Mayor encourages residents to celebrate at a free community Christmas meal event
The City of Greater Bendigo has provided grants to support local groups to hold free Community Christmas meal events in December. The events are aimed at supporting local community connections and inclusion during the festive season.
The City has provided grants of up to $1,000 to 14 local groups to hold the events in the lead up to Christmas through its Community Grants Program. The grants have made it possible for a range of small, local events to be held across Greater Bendigo rather than one large event taking place in central Bendigo.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the Community Meal events are always well attended and are aimed at helping people meet others in their community and learn more about the work of local groups.
“We are really pleased so many local groups are hosting events. We know that having opportunities to connect with others is really important for community wellbeing,” Cr Metcalf said.
“We also know that community volunteering has been hit hard by the COVID pandemic. These events give local groups a chance to showcase their great work and how others can get involved. Events like these would not be possible without the support of volunteers.
“Many of these events are also being supported by the generosity of local businesses, reminding us that it’s important to buy local and support small business whenever we can.
“Anyone can attend these free Community Christmas Meal events taking place in December and I hope lots of people will take up the chance to join in.”
The following organisations are hosting events in December, registrations are essential and interested people should contact the event organiser if they would like to attend for catering purposes:
11am Sunday December 25, 2022
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Worship Centre 65 Mundy Street Bendigo
RSVP by Wednesday December 21 at salvationarmy.org.au/bendigo/christmas-day-lunch-signup-2022/ or salvationarmy.org.au/bendigo by email to [email protected] or by phone to 5440 8431
11.00am Saturday December 17,
Eaglehawk Community House
19 Bright Street, Eaglehawk
RSVP to 5446 8322 and speak with Mel to make a booking
12.00pm Sunday December 18,
Kiwanis Bendigo Family Hub Inc
389 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo
RSVP by Monday December 12 to 0407 629 696
5.00pm Friday December 16,
Bendigo Presbyterian Church (St Johns)
Bendigo Presbyterian Church, 35-41 Forest Street, Bendigo
RSVP by Wednesday December 14 via email to [email protected]
11.30am Sunday December 18,
Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub Inc Community Christmas BBQ in the park
Strathdale Community Centre Crook Street, Strathdale
RSVP by Wednesday December 7 to 5441 2515
1.00pm Sunday December 18
LGBTQIA+ Community Celebration
Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub Inc
RSVP by Friday December 9 to 5441 2515
11.00am Sunday December 18,
Bendigo Filipino Foundation Inc
Gateway Park Function Centre Kangaroo Flat
For more information email [email protected]
12.00pm Monday December 19
Long Gully People’s Pantry
St Mathews Church, 153 Eaglehawk Road, Long Gully
For more information email [email protected]
5.30pm Tuesday December 20
Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat
Gateway Park Function Centre
For more information email [email protected]
5.30pm Thursday December 22
Bendigo Baptist Community Care Inc
214 Hargreaves St, Bendigo VIC 3550
For more information email [email protected]
11.45am Thursday December 22
Elmore Foodshare
Elmore Community Hub, 3 Clarke Street Elmore
RSVP by Thursday December 15 by phoning 0421 318 264 or by email to [email protected]
11.30am Thursday December 22,
Kangaroo Flat Community House
21 Woolcock Ave, Kangaroo Flat VIC 3555
For more information or to book phone 5447 9687
12.00pm Saturday December 24,
Regional Victorians of Colour
The Old Church on The Hill, 36 Russell Street Quarry Hill
RSVP by Monday December 19 by phoning 0401 397 129 or by email to [email protected]