times and we are now open Monday to Friday from 10.30 to 1.30pm to meet demand.
In addition to the fresh fruit and vegetables delivered by Second Bite and items collected from Foodbank, we receive frozen meals prepared by RACV chefs and many generous donations from the community and local businesses and café owners.
The Little Pantry
On our Acland Street fence sits The Little Pantry (pictured), which offers non-perishable food and toiletries for anyone in need. Thanks to those in the community who help us to keep it stocked up.
