Organisers of a community kitchen that feeds more than 170 Sunbury residents every week believe it is stepping into a brighter future as an independent entity.
The former Rotary program – now known as Sunbury Neighbourhood Kitchen, a not-for-profit group run by volunteers – resumed on Monday under its own steam after the school holiday break.
Community kitchen co-founder Marianne Williams said a mutual decision to incorporate the group would not have a negative effect.
She said the kitchen would continue to serve good food every Monday night at the Elizabeth Drive community centre, bringing together people who might otherwise be too isolated to socialise.
“We’re coming up to three years and it continues to be very, very successful,” Ms Williams said.
“Without Rotary, the kitchen wouldn’t have started. But this is going to make it even stronger. We’ve got a really good committee behind us now.
“The kitchen has thrived because of the volunteers and the community support, and that’s going to continue.”
Sunbury Rotary Club president David Allan said the change meant those involved could be totally focused on the kitchen.
“All funds have been transferred across and the volunteers will remain the same. A lot of Rotarians will continue to be involved and we will continue to support it in a variety of ways,” Mr Allan said.
A celebration of the new group is likely to be held in August.
