MOUNT Gambier’s Sunset Community Kitchen will receive $2800 in Federal funding to support the efforts of volunteers who donate time to provide hot meals for disadvantaged people in the community.
The organisation is one of six Limestone Coast groups sharing in almost $20,000 under the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants Activity Program to help support the efforts and inclusion of volunteers.
Sunset Community Kitchen president Maree Thompson said the funding would allow the organisation to install a large deep commercial sink and spray tap assembly at the Frew Park site.
“We have old and impractical sinks in the kitchen where the volunteers do the cooking and preparation,” she said.
“The grant will help us replace those sinks with proper utilities, as well as a sprayer which will help volunteers wash pots and pans and vegetables easier.
Ms Thompson said the kitchen was still open on Monday and Wednesday evenings for takeaway meals.
She noted an increase of numbers and estimated a rise of 10pc.
“We are doing things quite a bit differently than we were before and it has made more work and increased our costs because we need to buy containers, but it is working well at the moment,” she said.
“Ever since COVID-19, we have gone from an average of 50 people to 60 to 65 and there is still quite a demand out there.
“What we are also seeing is a lot of new people who have been impacted by this.
“We encourage people who are struggling to come along and get a meal from us, even if it is once a week, you are saving money which you could use to put towards things like rent and bills.”
The Millicent Men’s Shed has been granted $5000 to help develop a community garden, while the Beachport Surf Life Saving Club will receive $5000 for a shipping container at the surf beach, which will complete stage one of the organisation’s club house.
Lucindale Community Economic Development Board has been allocated $3600 with Naracoorte United Soccer Club to receive $2000 and the Mundulla Sport and Recreational Centre to receive $1580.
The Coorong Country Fire Service will receive $5000 for the supply and installation of 14 honour boards for all brigades and groups based within the group.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the funding would support organisations and their volunteers through what has been a tough year.
“Volunteers freely give their time and skills to support others and will play a key role in communities over the next few months as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“This funding recognises the sacrifices they make to help deliver vital services to those who need it most.
“While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid it is certainly not unrecognised. From fighting bushfires, delivering food to vulnerable Australians in isolation and helping out with the weekend sport, they are all local champions.”
The funding injection coincides with National Volunteer Week, which runs from May 18 to 24.
“It is vital we acknowledge the important contribution of our local volunteers in our local communities,” Mr Pasin said.
“Their contribution is vital to ensuring that we continue to support families, provide employment pathways for young people and strengthen community resilience.”
