General News
29 February, 2024
Free breakfast in the making
In a community-wide partnership, local groups, businesses and organisations are combining efforts to host a free weekly brekkie service from March 6 onwards, for those doing it tough. Headed by The Maryborough Salvation Army, in conjuction with the...
In a community-wide partnership, local groups, businesses and organisations are combining efforts to host a free weekly brekkie service from March 6 onwards, for those doing it tough.
Headed by The Maryborough Salvation Army, in conjuction with the Carisbrook Lions Club, Bendigo Bank, local bakeries, pantries and other partners, the town’s one-of-a-kind community breakfast program will launch on Wednesday.
Initially, the service will be trialled for a period of six months to ascertain its sustainability as well as the level of need within the community.
Expected to run on the same day every week for the duration of the trial, Salvos captain Ron Stobie said it was great to see various groups supporting the free scheme.
“I strongly believe that community needs to support community — we can’t always expect there to be some kind of bailout from somewhere else,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see when that does happen and people come together to help those who need it.
“Our focus with the breakfast is particularly on those experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or couch surfing. It is open for everyone but we want to guarantee at least one decent meal to those who wouldn’t otherwise get it.”
More than just a free food program, coming to a community breakfast could also help kickstart conversations about other forms of aid.
“There’s many sides to this service,” Mr Stobie said.
“We want it to be an access point for people who want to use a certain service. They’ll be able to build that connection with [relevant providers] and maybe they will also find out what resources are available to them.”
For those who want to make a difference behind the counter, there’s plenty of room for additional volunteers.
“If people want to get involved, whether that’s through volunteering or by donating funds, they should get in touch with us at Salvos,” Mr Stobie said.
“The more help we have, the easier it becomes. Even if there are people who aren’t physically able to volunteer but would like to help, we can make that happen as well.”
The free community breakfast, starting on March 6, will run every Wednesday from 6.30 to 8 am at the Mitre 10 car park — no registrations are required.