A new initiative is bringing the community together.
A new monthly lunch is being held at the Sunbury Community Centre for the community to come together and share a seasonal two-course meal for free.
The new initiative is between Sunbury Neighbourhood House and Careworks, with SNH programs co-ordinator Christie McIntosh heading the lunches.
“Both organisations received funding and in the spirit of community we decided to team up to create something bigger than we could achieve individually,” she said.
Ms McIntosh said SNH received funding from Hume council, and Careworks received funding through the state government, which they have combined to bring this monthly lunch to life.
“Sunbury is fortunate to have some excellent food relief and community meal programs and we didn’t want to replicate an existing service,” she said.
“Instead, we decided to create a monthly midweek lunch that provides not only wonderful food, but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere and opportunity to connect our local community.”
The lunch will help bring joy into people’s lives during the current cost of living crisis, Ms McIntosh said.
“We are already achieving our goals to build community connections, reduce loneliness and bring joy to our community,” she said.
“One guest who lives alone shared that this has motivated him to get out of the house and enjoy social connection and he is looking forward to bringing a neighbour along next month.”
The first lunch was held on Wednesday, July 9, and already the service is becoming popular.
On the menu for the first session was shepherd’s pie and apple crumble made by the volunteers, with Ms McIntosh hailing it a success.
“Our guests were all from different corners of our community and there was a great buzz of excitement in the room,” she said.
“We received several compliments including from one guest who has just moved to Sunbury and felt warmly welcomed with ‘Fantastic food and great company!’. We’ve already had re-bookings for next month’s lunch!”
Held on the second Wednesday of each month, bookings are open one month in advance as spots are limited.
The next lunch will be held on Wednesday, August 13 and while free, bookings are essential. To book, call 9740 6978 or visit sunburyhouse.com.au/sunbury-community-lunch/
